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89Kate89
89Kate89 Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

In January I noticed my nipple retract on and off during the day. In late Feb I had a small discharge from same nipple which became itchy. In April the itch was over most of my breast and I developed a small pink rash on about a quarter of my breast, my breast had swollen literally overnight - the bra I wore one day wouldn't fit me the next. I went to a breast surgeon, had a mammogramm and ultrasound both normal. The rash has never abated and my breast is warm to the touch. I went on two courses of antibiotic, a course of cortisone, have used cortisone cream for a month - no success. Then I had a punch biopsy a month ago, only comment of worth was that the sample showed chronic inflamation. Have been referred to a dermatologist but can't get an appointment for two months. In the last month rash has spread. the rash is visibly spreading across my breast. My breast has swollen further and is significantly larger than other breast. My nipple inverts most of the time but when it's not inverted its really red and inflamed looking. My arm and hand on that side of my body have also swollen and will only come back to normal when I elevate my arm. My glands are achy and I've experienced stabbing pains a couple of time a day in the breast. Any idea on whether or not this is IBC? I'm worried.

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  • thegoodfight
    thegoodfight Member Posts: 560
    edited July 2010

    I can't answer you if it is IBC but I can say that your symptoms are some that present with IBC.  Do you have an oncologist?  I would make an appt asap to see one.  It certainly could be many other things causing your symptoms but you need to be sure.  At the present time I am being treated for what we think is a breast infection, but we are watching everything closely since the symptoms of IBC are similar.  I have responded to an antibiotic so that is the good news, but I am being seen weekly until we are sure.  Please pursue this further and let us know how you are doing.

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  • leisaparis
    leisaparis Member Posts: 587
    edited July 2010

    I do have IBC, and have had all the symptoms you are describing. I see you had a punch biopsy. Was your dr. a general practioner or a cancer dr.? You DO NOT want to wait. If it is IBC, it is very aggressive and you do not want to waist any time. My was the same way and I was being treated within a 2 weeks of dx. I also took antibiotics and it did help as well but as soon as the antibiotics were done, the symptems came back. Hope you don't have it, but don't wait. I'm begging you. IBC is automatic Stage 3 cancer. If you wait it could turn into Stage 4 and there are only 4 stages. See an Oncologist, Please. Hoping for b9 results for you. This sucks, but it is doable. Leisa

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  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited July 2010

    Kate,  my ibc was the same symptoms and a mammo & ultrasound showed suspicions of this  so I had a biopsy & saw an oncologist soon after.  I was stage IV upon diagnosis.  I also had a 3.5cm tumor which made things easier to detect.  You need to find an expert to find out what this is sooner better than later.

    Terri

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  • thegoodfight
    thegoodfight Member Posts: 560
    edited July 2010

    Leisa,

    As I mentioned I am being treated with the second round of an antibiotic this week.  My first question is could an antibiotic lessen the symptoms of IBC and you said yes it did in your case, but, and that's the big but, you said they presented again when you stopped the antibiotic.  I will finish Wednesday and I am so looking forward to the symptoms NOT presenting again.  I have not had any other testing for IBC at this point because they truly believe it is an infection, but I do know from reading these boards that many times IBC is misdiagnosed as an infection, so I am keeping my guard up.

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  • scuttlers
    scuttlers Member Posts: 1,658
    edited July 2010

    Personally, I would be getting to a "breast specialist" who is knowledgable in IBC.  AND I would INSIST on a MRI immediately.  This is not a disease that you should "wait and see" and definitely not one that you want a practitioner who is not knowledgable.  

    I had an MRI with biopsies followed by a mammogram and ultrasound ON THE SAME DAY.  The MRI was positive for IBC, the mammogram and ultrasound were negative.

    Please keep up posted. 

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  • 89Kate89
    89Kate89 Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2010

    Thanks for the advice. I went back to see my breast surgeon today - he has referred me to another breast surgeon for a second opinion and has suggested that an MRI may be appropriate.I hope to see this surgeon later in the week. I would prefer to be fussing over nothing - or as I said, until someone can explain why I have the rash I do along with the swollen breast and inverted nipple I have to take it seriously. 

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  • 89Kate89
    89Kate89 Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2010

    Went for a second opinion and am glad I did. Mammogram and ultrasound normal but biopsy not normal. Feel different about this consultant - he listened! Have MRI scheduled next Tuesday. Thanks to all for advice. fingers, toes etc crossed.

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  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited August 2010

    Kate--Glad you got a good biopsy.  The MRI will certainly confirm results.  Come back with your results and treatment options--you can get a lot of good info from the team here.  Best to you.

    Terri

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited August 2010

    Glad you to hear you are having a MRI.  Thinking good thoughts. NJ

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