Could this be IBC?

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three17
three17 Member Posts: 72
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

I recently had a biopsy of a red patch that will not go away. I had a biopsy of a plapable lump on the opposite side a month a go.I was diagnosed with IDC.  I noticed the redness shortly afterwards. The Dr. thought it was edema or an infection form the biopsy. I have been on cephalexin for three weeks and other than a yeast infection nothing else has changed. The redness and swelling are persistant with a bra or without. Does it look familiar to anyone? A little freaked out.

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  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited November 2011

    Patty,

    You are right near the area where one of the best ibc doctors (Dr. Cristofinelli)  is.  Not sure if I got the spelling correct.  I had itching, rash like bug bite, warmth & slight orangelike dimpling  as well as thickenend skin on my right breast.  My right breast became quite a bit larger than the opposite one.

    They biopsied me right away since I also had an idc tumor in the same breast.  This is normally not typical of ibc.

    You most likely will need it biopsied & an MRI & ultrasound.

    Terri

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  • three17
    three17 Member Posts: 72
    edited November 2011

    Thanks is it possible that the MRI not show anything? I had the MRI right  around the time the redness began.  Thry did biopsy it. I am frantically awaiting the results, and freaking out a little. I just got myself wrapped around the bmx. I'm scared this may be more aggressive.

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited November 2011

    Patty,

    Since you just had a biopsy you could have cellulitus.  I started getting it last year, since rads damaged my scar.  Have you been running a fever?  You may need IV antibiotics if it is cellulitis.  It the area gets bigger so straight to the ER, it isn't anything to mess around with. 

    As to the yeast infection, eat yogurt & take acidopholus that will help replace the good bacteria that the anitbiotic kills.

    You could also be developing lymphedema which body wasted pooling and not leaving through the lymph nodes.  The biospy may had disturbed the lymph flow.

    It could be IBC, do you have peau d'orange, orange rind type texture to the skin?

    Dr. C is considered the best in the business for IBC so I would go to him to be sure.

    Sending love & support. NJ 

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  • three17
    three17 Member Posts: 72
    edited November 2011

    I have the "orange peel" skin very slightly. I have always noticed my pores and tiny hairs int hem. If I lift my breast you can see the pores more defined, but not deep. I have a couple large (they look stretched) on the underside of my breast. My breast does not feel hot, but the redness and swelling seems to stay. In fact I noticed some days it is more swollen. I am having weird painful sensations, sometimes like gas pains, stretching or tugging pain and sometimes a dull shooting pain into the middle of my breast. I do not have  a fever. Nothing has showed up on the mri or ultrasound as of yet but I am really getting nervous. I know IBC can be rapid and it seems like this just appeared and hasn't gotten any better.  My skin still feels soft so I don't thin k its "thickening" . Thanks for the prayers. Much appreciation for the support.

    Huggs

    Patty

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  • three17
    three17 Member Posts: 72
    edited November 2011

    My doctors feel this is not IBC. Thank you for all the support and well wishes and information. I will continue to pray for you, my sisters.

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited December 2011

    Hi three17, I have had a rash for the past four days that looks a lot like yours.  I have posted a bit about it on other threads.  I previously had radiation.  The breast is swollen and has been for more than a month; believed to be post radiation effect.  The redness is under the skin; it is not itchy and does not hurt. I do not have a fever or abnormal blood count.

    I have had five docs look at this in the last four days and all think it may be an infection, reaction to rads or allergy to medication.  I hope they are right.

    I have had antibiotics and am now on penicillen and my BS gave me a stronger prescription today.

    I will see my rad onc on Monday and the BS again in two weeks for reevaluation.

    I believe the docs are following protocol but this is very anxiety provoking.

    Did your docs say what they thought your rash was?  Did you have rads?

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  • three17
    three17 Member Posts: 72
    edited December 2011

    Dear Racy,

    I am so sorry you are dealing with this. The anxiety is terrible. I am sending you hugs and prayers that wll will be well. I did not have radiation, but I remember when I met with the radiologist he was the one who noticed my breast was pinkish. he said it looked very similar to radiation rash and I shouldn't worry. The redness/pinkness occurred right after  my initial biopsy of my lump. The redness would not go away. It also would change degrees of color. at one point it was even dark purplish. My skin was starting to get thick and, my pores were swollen, my breast was swollen at least a 1/2 cup size bigger, and it was tender. I had already been on an antibiotic for two weeks with no change, actually worsening  conditions. This really freaked my doctor out because she said it was not like any case of IBC she has ever seen. The redness of IBC usually occurs over a tumor if there even is a tumor present. mine was on the opposite side of the breast. She did a biopsy of the red area and it came back with a blockage of the lymph system. She put me on steroid cream. The oncologist then saw me three days later and it was getting better. Although it is still red/pink and swollen and sore, they feel it is a blockage (caused by my tumor) of the lymph system not allowing the waste to be drain. One key note the oncologist made was when I laid down the redness/pinkness disappeared and my skin looked normal IBC does not change with laying down. If your redness does not change be persistent and get as many doctors as you can to look at you. Do not settle until you are completely sure you doctor's know what it is. I finally feel at ease with their observations and conclusions. Good luck and keep us updated.

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited December 2011

    Thanks for your post Three17. I also had an ultrasound and exam by the BS as well as my regular mammo, ultrasound and exam in October so I don't think there is an underlying tumour. I am thinking, as you said, it may relate to fluid buildup post surgery and rads as I know there is fluid in there.



    I won't rest until it's resolved. I believe in getting any concerns checked out promptly for peace of mind. It is hard when I am trying to make plans for my life and these things happen. I try to be positive but get demoralised.



    I will report back on Monday.



    Thanks for your concern, and best to you.

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