When to move to experts

Anonymous

When to move to experts

SMCD

Hello All,

I live in western North Carolina and am in the process of having IBC diagnosed OR NOT, and I had a disconcerting experience, so I'm wondering when is it time to go to a specialist and when is it time to be patient. I have some symptoms of IBC, but not all. My dermatologist referred me to my OBGYN, saying that my 6 week treatment-resistant itchy rash, redness, and swelling on my left breast "was lympathic" and not something she could treat (my primary physical already tried to treat my horribly itchy breast with steroids, antifungals, and antiyeast creams). The dermatologist said that she wanted to "rule out" IBC, but didn't think that was it. She sent me straight to my OB (p.s. at this point I'm panicking) who said that she was concerned because of the size difference between my breasts, but that she felt no masses. And then she started Googling "pictures of IBC" on her computer, which just freaked me out to no end.

I have an ultrasound and a biopsy first thing tomorrow morning. But I got home and started researching it, and found out that it was difficult to diagnose. The fact that my doc was googling it really worries me that I'm not with someone experienced enough to know how to do this and get me diagnosed, or that they'll do a biopsy and ultrasound tomorrow and say all is well, and later it won't be because they missed something.

My question to you is this: should I just start the process of diagnosis with a group experienced in IBC or should I be patient and wait through my local doctor's diagnostic processes? I see that this is aggressive, but I don't want my panic to over blow this.

I'm sure you get a lot of questions by people who are, like me, midprocess and scared but unconfirmed. And that you all have serious treatment to contend with. So I am deeply grateful for your kindness in taking the time to offer me advise. I have three little kids, so I'm understandably spooked right now, but I want rational heads to prevail here.