Freaking out!

Anonymous

Freaking out!

Eigna

ok. So I am freaking out! I was diagnosed last summer with IDC. I went through lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I finished my treatments end of April 2020. And started hormonal Therapy.
Today I noticed some redness on my breast and I’m freaking out if the cancer came back. Is it inflammatory breast cancer? I’m so worried. I don’t want to go through this again! Some comfort words would be nice for now.

Beesie

99% of the time (probably 99.99% of the time), redness on the breast is a skin rash. Our breasts are covered with skin and are just as prone to rashes as the skin anywhere else on our bodies. Actually our breasts are more prone to rashes because they are covered all the time and can become damp, leading to fungal or bacterial rashes.

Where is the redness and what does it look like? Is there any swelling?

Eigna

it’s the top part of my breast. Thanks Beesie for your reply.

RatherBeSailing

It's summer. Has your breast been exposed to the sun? Possible radiation recall rash? I know my doctors told me to be very careful covering up for a year or two (or longer.)

Eigna

Rather be sailing...yes I went for a walk yesterday during lunchtime hour at work and my blouse was a bit see through...but the redness is more than that part of skin exposed to the sun. Yes radiation recall might be a possibility. So far the redness has not progressed. It’s stable. I have a light itch and warm to the touch. I will have to wait till Monday for any answer! Right now my mind is thinking the worst !

MinusTwo

Think "skin" and a dermatologist. As other's have said, IBC is rare.

Eigna

I hope all of you are right! 🙏🙏🙏 I will keep you posted!

SophiaMarie

did you make an appt?

Eigna

SophieMarie - I was diagnosed with breast cellulitis. I’m taking antibiotics. Swell ness disappeared Redness is slowing dissapearing. Hopefully they diagnosed me properly. I will see my doctor on Tuesday.

AliceBastable

If the antibiotics are working, why on earth would you question if your doctor made the right diagnosis?

Eigna

Redness is still present but less intense. However that pitted skin on the side is still there....🙄. Should I be worried 😟...maybe maybe not. Will see what the doctor says on Tuesday. At least it’s improving.

MinusTwo

Eigna - cellulitis is often related to lymphadema flares. You had both surgery & radiation. Have you been evaluated by a certified, trained LE physical therapist? Many docs don't pick up on LE, so it's important to inform yourself. It can be breast & truncal LE in addition to or instead of just arms. Below is a link that will give you lots of info.

https://www.stepup-speakout.org/