Worried I might have IBC.

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Jessi212982
Jessi212982 Member Posts: 11
edited April 2015 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

I think it was around March 14th, about a week ago, I noticed I had two small lumps on my left breast. I suffer from cystic acne so I thought maybe it was that since I was breaking out. I was breaking out with basic acne bumps on my chest. So I, although hesitantly, ended up applying proactiv refining mask over night on both lumps as i usually do with cystic acne. One lump went away and the other one grew. It swelled and a red, swelling rash covered the entire left side. Eventually it calmed down and is now a bruised looking lump seemingly surrounded by a few other smaller lumps. The skin started to look like it was peeling on the top of the lumps. Also, the skin on the side of the lump looked like what I would describe as black heads but now I know that it's called peau de' orange. It also itches and is extremely painful.

yesterday I went into urgent care and they prescribed me am antibiotic doxycycline to rule out infection. Because I'm 2 months away from having insurance through work, the DR. Suggested that I go into the ER and get an ultra sound in 48hrs if there is no change. They outlined it to see if the red color or inflammation increases. I plan on getting an ultrasound and possibly biopsy even if there is improvement from the antibiotics simply because of my symptoms and that breast cancer runs in my family as well as cancer in general on both sides. I'm 27 and have no kids. The only thing I could think of that could cause infection is that I had my nipples pierced when I was 20 but took them out not long after because they never healed and that maybe there was just an infection lurking this whole time. My lymph nodes in my throat under my jaw are tender.

HISTORY:

I've had some momentary discharge from the nipple about a year ago but it went away so I didn't think anything of it. I've also has a rash on the side but it was on both breasts so I thought it was causede by my bra. That went away. Also, about two years ago I have a painful lump that I had an ultra sound for and a specialist look at it. They didn't find anything and Because of my age they dismissed it as nothing. It was and has always been painful but I just ignored it because the doctors said that is normal of a cyst. The cyst never got bigger. I've also always had pain in the left armpit since finding that "cyst". Cysts of breasts and ovaries also run in my family. The pain comes and goes and then recently stated again a few weeks before this lump appeared. I've also had symptoms of a UTI with no infection detected for about 2 years and when I got a pap done at planned parenthood (also 2 years ago) they found more than average white blood cell count but never referred me any where to figure out why. I'm getting another pap done Wednesday since they refused to do it sooner than 2 years based on the new health care system.

Does anyone have am opinion or thoughts on this? I'm scared and very anxious.

Sorry for any errors, I'm texting all of this on my phone.


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  • Jessi212982
    Jessi212982 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2015

    Any suggestions on what I should say when going into the ER?

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  • worried_mel
    worried_mel Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2015


    Jessi, I just went to the ER last week for breast pain and redness. They would not do any testing whatsoever. They said they don't do breast ultrasounds, mammograms, mri ...nothing. And then they referred me to a breast surgeon and sent me on my way with antibiotics. I mentioned that I just finished a round of antibiotics but they didn't care, they said they treat emergencies and it wasn't an emergency. Made me feel terrible. Unfortunately we cant go to the ER and demand imaging...thats what I was hoping to do but it wont happen unless they are really really concerned that perhaps its an abscess or something and your life is in danger from infection. This is just my experience anyway.

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  • Holeinone
    Holeinone Member Posts: 2,478
    edited March 2015

    Jessi, sorry you are hurting. Weekends are slow sometimes, not as many people on the boards to reply. My Cancer is/was lobular. I cannot give advice on IBC. But, what I can tell you, tons of very young women come here, have very similar rashes, pain. It is 99.9% of the time hormonal. Ok, I just made those #s up, but inflammatory bc is not common. Being young & having Breast issues is not unusal, lots of things it could be that are not Cancer.

    Also having a blood test with elevated blood count is not a big deal. We all have different counts. My white blood count is always low. I have fretted over this insanely. My oncologists, who is also a hematologist, tells me we do not all fit in the norm range, do not borrow trouble. ....lol.... Impossible when you are in a health crisis to take that advice.

    Go to PP. See what they say. Since you are not covered by insurance yet, they would be a great resource.

    I agree with the post above, I do not think the ER is the place to go. Let us know & good luck. You are smart to get it checked out, but try to stay calm about it. The saying it's nothing until it's dx is true.

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  • Jessi212982
    Jessi212982 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2015

    Thank you for your encouragement. I went to urgent care and the doctor there said to go to the ER and they would have to treat me if I walked in with an acute issue. She said because my family has history of breast cancer it would be very important. I was planning to go after work and see what they say, although I agree with you both that it might not be the best option.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited March 2015
    • No one here can fell you what your issues are - we are not medical personnel that is actually seeing you.

    There are a multitude of possibilities/probabilities for redness/skin issues with IBC being one of the least likely (though possible). IBC is rare - only between 1% - 5% of all DXd types of BC are IBC. It is aggressive and presents rapidly - not over years. The VAST majority of those who come here having decided they were IBC because of a redness/rash have other issues. (I am IBC and I never had redness/rash.)

    You do need to find out what is going on, especially as it sounds like you have other than redness going on. Perhaps for the skin issues an appt with a Dermatologist would be a good idea. There is a HUGE difference in 'inflammation' in the breast area and Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

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  • Jessi212982
    Jessi212982 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2015

    I did go to the ER. They did a bedside ultrasound and said it was most likely an infection, mastisis to be specific. They did give me a referral to a non profit DR to follow up with while I wait a couple months to become insured. I have to follow up in two days. Also, I have an appointment with PP for a general exam. I feel a little less anxious, although I'll keep close watch. I hope that's all it is. I have no idea how I could have an infection though since I don't have children or breastfeed. All of this has given me a new perspective on breast Cancer.. just the worry alone!

    All of you beautiful survivors are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  • Holeinone
    Holeinone Member Posts: 2,478
    edited March 2015

    Jessi, glad you are feeling more confident, you can get an infection in your breasts, from a cut or nick somewhere else on your body....

    Take Care...

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  • Jessi212982
    Jessi212982 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2015

    I'm halfway through a 10 day perscription with an antibiotic. My pain level has decreased significantly as well as swelling and the redness. However, the skin where it is red is still thick, itchy, and peeling. For those with IBC what experience have you had with your symptoms responding to antibiotics? I heard that it sometimes can respond to them which would make it more difficult to diagnose.

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  • Jessi212982
    Jessi212982 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2015


    The top picture is today, the bottom was match 22nd. The blue was skin ink to watch the redness. Has IBC ever responded to antibiotics. There is a slight change and the pain has decreased, yet I'm worried it's not going away fast enough

    image

    image


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  • atlanta23
    atlanta23 Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2015

    I am currently going through the same thing with redness on my breast. I dont have any discharge though. It could be paget's disease if there is peeling and discharge? My doctor thought I had an infection and gave me antibiotics... the redness went away for about a week and now it's back again. From what I read, it sounds like with IBC the redness can come and go as well.

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