Orange peel skin? New to board.

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Gypsyrhia
Gypsyrhia Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

I am actually awaiting biopsy results now, but I wanted to post here also bc I have questions specific to IBC. I'll give a quick version of my history. I am 27 years old and 10wks postpartum. My hormones have never ever been normal regarding both emotion and physicality so when my right breast suddenly became a c cup (when previously both were AA and left still has minimal change) I laughed it off as my silly body. Soon after noticing the change my breast became painful, itchy (which is very intense lately) and pink all over. Never had a fever. Never noticed a plugged duct. Milk culture is negative and I've had three rounds of antibiotics and two rounds of antifungals. It's still no better. In fact, the only symptom of any kind that I don't have (of IBC) is the orange peek skin. Is it possible to have it and not have this presentation? I've had to stop breastfeeding for the moment bc of meds I am taking. Just pumping and it breaks my heart and nothing is gettig better. I am going to try post a picture and any thoughts or ideas you ladies have would be greatly appreciated. If it doesn't work, my affecte boob is two to three times the size of my left, texturally firmer and much pinker. Not to mention the incredible pain and itchiness. It took me weeks to get them to biopsy even after being hospitalized for six days to try and kill it with vancomycin. Didn't work. The specialist doesn't think it is IBC bc the skin isn't dimpled. Has anyone had it and not have dimpled skin? How quickly does that symptom usually appear? Thanks, ladies. 

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2014

    We are sorry for what you are going through. We would suggest also getting a second opinion. Our thoughts are with you!
    The Mods

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

    Gypsyrhia, I'm so sorry you're going through this, when you should be happily caring for your newborn!

    I agree 100% with the Mods.  With the description of your symptoms, no fever, no response to antibiotics, you should consult a breast specialist (not a gyn) and insist that IBC be ruled out. 

    With your recent childbirth it's most likely related somehow to your body's craziness--like everyone experiences with pregancy and post-partum--but an expert in breast diseases should explain to you why it's NOT IBC. 

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  • amarantha
    amarantha Member Posts: 457
    edited May 2014

    Orange peel skin is not necessary -- get thee to a specialist, and have an echography and biopsies asap and keep us posted !

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  • Nel138281
    Nel138281 Member Posts: 2,124
    edited May 2014

    Absolutely a specialist.  Didn't have dimpled skin, but still had IBC

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

    SEE A DR (or a second  one) !.  Probably horones.  With all you said,  IBC is highlyi unlikely but anything is possible.

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  • bluepearl
    bluepearl Member Posts: 961
    edited May 2014

    Some of your symptoms are classic IBC....that being said, it is still a rarer form of B.C. but you MUST see a specialist asap. I am concerned no infections have shown up etc. This needs EXAMINATION quickly.

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

    Everyone presents at least somewhat differently - there is no 'rule' that requires IBC (or anything else) to do exactly the same presentation all the time.

    My first 'sign' was an enlarged lymph node under arm that did literally go from not being there one night to being the size of an almond the next night.  My PA was on vacation so it took me a week to see her during which time it had greatly enlarged.  In the 17 days til I started neoadjuvant chemo breast did enlarge, nipple inverted and peau d'orange developed.  I never had any pain, itchiness or redness.  IBC is very aggressive and can literally present overnight, it does not follow written 'rules' with everyone.  Thought anything is possible, at your age and 10 weeks post partum, hormones are a good possibility but there can be many possibilities.

    SEE your DR!  They/he/she are the only one(s) that can DX your issues - if you aren't getting answers then see others..  Perhaps an appt with a Dermatologist for the pink skin is in order.

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