Terribly frightened

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leslie150
leslie150 Member Posts: 10
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

I am 60 years old - just had a negative mammogram a month ago.

I posted five days ago - had suddenly noticed a rash on my right breast two days prior as I was showering. The rash began out of nowhere as a red itchy area just above my nipple, with a small bite-like bump in the midst of the rash. I saw my gyn that afternoon, and she said it was a spider bite. She was somewhat dismissive, but after I brought up IBC, she told me to make an appointment in a week for a re-check.

 The rash seems to be spreading ... for a day or so it looked lighter, but today it is very red and has encompassed the nipple area. The skin texture looks much different, as well. The aerola is puckered and has red bumps on it. The breast does not appear to be swollen, but I am feeling more and more certain there is something bad going on here.

 Today is the Friday after Thanksgiving ... I will not see the doctor until Monday. I am beside myself - very scared and it's so hard reading about how awful this cancer is. I haven't told my husband or children - two daughters and a baby granddaughter - so I have no one to talk to about my fears. These next few waiting days are going to be very rough for me.

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  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,595
    edited November 2008

    Leslie,

    Nothing you can do about it right now, put it in the back of your head and TRY not to worry. Easier said than done I know. I too had a negative mamo, about a month or so after it, I notice a large lump in my breast. My doc told me it was an enlarged lymph node and not to worry about it. Well, 8 months later I  learned it was cancer. I don't know about rashes and cancer, I never had a rash. If you are not happy with what your doc tells you Monday, seek a second opinion, and you may want to do that anyway.

    My prayers are with you and I pray it turns out to be nothing.

    Lori

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  • lexi4
    lexi4 Member Posts: 1,074
    edited November 2008

    Hi Leslie,

    Not knowing is terribly scary. There is a very good chance that what you are dealing with is NOT cancer. However, you can't help feeling scared. Do you have a breast health dept that you can go to? If the rash doesn't heal on its own you could request a punch biopsy of the area.

    I am very hopeful that all will be well. Please let us know how your next visit goes.

    Hugs and Prayers,

    Lexi

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  • kim_the_nut
    kim_the_nut Member Posts: 24
    edited November 2008

    Hi Leslie,

    I'll be praying for you.  I know how scared you are.  Just remember you're doing the right thing and being very vigilant.  If you have any doubts at all about your doctor's advice, get a second opinion.  It could certainly be nothing, keep hoping for the best, but it's good that you're aware of the possibility.

    IBC is beatable if it turns out to be that.  It's a tough road but people can and do beat this illness.  I had a lot of treatment but am now in that lovely NED (no evidence of disease) state. 

    You really should have someone to talk to.  I understand about not worrying the hubby and children, but you need someone.  Is there maybe a close friend who would listen and just help you through the weekend?

    Kim

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