can IDC change or progress to IBC so worried

Hoping for a good report mbs. This is all so new to your sister.  Give her time and she will come around to wanting to know more. As some who had issues with family on this matter.  Be very careful not to come off as "all knowing".  Just act like you been playing of the internet trying to learn more and made some friends and found out some valuable info.   But keep it low.  It is some what over powering to find everyone thinks they know more than the patient.

Also let her know when she is up to it we would love to have her join us.

Flalady

Hi Deb, You did the right thing contacting the ONC.  Your sister is so lucky to have you looking out for her right now.  I went through an IBC scare a couple of months ago, luckily it turned out to be contact dermititis.  It looked like an orange peel and even my ONC sent me to a dermatologist after looking at it because is wasn't sure.  Hopefully yours sister's rash will be a false alarm. I will keep her in my prayers. 

Hello everyone .....

 I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 10/07, lumpectomy 11/1/07, Chemo started 12/26/07 and ended 2/26/08, Radiation 33 treatments ending 5/08.  I have had at times extreme breast pain ... I feared recurrent cancer in the breast ... I had an ultrasound, digital mammogram and an MRI .... nothing found.  I resigned myself to a life filled with pain.  Then I read about lymphedema in the chest wall ... I requested to be and was referred to a physical therapist who specializes in manual lymphatic drainage.  I still continue to have pain .....

Desperate I asked for a referral to a plastic surgeon who has done uncounted breast reconstruction.  Hedid my carpal tunnel surgery and is an awesome doc.  I saw him today and he was dumbfounded by the appearance of my breast.  He said that what I have is NOT lymphedema but edema.  He said that the area that is swelling is NOT impaired from draining into the lymphatic system (not lymphedema).  He mentioned several things that could cause what is happening with me ... the surgeon left a thin flap of skin, an infection, or possibly IBC.  Needless to say, I am beside myself.  He told me that he would be talking with my surgeon, dermatologist, and others about what he sees.  Then, he will let me know what he thinks I should do.  He said that a biopsy will probably need to be done but he fears that it will cause an open wound, the caving in of the breast and possibly ending with removing my breast.  I told him that we will do what we need to do ... I need to know what is going on.

I have finally found the right doctor but am not excited what he had to say (

Anyone out there experience something like this?  

Thanks Deb!

 I spoke to my plastic surgeon .... he has spoken with all of my doctors and their conclusion is that when the general surgeon did the lumpectomy he had to go too close to the upper skin layer to get a clear margin.  Therefore, this is edema and will be something that I will have to live with for the rest of my life.  He has referred me to another general surgeon to get a second opinion ....

My plastic surgeon did say that it would be TOO dangerous to try to do a reduction or any other kind of reconstructive surgery.  I wish that I had known that the radiation would destroy my chances of a breast reduction .... I had thought about doing one right before I found out that I have cancer.  Oh well .... I guess that this is better than the alternative.

 Love and blessings,

Kay