For those worried about IBC

Gwynniedog12

Hello everyone:

I am writing hoping to help others, as the responses on this website have been invaluable to me lately, but I’ve noticed that many people do not come back and update with their ultimate diagnosis. So I thought I’d tell my story hoping to help. Particular thanks to Beesie, Alice, and Melissa in Dallas, who seem to devote a lot of time to answering those of us who are scared.

A few weeks ago I noticed a rash on my right breast. I decided to look on google hoping for a recommendation for a cream to put on it. Obviously it led me right to inflammatory breast cancer. I panicked. I inspected the rest of my breast and noticed another red patch the size of a quarter. I had a telehealth appointment with my primary care doctor who seemed confused about why I was worried and told me to use lotrimin cream. I did, but didn’t see improvement. Key more panic.

I found this website and after reading all the IBC posts on the not diagnosed forum, I realized that what I really needed to do was pursue this as a skin issue, not panic yet about cancer, due to your posts. As suggested by many of you, I got an appointment with a dermatologist. The rash that I first noticed ended up being intertrigo due to sweat and I was prescribed the appropriate medication to treat it. The second patch I noticed is a section of capillaries that are close to the surface of my skin. Because my breasts are large and I am fair, they show up. She showed me other areas on my body that look the same-but not panic inducing as they are not on the breast. I can leave them or get it lasered off.

So! It ended up being skin issues, just like was indicated to be most likely on this forum. Whomever wrote that it’s still skin and should be treated as such, even though it’s in the breast was so right!

Thank you for helping me be rational and seek the appropriate care. Thank you for devoting your energy to help others. I wish all of you who have been diagnosed peace and healing in the coming days. I hope that my story may provide some peace of mind to others worried about IBC after appearance of a rash.

Moderators

Gwynniedog, what an excellent post and a helpful reminder that not every symptom should lead to despair. We really appreciate your sharing and providing some hope for so many here who are worried.

Very happy you have found an answer to your skin issues and we wish you the best, and continued health!

--The Mods

AliceBastable

What great news, and thank you so much for letting everyone know. And a further thank you for acknowledging the help we try to give.

Beesie

Gwynniedog, thanks so much for coming back with the update and for your very kind words.

And YAY!! to you finding out that the red marks on your breast were nothing serious but just resolvable, or just leave it be, skin issues.

Gwynniedog12

the only other thing I would add is that when I googled about my symptoms NEITHER condition I actually were offered as a possibility. That’s important for other women with questions I think.