Scared of IBC recurrence.. major itching in my affected breast
Dx with IBC 3 1/2 yrs ago. Originally had mild itching and occassional pain in L breast 2:00 position. Went for my annual in Feb. 07. MD said was probably fibrocystic disease, even though my breast were not hard, firm or lumpy. Arranged for Mammo, was neg. Itching and pain became more and more common. Started walking around with my arm pressed against my breast because the itching and sporatic knifelike pains were becoming so common. Did bc research. Everything said pain and itching were not part of bc. Literature now acknowleges IBC has pain and itching associated with it. Went to MD on May 30. There was a 1 mm area of 'identation' with about 1/2 cm of redness. She said it was infection. I said 'no' I knew it was cancer. After a lot of back and forth, she called and got me scheduled for a diagnostic mammo and a diagnostic ultrasound for a day later. It was positive for a denser area with spiculated edges. that was a Fri. on Mon I had the bx and on Tuesday I was positive. I started chemo 3 weeks later. There were MRI's PET scans, Bone scans, Onco appt. and then the Port surgery. we started chemo 3 days after the port was put in. In that time what had started out as 1mm became over 7 cm of indectation, 10 cm of redness, nipple distortion, My breast was a cup or 2 bigger, was lifted off the chest (not baggy after nursing 4 kids, lol) and i was getting peau d'orange. My MRI showed tumor in a dot dash like matrix extending anteriorly to the nipple and posteriorly to the chest wall. My Blood tests, Ca 19 and 27?, were always under 12.
After dose dense chemo I had bil mastectomies. I had three nodes positive with micro mets, and micro mets positive in the breast tissue. I had 30 days of rad to the entire chest wall. Herceptin for a year. then thyroidectomy, radioiodine tx, aromasin, oopherectomy, etc.
Over the past year I have sporadically had a return of the itching and sharp pain. Nothing has appeared on any scans, my last which was in Sept. I am not scheduled for any more right now.
This past week I have had continually increasing itching in the breast. It is driving me crazy. I keep procrastinating calling my onc. I am afraid. I have not changed detergent. I am not wearing different clothes. My breast have no sensation in them since the surgery. I cannot feel hot and cold, or touch. I can feel pressure when enough pressure is applied. My breast looks dusky near the center of the scar site, but that could be from me applying pressure as I try to relieve the itching.
Has anyone else heard of local recurrence of IBC being exhibited in the same manner as the initial IBC?
Thanks so much
Comments
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Leslie,
UGH. This cancer thing is so hard to deal with. When you have symptoms like this, it's always critical to get in to see the doctor and let them figure it out. I didn't have IBC, but I have had pain and itching under my implants off and on in the past, especially in the first year after they were put in. I hope that it is nothing, but get it checked. We'll be thinking about you.
Bobbie
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lewima,
Sorry to hear of the anguish you're going through. I just had surgery after a recurrence in the same breast. However, my tumor appeared less than 2 months after surgery. It was a palpable mass that I found myself.
I would push for an ultrasound on the area first and mammos if absolutely necessary. Have you seen a doc yet?
Melissa
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