Scared I have inflammatory breast cancer

DaisyMum

Hi everyone. This is my first post. I am in the middle of testing - had a core biopsy, fluid aspiration (could only get a little), mammogram and ultrasound yesterday. This followed my discovery this past weekend of a large, tender/painful, and hard/swollen area of one of my breasts, with a red area over the painful area. I don't know if you'd describe the breast as swollen or containing a large lump. The breast is definitely bigger than the other one and the nipple looks different (bigger, different shape, maybe inverting a bit at the top), but there is a clear hard area inside it, which is quite large (a few inches). There is some discharge but only when pressed/squeezed. It is not bloody. It looks like pus but has no smell. Anyway. I have been on antibiotics for 4 days with no change whatsoever. The radiologist told me it "could be an infection" but she couldn't rule out malignancy. There is no abscess, the areas of "concern" are finger like. She couldn't extract much liquid (barely any). She did a biopsy. I'm terrified. I don't know what I'm hoping to achieve with this post. I just have no one to talk to about it. I have young children and I'm so scared I'm going to leave them.

Meow13

one day at a time, 80% of biopsies are benign. It really sounds like an infection, keep good thoughts.

DaisyMum

Thank you, Meow13. It looks worse today actually amd now has red raised area where the skin trcture is different/lumpy. I’m so scared. I have two young kids and am hosting christmas this year and i just dont know how im going to get through it.

Samnjb

hi

When I was first diagnosed I was having a really hard time getting through the day to day to when I had surgery. I have young kids too, finally after saying no a few times I agreed to take a prescription for Xanax. I had such negative thoughts about taking medicine but I can’t tell you how much it helped me get through life’s during that short period of time. I have no doubt your doctor would prescribe you some. This isn’t something you have to tough through.

I am sorry I don’t know more about ibc but to me it sounds like an infection. But I do understand wanting to make Christmas nice for your kids. I am praying for you and sending good thoughts your wa

DaisyMum

just back from doctor. The culture of the fluid they extracted was clear - it’s not an infection. 😭 it is now a hard irregularly shaped mass. Biopsy results not back but it doesn’t look good. They are rushing the pathology and have referred me to a breast surgeon. I think it really is cancer. I’m numb and terrified and so sic sad that I probably won’t see my babies grow up

KCMC

I’m so sorry, the waiting is the worst part. Once you know for sure you can get a treatment plan in place and you will feel a bit more in control. Samnjb has good advice, I too got a prescription for an anti anxiety meds and it helped a great deal. When I was diagnosed my two boys were 11 and 13. I felt the same way and worried about leaving my boys behind. I now feel differently. Find a team of medical doctors you trust and make decisions that are best for you. This sight is a godsend for that kind of research. I just finished up treatment this past August and I am now on the other end a bit tired and bruise but very happy. Yes, happy and you will be too. Hang in there take a few deep breaths and lean on us for support. Gentle hugs (( )).

djmammo

DaisyMum

Did the sample/biopsy any areas of thickened skin?

DaisyMum

djmanno the mammogram report says, “...there is new asymmetry and trabecular thickening which is difficult to measure precisely, measuring approximately 7.0 cm SI x at least 4.5 cm T and persists in additional spot magnification views." The ultrasound report references multiple I'll/defined hypoechoic areas corresponding to the site of asymmetry on mammogram, largest focal area at 10:00 measuring 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.1 cm. The overall extent is difficult to measure sonographicaly. These hypoechoic areas extend to the subaerolar region. No organized fluid collection or abscess. Right axillarylymph nodes with maintained fatty hula and cortical thickness measuring up to 4 mm noted.

When the radiologist came in I asked her if there was anything there that LOOKED like cancer. She said no. I didn't get the report until today. After reading it I feel like her initial advice to me was not accurate. I know thickening is a sign of IBC. :

Meow13

Daisy, you are doing all the right things. I am so sorry you are going through this panic. I would ask for lorazepam or something to help you relax. This is the hardest thing the not knowing. But if it does turn out to be cancer you will be in good medical hands. I thought I would die from my breast cancer but 7 years later it is still gone. Now I think I will probably die from old age related diseases.

Jmll1202Ga

I’m scared I have the samething. I have a rash or bruise like spot that won’t go away. Now I have back pain that’s so bad it’s scary. I plan on calling my PCP tomorrow to see if I can get in or I thought about calling my OBGYN. If this pain doesn’t get better I will be going to the ER. Did your dr suggest the ultrasound or did you ask for it yourself

DaisyMum

DJManno, is there anything else it COULD be from a radiological perspective, with that report, once infection is ruled out?

Meow thank you so much for your kind words. And for sharing your success.

Jml they suggested the ultrasound, the doctor at that point expected to find an abscess I think. They did not. I hope you have a better outcome.

DaisyMum

The biopsy came Back clear for cancer! They took 4 or 5 samples so I’m hoping it is reliable. They did find granulomas and think it is granulomous mastitis. I’ve started a heavy duty combo course of antibiotics today and am under supervision of a breast surgeon (who consulted with my Dr in interpreting results)until it clears. Thank you for your support and kind words.

KCMC

Yeah! So happy for you great news! Now give those kids a big kiss and enjoy the rest of the holidays :

Meow13

DaisyMum, great news. Happy New Year.