Mastitis or IBC?

Gramaofnine

This is all new to me and am so grateful for this board. I'm 62, went thru menopause 5 years ago. Breastfed 4 kids for 2 years each. Left Breast has been weird for 2 years...have had exams, mammograms and digital 3x. Dx with post menopausal mastitis 2 months ago. Breast responded and big redness/swelling now gone. Faint pink area on a small part of original affected area. Feels like a plugged duct. New mammo and ultrasound at breastcenter negative, no swollen lymphs. Went back for recheck, they referred me to Breast specialist. Any thoughts????

wrenn

sounds like you got good news. I would feel relief. Referral is probably because you are still concerned. Take care

Gramaofnine

thanks for the encouragement. I want to feel relieved but with the tenderness and discoloration, I still feel something is wrong. Will go for check. Thanks for reaching out. Nearly paralyzed with fear.

wrenn

i hope you get to see the specialist soon so your fears can be eased. Waiting is not easy. Luckily for me the waiting wasn't an issue because i assumed it was benign. Take care of yourself

Gramaofnine

Thanks. I've been trying hard to assume it is ok. I'm going to call and see if I can get in sooner than later. Thanks for talking to me.

Kicks

It's good to see a Breast Specialist for answers.

There are MANY possibilities for skin issues/redness/rashes.  IBC is among the least likely as it is rare - only between 1% - 5% of all DXd types of BC.  But anything is possible so find out what is going on.  The fact the your rash/redness got better with antibiotics and has been around for a couple of months without rapidly progressing makes it unlikely to be IBC.   If everyone who comes here because they had a rash/redness and decide after going to the 'Quack Dr Google' it's IBC - it would not be rare but the most common type which it isn't.

Skin issues can sometimes be 'persistent' so an appt with a Dermatologist might be in order.

Gramaofnine

thanks my friends. I got my appr moved up to Tuesday. Was going crazy last nite with worry. This Breast has been funky for 3 years now. Not as swollen today. Am keeping positive thoughts. Finally told my husband today after keeping it private till now didn't want to worry him. Will let u know on Tuesday. Am so happy to have friends who care. Don't want to worry my kids. Hugs and th