Red, Inflamed breast

Liezel
Liezel Member Posts: 192
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hi Everybody,

 I am 6 years post dx and 3 yrs post recon. Had my last CT scan 6 months ago.  Yesterday I woke up with pain in the site of the original tumor.  Within hours my whole breast has gone red, swollen and inflamed and I have a slight fever. I am so scared it might be IBC - the other option is Mastitis, but I don't have ANY breast tissue left, not even a nipple.  My original dx was not IBC, so can it recur as a different ca?  My breast surgeon is on holiday already, but I can see his partner at 14h30 this afternoon.  Don't actually know how I am going to make it to then - i am in agony.  Been taking anti-inflammatories since yesterday but it is not helping much.  Any words of wisdom?

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

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

    Hi, it's good that you got an appointment so soon. They may do an ultrasound and administer antibiotics as first line of treatment. The fact that you have a fever makes it sound like an infection.



    I don't have IBC but had a scary rash last week. Best wishes.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ma111
    ma111 Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2011

    IBC is more then red and swollen. I never had fever from it either. Just make sure you get to that appointment!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bella76
    bella76 Member Posts: 113
    edited December 2011

    Good luck, I'm thinking because you have a fever it's an infection and not IBC.

    Thinking of you{{{HUGS}}} 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited December 2011

    Could it be cellulitis?  Do you have lymphedema?  I hope you get answers soon.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited December 2011

    I had IBC and never had a fever....hope it's nothing, wishing you the best outcome.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited December 2011

    Liezel, I'm also thinking cellulitis. It's a good thing you have an appointment soon, otherwise it would mean a trip to ER.

    Best of luck.

    Leah

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Liezel
    Liezel Member Posts: 192
    edited December 2011

    I had quite a long appointment yesterday.  Only got out of there just before 5.  They did an US of the breast.  Edema at the top part.  Major fluid build-up from 2 o'clock to about 6 o'clock.  They first thought it might be blood, but they aspirated some and it was clear and thick.  Not silicone so the prostesis is not leaking.  They sent away for blood tests and it came back inclonclusive.  There are white blood cells which does point to an infection but they don't really know what it is.  I am on a course of strong antbiotics and pain killers.  I am seeing them again tomorrow.  They will then decide what to do next, but the doc I saw seemed a bit stumped.

    I don't have Lymphedema, but the thought did cross my mind that it might have something to do with the Lymph.  The fluid was very thick, they battled to get a sample with a normal needle.  I will definitely raise it with them tomorrow.

    I am still in a lot of pain, waiting for meds to kick in.  It looks as if it might be spreading to the other breast as well, but hopefully the meds will stop it.  Will keep you updated.  Thanks for all the help....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited December 2011

    I'm sorry to hear you had a rough day and are in so much pain.  Let us know how things go, sending you big hugs.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ma111
    ma111 Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2011

    If it were lymph the fluid would be thick and yellow. Glad you saw a doctor and they are seeing you again tomorrow. He is probably consulting with other docs of he was stumped and wanted to see you again tomorrow.

    Good luck

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories