New and trying not to freak out

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rosiesgirl
rosiesgirl Member Posts: 89
edited November 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

Hello all,

While showering 2 days ago I notice my left breast felt very odd.  When I looked closer I realized the breast was extremely swollen and felt hard.  My nipple had completely disappeared.  I called my doctor and was able to see her this afternoon.  She scheduled me for a mammogram and ultrasound first thing tomorrow morning.  I very clearly have Peau d'organge, inverted nipple and extreme swelling and hardness.  It seemed to happen overnight!  I am 55 years old and have had biopsies in the past that have been negative. I am trying to not freak out, but cannot imagine what else would be causing all of these strange symptoms if it is not IBC.  So, we'll see what comes of all of this.  I am praying that it is not ibc and trying to remain positive.

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  • Stenokim
    Stenokim Member Posts: 172
    edited November 2014

    Rosie, I don't have much advice to offer except to say I pray it's nothing serious...but if it is, you'll get through it.  Try to stay positive, I know it's hard, but I was able to find positive aspects of my diagnosis, which helped me through.  I'm closing in on my year dx, and I've moved on and feel better than I did before I even found out I had it.  Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!  Kim

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

    Do not jump to conclusions!  IBC is rare but some of us do developed it.   The vast majority who come here having decided they are IBC aren't.  There are other possibilities.  

    IF (and that is a huge IF) you do get a DX of IBC - it's not all 'gloom and doom' as some say.   I was DXd in Aug '09 and am still NED (No Evidence of Disease).

    How did you appt go this morning?

    Prayers

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  • Sherlocked
    Sherlocked Member Posts: 46
    edited November 2014

    It's a very terrifying place to be in right now, Rosie, but let's all hope for an infection. But as Kicks wrote, even if it is IBC, there is plenty of hope (just passed my 4 year disease free mark). 

    Please let us know how you are doing.

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  • WinningSoFar
    WinningSoFar Member Posts: 951
    edited November 2014

    I've had cellulitis and IBC, and they  look exactly alike, even to the surgeon.  There are many possibilities other than IBC.  That's the least likely.  Even if you do have IBC, it's not the end of the world.  I'm three years NED right now. 

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  • rosiesgirl
    rosiesgirl Member Posts: 89
    edited November 2014

    Thanks for the kind words.  I had my mammogram and ultrasound today.  Just got a call from PC doctor saying that I have a golf ball size "mass" and I was set up for a biopsy next Friday.  I have to wait a week because I take anti-inflammatory meds for arthritis and I need to be off for a week prior to the biopsy.  It will be ultrasound guided, which I have had before.  I am thinking it is a cyst since it came on so quickly.  My concern is that the dr used the term "mass".  Maybe I am reading too much into the word.  I know that they usually can tell a cyst from a solid mass on us.  I have a week until the biopsy and then several days following for the results, so I am going to try to relax and not worry.  I am pretty sore right now from whatever this is, so it is hard to not think about it.  Thanks to all for listening.

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

    Based on my personal experience, that they are waiting a week to do biopsies is good news.  It took me a week to get into my PA (she was on vacation and I didn't want to see anyone else) after the node enlarged literally overnight.  Saw her at 11 - was at the Radiology Clinic at 1 that afternoon for a new mammo which turned into an US and biopsies immediately.  Had the path. report at 8 the next morning - IBC.

    You are doing what you should to find out what is going on as something definately is.

    I was on Etodolac (sp?) at the time for my arthritis and nothing was said about it at all.

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  • rosiesgirl
    rosiesgirl Member Posts: 89
    edited November 2014

    My biopsy is tomorrow I am hoping that I hear that I have a cyst or something benign. The mass in my breast has been causing quite a bit of pain. Whatever it is it needs to go! Thanks for all the support and positive words. I pray for each and everyone of you. You have given me clarity and focus and helped me not freak out prematurely. I won't get results until early next week (I think?) but will be sure to update.

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