Having symptoms of IBC

BettyZ

In April of 2014 I was diagnosed with stage 2 IDC . Had lumpectomy and 3 weeks radiation. Have been taking Arimidex as I was 100% estrogen positive. In April of this year I had routine mammogram and check up. All was normal. A little over 2 weeks ago my breast, the same one that I had IDC, suddenly turn red, swollen and warm to touch. The next day it was the same so called my GP. No appointment was available for 2 days. The night before my appointment my breast was very swollen, could not see nipple or areoIa. I took a hot shower because of back pain. When I got out the swelling was way down but still red and warm to touch. Also had a red patch above my breast. The GP order a mammogram and ultrasound. Finally had them 4 days ago, both normal. Breast is no longer swollen and red but in the interm I now get red like ridges in skin , skin puckers where lumpectomy scar is when arm is raised and nipple and areola become hard and turns very light in color. I will see a breast surgeon on Tues. Can the symptoms of IBC change like this? Should I get a biopsy even though the images are normal. By the way I just turned 70. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. All this waiting is hard. I am so thankful that I have Jesus to help me through this.

KBeee

The symptoms of IBC would not change; they would continue to get worse. Hoping your surgeon had answers.

BettyZ

Thank uou for your response. When I saw the breast surgeon she said I had scar tissue from radiation. When I had radiation I had it for 3 weeks at a higher dose instead of 6 weeks. She said the higher dose can cause the scar tissue. My breast is smaller than my other one and she said it would continue to get smaller. She also told me she wanted to see me again if symptoms where still there in a week. I will call her tomorrow as nothing as improved. I wished I had asked more questions. I believe the condition is call breast fibrous caused by radiation. Do you know anything about this condition? I am so thankful it is not IBC. Again thank you for your reply. Blessings

KBeee

ANy radiation can cause fibrosis. It's a good idea to follow up with your surgeon if you're still having symptoms though. A call to your RO would also be a good idea.

BettyZ

Hi KBee, I called for an appointment but couldn't get one with the breast surgeon as she was leaving for a month vacation. The receptions said the BS wanted to know if I had a fever. If I did or get one to call my RO. I never had a fever to begin with so don't know why she asked that. Feeling a little flustered. In my first visit with her she told me my breast would continue to get smaller. Do you know why? Is this condition progressive? When I raise my arm I get ridge like lines coming from the areol area, areol area color changes to very light tan and becomes hard and the scar area dimples in. It's not red swollen and hot to touch like the beginning. Thank you so much again for your reply.

KBeee

I think radiation can cause scarring and fibrosis. I hve implants and that foob, which was perfectly symmetrical is now hard nad an inch higher. My friend who had lumpectomy, said her breast is smaller and firmed post radiation as well.