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toniaann
toniaann Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

I had an appointment with a general surgeon yesterday and he laughed at me when I mentioned IBC.  I have what appears to be a bruise above my left nipple and the beginnings of what looks like peau d'orange on the same breast as well as a slight increase in size of the breast over the last couple of weeks.  In addition, my breast feels like I remember it feeling when I was lactating- full and heavy.  I know I need to take my concerns seriously but getting laughed at really ticked me off.

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  • leisaparis
    leisaparis Member Posts: 587
    edited November 2010

    Get a second opinion

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  • 1Athena1
    1Athena1 Member Posts: 6,696
    edited November 2010

    You are right to be ticked off. I have heard all too many stories of people not taking IBC seriously. I have no idea what your case is, but ask to see a breast surgeon asap - or at least an obgyn if your insurance balks. 

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  • marylouise
    marylouise Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2013

    Hello.  You need to find a well qualified Breast Cancer surgeon.  I too was told it was nothing and to go on our cruise and have fun.  Yeah right!  I had a burning sensation is my left breast around the nipple area.  This saved my life as I went to a Breast surgeon who does primarily breast cancer surgery.  She looked at my breast and without even running tests, she said " I think you have Inflammatory Breast Cancer.  Well when the test were done, she was right.  I had Inflammatory Breast Cancer stage IIIB. That was in 2003.  I did all the usual chemos, mastectomy followed by radiation.  My cancer came back in 9 months apparent by a red, warm rash that was on my mastectomy site.  This was a recurence {skin mets}.  Thankgoodness Herceptin had just been approved and I was able to take it.  I stayed on it for 5 years.  I am off  Herceptin and cancer free for 3 years.  Find the best breast surgeon and get the answers you need.  Best wishes.  Marylouise

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  • toniaann
    toniaann Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2010

    Thanks, ladies.  I have a mammogram and an ultrasound scheduled for Monday, but I know they may not show anything either.  Since I am close to UNC hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC, I am going to try to get an appointment for a second opinion next week at their cancer center.

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

    Toniaann,

    I have a friend I correspond with that has ibc and gets treated at Chapel Hill, NC.  I know she likes this cancer center.  The mammogram might not show anything, but I feel the ultrasound will.  It was probably easier with me for diagnosis because I also had the tumor in the same breast.  I know they are very familiar with ibc.

    Terri

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  • toniaann
    toniaann Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2010

    I hate to be a hypochondriac, but my left breast just doesn't "feel" right.  It feels so heavy compared to the other one.  And I don't think I mentioned this, but the dark area above my nipple, the doctor said to treat as a fungal infection.

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