Mastitis or IBC, waiting for biopsy

TealJay

I’m at the point of not knowing what to think.

Last week, I called the gyno to tell them about a rash near my left breast and some tenderness in my underarm. They suggested I see the dermatologist since it wasn’t actually on my breast but to call back if anything changes. Later that day and the following days, I started experiencing pain, the feeling of heaviness, almost like a weight was placed on top of my breast. I figured I’d wait to see what the dermatologist said. Friday, I saw the dermatologist regarding a “rash like area”. She looked at it and suggested a punch biopsy. She did not feel for any enlarged lymph nodes, said maybe eczema or morphea. I felt like I wasn’t taken seriously so I called my gyno back and told them about the derm visit as well as the pain I’m experiencing. The pain is in my breast, underarm and has began radiating down my arm. This week, I know have swelling in my hand.

Gyno ordered an ultrasound for Monday morning. Tuesday, gyno called back and said I needed to go in for a problem visit. She examined me (first time through this that someone has actually felt my breast). She noted swelling and enlarged lymph nodes (which was noted on the ultrasound report).

At this point, it’s a waiting game.

She prescribed antibiotics to see if they make a difference while we wait for punch biopsy results. My follow up appointment with dermatologist is Friday.

I know mastitis is rare in heathy women that aren’t breast feeding, just as IBC is rare. So unfortunately I can’t say that the odds are in my favor one way or the other.

I’m just in the clouds waiting for answers so that I can fight this, whatever this is.

JoE777

you've done the right thing pushing as hard as you have. I'm shocked the OBG didn't make an appointment when you first called. Maybe they had no experience with inflammatory breast cancer. Hang in there. Hoping for a good report

TealJay

Thank you for your response.

I wasn’t able to see my actual doctor yesterday and saw her nurse practitioner instead. She never once said the word cancer, it was as though she was scared to say it. Saying terms like “anything bad” or “something more serious”. I told her I was aware of inflammatory breast cancer being a possibility at this point and mri would be the next step. She agreed and stated if the antibiotics don’t make a difference she will refer me to a breast surgeon. Then assured me that times have changed and treatment options are much better than they used to be.

Dreamcatcherr

Hi TealJay, I was wondering how you are getting on? Did the antibiotics have any effect? I'm waiting on my initial appointment with he breast clinic in 10 days as I've had a nipple change and some pain/tenderness which could be IBC. My GP questioned mastitis (which I had 20 years ago, this appears different) so just a waiting game now.