Yet another "Could this be IBC?" question...

Options
BlueCowgirl
BlueCowgirl Member Posts: 667
edited July 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

Hi Ladies,

I had Stage III bc 3 years ago with both ductal and lobular features. After a rocky road through treatment, I've been cancer free since early 2012. 

Yesterday I noticed what looked like a burn on my "good" breast (had a unilateral mastectomy and no reconstruction). Today it is more red and very "veiny" looking. I have an appointment with my primary today to check it out, but I am really concerned that since I live in a very rural area, there are not doctors here who are familiar with IBC. (I got my treatment in 2011-12 in Boston where my family lives because of this).

So I'm wondering - are there any questions I need to ask? Should I insist on a biopsy? Request an emergency oncologist appt? Anything? I know this forum advises against posting pictures but I could snap one if it would be helpful.

Many thanks for any and all advice.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited July 2014

    BlueCowgirl, a call to your onc would be a good idea. I don't have experience with IBC so I can't suggest questions to ask your doc.

    I hope your fears are groundless. I was going to say "Good to see you again" but the circumstances keep me from saying it.

    Best of luck.

    Leah

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BlueCowgirl
    BlueCowgirl Member Posts: 667
    edited July 2014

    Hi Leah, good to "see" you again too, though I wish the circumstances were different! 

    So I saw my primary, and she thinks it is most likely a local skin allergy, but wants me to see my onc to be sure. I have an appointment for Tuesday, and triage nurse at the cancer center told me on the phone to go to the ER over the weekend if it worsens - there is an oncologist from their office on call there. 

    During the exam with my primary, she pressed on it and it blanched and she said this was a good sign...Hoping that's the case, but it sounds from the research I've done that there are a number of different presentations.

    Fingers crossed...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited July 2014

    IBC can and does present somewhat different with some of us.  I never developed redness at all.  Mine first presented as an enlarged node under arm that did literally develope overnight.  It is very aggressive and rapid.

    IBC is rare - only between 1% -5% of all DXd BCs.  If everyone who developes a skin issue amd decides tjey are IBC were - it would be the most common type.  There are MANY possibilities for skin issues on breasts that have nothing to do with BC.  An appt with a Dermatologist might be in order.

    No one here can tell you what is going on - we are not medical personel.  Only a Dr who actually see you can do that.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories