Nervous for appointment

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Mommyofboys4
Mommyofboys4 Member Posts: 9
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

A little about me, I am 33 years old and a single mom of 4 boys. About 3 weeks ago I felt a small lump on my left breast. I didn't really think that much of it since I have lumpy breast anyway but this one is hard and just feels different. Then almost 2 weeks ago my breast felt very sensitive the lightest touch caused pain so I went to look in the mirror for a possible cause and noticed that my left breast had suddenly gotten noticeably bigger than my right. So of course I googled and found out ibc so I've been worried ever since. 

I have an appointment tomorrow at a breast center near my home so I'm anxiously waiting for that. My breast isn't red and doesn't have the pitted skin. It has increased in size is itchy feels heavy and very tender. Has anyone else had just these symptoms and been diagnosed? 

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited April 2014

    See your Dr but it is HIGHLY unlikely that you are IBC.  There are SO MANY possibilities with BC being low on the list and IBC much lower.  For one thing, IBC does not present as a 'lump on a breast'.  It forms in 'nests' or 'bands'.

    From what you wrote, why did you jump to IBC?    Something is going on but why wait 5 weeks to see a Dr?

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  • Mommyofboys4
    Mommyofboys4 Member Posts: 9
    edited April 2014

    Its been 3 weeks since I noticed anything not sure where 5 came in and I had to wait until the first when insurance took effect so today I called gave them my symptoms and they want me there in the morning. So guess I'm not the only person concerned about these changes. Obviously I'm hoping all is fine but feel justified in worrying about it and having the appropriate testing done 

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited April 2014

    MANY women have small lumps, itchy, heavy, tender breasts all the time.  Hormones are the usual cause.  IBC does not form in small lumps on/in breast.  MANY other things do.  Of all breast biopsies done - 80% are benign.

    I apologize - I mis-read the time frame.  I had read it as 3 weeks after finding a 'lump' then 2  weeks later you felt discomfort (3 + 2 = 5).  That is my mistake but  -  - -  - waiting 3 weeks with something as aggressive as IBC if you thought is your issue?  It was less than 3 weeks for me from DX to starting neoadjuvant chemo.

    It is definately good that you got an appt to find out what is going on with you as something is.  There are so MANY possibilities of what you have going on and it does need to be checked out and handled.  I still do not see why, based on all you have said, you decided the best/first sectionmto post in was Inflammatory Breast Cancer instead of the Not Diagnosed But Worried Section that gets a lot more views.  Of all DXd BC - IBC is only between 1% - 5%.

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  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited April 2014

    Mommyofboys4, of course you're worried.  And as you're discovering, consulting Dr. Google can lead us down some very scary paths.  It's OK that you posted here--you're just looking for some reassurance after Dr. Google shrieked "YOU KNOW WHAT IT MIGHT BE?!"

    I had some cancer cells that formed a red, pitted "umbrella" over a very small lump of cancer just under the skin, but the clinical findings weren't 100% consistent with inflammatory BC.  My sister, however, was diagnosed with classic IBC.  She had redness and swelling throughout the breast, along with what felt like ridges in her breast tissue.  She didn't have itching or tenderness, although I've heard some women with IBC do.

    I agree with Kicks in that your best plan is to see a breast specialist as soon as possible.  In the meantime, take care of those four boys, try to stay off the internet, and distract your troubled brain with whatever makes you happy!  Blessings...

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  • Mommyofboys4
    Mommyofboys4 Member Posts: 9
    edited April 2014

    Thank you sbelizabeth for your kind words. My family has quite a history with various cancers and I think I may be more sensitive to that word than other people and was certainly not expecting to see that as a possibility when I typed my symptoms into that lovely google bar. I know I have stressed myself out more than I should have because of all of that. I'm not someone who generally thinks the worst possible scenario but have found myself doing just that in the last couple weeks. Will be glad to see the doctor tomorrow and find out something one way or another. I appreciate your kind response. 

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited April 2014

    I agree with sbelizabeth - take care of your 'guys' - that's what us mommas do.  But also to take care of them, you have to take care of yourself.  

    Dr 'Quack' Google needs to be stayed away from!  There is great info that can be found BUT it's very important to seperate the 'shaff' from the wheat.  I still do not understand why you decided on IBC only.  Instead of other sections where you might/probably have gotten more replies.

    See your Dr!

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  • AndreaJ50
    AndreaJ50 Member Posts: 889
    edited April 2014

    Hi Mommyofboys4, I hope that your time on this board is brief (because you will find out everything is fine) but if not, then you are among friends.

    This whole cancer journey is a scary one at times, especially when you don't have all the information yet.  There is a lot of useful information to be found on this site. While I was waiting for my biopsy I wandered onto the Survivors and Success boards. It helped me so much knowing that women do survive breast cancer. Their stories took away some of my fear and filled me with hope, which in turn gave me the strength to fight!!

    I am sorry you are going through this now. Please let us know what your doctor thinks is going on, and ask all the questions of him and us that you need to.

    But for right now remember to just Breathe!!!

    Take care,

    Andrea

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  • Akevia
    Akevia Member Posts: 209
    edited April 2014

    @kicks, FYI I had a lump and I have IBC. Most women don't have lumps but some do as I did.

    @mommyof4boys, good luck on your appt tomorrow and I will pray everything turns out good for you. 

    God bless!!!

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  • Mommyofboys4
    Mommyofboys4 Member Posts: 9
    edited April 2014

    Thanks to everyone for the nice replies. I posted here mainly because I have been lurking for the last week reading everyone's journeys and such and was inspired by everyone. I finally just decided to post my story. Didn't think about posting anywhere else so I'm sorry if this was the wrong place to put this thread. But I very much appreciate all the positive comments. Thank you for taking the time to respond 

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