Advice needed little bit confused

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

Hello I'm sorry to crash this board but I've got myself in a bit of a tiz. I'm 35 year old mum of two small boys. I have had a history of boob issues (had some cysts removed a few years ago and had a big galactocle in the past and have some cyclitic lactation) I noticed an inch long ovalish pinkish red rash before Christmas and didn't think anything of it, no other symptoms, not itchy etc. then realised last week it was still there. Hasn't changed size. It's smooth and flat. Still no other symptoms and hasn't changed size. So I assumed it was a new patch of the seasonal exchma that I'm prone to in winter and have been treating with an over the counter mild hydroquartizone cream. It hasnt cleared the rash so saw I saw my GP today. He's given me some steroid cream to try for a few days and I'm to go back for a breast clinic refferal if no change. Obviously I've googled the rash and got myself all worked up which is why I'm here. Basically the rash hasn't gown or changed in over a month my and skin is fine, no orange peel effect, no tenderness or swelling. My sensible head is now being scared witless by my irrational head. (lost my mum to a secondary breast cancer) i think the top outside edge of my areola may be a little redder than usual today it I'm not sure if thats me just seeing things. Does anyone have any ideas or wisdom they could share? I'm sorry to join and sound like a drama queen on my first post.

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  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited January 2013

    Rubyrose,

    I think by now you would have swelling and itching along with the rash.  They can try antibiotics to see if it clears up.  A biopsy is needed to confirm ibc, but it does not sound like you have ibc.

    My R boob was much larger than the L within 3 weeks and lots of itching.

    Terri

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited January 2013

    I never had pain or itching.  One night I found an enlarged lymph node under arm, about size of a large almond, that had not been there the night before.  My PA was on cruise so I didn't see her for a week.  In thst week, the node had greatly increased in size, nipple inverted and peau d'orange was starting to show.  She took one look at it and had me down for a new mammo in 2 hrs. Had the mammo which was immediately followed by sono and biopsy.  Dr said he was sure it was IBC but would call me in the morning when he had the path. report - got the call at 8am - IBC.  In the 17 days before I started chemo, everything had progressed rapidly and breast had about doubled in size.

    IBC normally progresses VERY rapidly so be sure to check it out

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  • Rubyrose
    Rubyrose Member Posts: 3
    edited February 2013

    Thank you so much for your replies, I've been using a prescribed steroid cream for the last 3 days and theres been no change. I think I'm very guilty of "looking" for symptoms. Fact is its not changed and it is my only symptom. Yesterday I "thought" I could see the orange peel effect but again I think that was me over analysing. I've booked in again to see my doctor next week like he said and then he's going to refer me to my local breast care consultant for a more detailed investigation. I'm guessing it will take 2 weeks to see a consultant as that's how it works here in the NHS system. I've got to admit I am worried but it doesn't take much to get me this way as I have a big issue with health anxiety since becoming a mum, I think it all stems from losing my mum in this way so a get a bit edgy about these things.

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  • Rubyrose
    Rubyrose Member Posts: 3
    edited February 2013

    Thankyou for your reply bonnie, generally I can deal with my anxiety I'm quite a tough cookie and very much a pull myself together girl! I only tend to have issues when things like this happen. I've been back to my GP today as the cream hasn't cleared my "rash" (pink boob patch, skin discolouration what ever it is) I've got a referral my local breast clinic, something that takes two weeks here in the uk under the NHS system. I've been through the process before for a lump that needed removal on the other breast and hormonal cyclitic discharge. Any way I have to admit today I'm losing my ability to cope with the unknown. My "rash" hasn't changed shape, hasn't grown or changed or got sore or itchy, my breast hasn't swollen my nipple is fine and dandy and I've been checking my lymph nodes and can't feel anything suspicious. I'm sure it must be some kind of odd funky dermatological nonsense but it's that what if / slim chance etc that I'm stuggling to cope with. I just have to sit it out and wait now until my appointment comes through. Easier said than done.

    R x

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