IBC without thickened skin?

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EmmaKamden
EmmaKamden Member Posts: 7
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
IBC without thickened skin?
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  • EmmaKamden
    EmmaKamden Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2013

    I am a 23 year old new mom (little boy 6 weeks old). 3 weeks ago I developed redness on my left breast, along with pain in both the skin and internal tissue. 2 doctors, 3 rounds of antibiotics, and a round of anti-fungal and anti-histamine meds later and it's not better. This week it started itching like mad, one if the worst itches ive ever experienced. I saw a breast surgeon this morning and she had a pretty strong poker face, but mentioned she wanted to test for IBC. She mentioned that I don't have thickened skin which is usually a hallmark for IBC. I am terrified of getting this horrible diagnosis, especially with a new baby boy. MRI and biopsy scheduled for early next week, but in wondering if anyone experienced IBC without thickened skin or the dimpling? Please share!!

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  • EmmaKamden
    EmmaKamden Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2013

    Is there a way to post pictures? To show the redness/streaky skin?

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  • Claudia413
    Claudia413 Member Posts: 114
    edited April 2013

    Emma,

    It is not advised to post a picture because this is an open board, not closed to the general public.

    Yes, it's possible to have IBC without the skin thickening. I only had one symptom, a red blotchiness on one breast and was diagnosed with IBC back in 2007. Today I am NED (no evidence of disease or no expiration date).  I am in 3 or 4 IBC support groups online. The women in those groups are full of knowledge about IBC, its diagnosis and its treatment. 

    I just retired from the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Foundation (www..eraseIBC.com) after 4 years of working with women who are either newly diagnosed or trying to get a diagnosis. Many of them were told they had to have ALL the symptoms to have IBC. It's just not true. Let me know where you live. You may be near one of the IBC clinics where doctors are familiar with IBC.

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

    Emma,

    I'm glad you will be doing MRI & biopsy.  I'm sure they will know more with these tests.  I had a lot of swelling, redness (almost like a spider bite), itching & warm to the touch.  I did not get into my obgyn for 3 weeks & was worse at that time.

    I hope it's not ibc, but glad you will be checked thoroughly.

    Terri

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  • EmmaKamden
    EmmaKamden Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2013

    I am in Portland, Oregon. I believe there is a clinic in Seattle if I'm not mistaken.

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