Worried about IBC

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chelleb1017
chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
edited March 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hi Everyone,

I am 36 and I have a small pink raised patch on my breast it is a tad smaller than a pencil eraser. It is kind of raised but barely and at first I thought maybe a bite, pimple, or ingrown hair. I used a topical steroid I have at home for a week and it is still here. It has been here a total of 16 days now. It has not gotten any worse and does not itch at all. I went to the University of Michigan breast clinic 3 days ago and the Nurse Practitioner took a look and also did a full breast exam while I was there. She said the skin of my breasts are perfectly normal and there is no thickening and no abnormality of any kind. No follow up needed. She wrote in my notes that it appears to be a skin macule and it could be a cyst, ingrown hair any type of benign skin issue and told me not to worry about it. I of course am still worried. Would my breast be changing by now or getting worse. Should I trust the NA at the breast clinic? There is no redness elsewhere on my breast, pain, itchyness, heat, swelling, thickening but I have read a story where a womans IBC was just a simple bug bite looking thing and it was terminal. I am so worried and scared. Did anyones appear as a tiny pink spot? After 2 weeks would I be noticing changes? Should I believe the NA?? UGHTHANKS IN ADVANCE EVERYONE.

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  • StrongJess
    StrongJess Member Posts: 29
    edited January 2018

    Hi Chelle,

    I also have pink or red dots on my breast, and on my arms. Nothing to worry about, but I understand how it is because I am also a worry wart. I think you did the right thing by getting it checked, and I would trust what they say since they did do a full exam. You may want to see a dermatoligist as well to help reassure you. It is my understanding that IBC progresses very very fast, so if it was that I think it would be getting worse. Hopefully some other ladies will chime in on ideas of what kind of skin issue it could be. Best of luck!

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited January 2018

    Chelleb,I think you have a skin issue. Not a breast issue. Make an appointment with a dermatologist if you are concerned.

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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    Thank You ladies for the responses. I am just so worried over this stupid spot!

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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    Is anyone familiar with ibc? Does my spot sound like it? Would a NP at a University breast clinic know what to look for? Should I seek a second opinion? I have post partum anxiety so I am just really stressing and I am sorry.

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited January 2018

    As MelissaDallas said you need to see a dermatologist or see your GP about post partum depression or anxiety instead of assuming you have cancer. If this spot was on your elbow would you assume cancer? Breasts have skin so same skin issues occur there as elsewhere. Visiting a cancer site is not helping you.

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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    Wrenn I think if it were any where else I would for sure not be as worried. Does this sound like IBC to you? Would it have gotten worse after 2 weeks? Do you think Nurse Practioners at a breast clinic would know what to look for?

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  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited January 2018

    Chelle, I am seen at U-M’s breast clinic for MBC. The practitioners, including NPs, are well-versed in Breast health - this is their specialty. It’s why I switched my care to U-M - their expertisd and knowledge. I have no doubt your NP knows what to look for, even if she’s not finding what you want her to find. Her exam sounds very thorough, and she looked for concerning signs (like thickening or other abnormalities) but found none. Her notes contain a differential diagnosis that should be explored. Have you considered making a follow-up appointment with a dermatologist? Honestly, I think that would be your best next step, and second opinion. Please let us know how that goes.

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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    Nancy, Thanks so much for your response! I know that U of M is one of the best so I know my anxiety is just super high. My spot is a very pale pink and honestly has faded from when it first appeared and never has changed size or shape. The rest of the breast looks completely normal also. I think I may give it a bit and see what happens since it really doesn't bother me physically just mentally! Anxiety is so stupid! I spoke with an oncologist at the breast clinic also via email as I work for the University and she told me it does not sound concerning to her at all and that it would be changing rapidly and be a much larger area than a pencil eraser. She actually called me to tell me to relax and that she sees IBC and this sounds nothing like it. I suppose I need to trust the medical providers at the breast clinic and take there advice that if something changes come back but that neither think it has anything to do with cancer. Again thanks for taking the time to respond to me.

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  • Jujube43
    Jujube43 Member Posts: 178
    edited January 2018

    I have IBC and the symptoms do not get better or fade. It gets worse rapidly, even in a matter of hours. i agree with Melissa Dallas.


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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    I am going to see my derm at 11:15 because this spot has not gotten any better. No worse but no better. Would a derm no IBC? Should I even bother seen her?

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  • Okkate75
    Okkate75 Member Posts: 151
    edited January 2018

    As everyone here is suggesting, yes, see a dermatologist. Tell them concerns, and trust your medical professionals as it sounds like you are in a high quality system. Dermatologists will know what to look for.

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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    So I seen the derm and she said it is post erythema and nothing to do with cancer. I asked about IBC and she said it is not that. I am going to try and take her word for it.

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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    Ladies, do you think the derm is correct or should I seek more opinions? Please be honest with me.

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  • marie5890
    marie5890 Member Posts: 3,594
    edited January 2018

    No, you don't need any more options IMO. I am being honest with you. I think you may need to see a therapist about possible an anxiety problem.

    You don't have IBC

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited January 2018

    I 'honestly' think you need to seek counselling. This is a cancer forum. You don't have cancer.

    Anxiety is horrible. Please see someone to have it treated. Best regards.

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  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited January 2018

    Chelleb, here is my honest opinion.

    Occasionally we read about someone who found a mysterious "something" on her/his breast, and either ignored it, or saw a doctor and the doctor brushed it off as being inconsequential. Later, the person discovered the "something" turned out to be IBC, and the story goes, "if only I had seen a doctor!" or "if only my doctor hadn't brushed me off!" Stories like these sometimes make people freak out about a very minor bump or rash or bruise or itch that they discover on the skin of the breast.

    Inflammatory breast cancer can start in a number of ways. Sometimes it's a purplish bruise-looking area. Sometimes it's a rash, or a reddened area, or the breast suddenly becomes swollen, red, and hot. Occasionally there are swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. It's a very rare form of breast cancer, but of course, it CAN, and does occur sometimes. That's why women and men should be vigilant about their breasts, know the signs of cancer, and be familiar with their own "normal."

    But IBC, to my knowledge, never presents as a little pencil-eraser kinda bump. Or a mosquito bite, pimple, or ingrown hair. IBC may initially present as a subtle bruise or rash, but it progresses rapidly. And truthfully, if BCO had a nickel for everyone who posted here describing a mosquito bite, pimple, or ingrown hair, and were terror-stricken that it might be IBC...well, let's say BCO wouldn't need to do any fund-raising for a while!

    Please, Chelleb, be at peace. You've done your due diligence and consulted your doctors, who assure you that you don't have cancer. Don't let yourself spiral down into a place of "...but what if..." Turn your thoughts and focus away from this, and toward whatever it is that fuels your life. If you find that you can't pull your mind out of cancer thoughts, it's time to see a mental health professional.

    Blessings and gentle hugs--SB

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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    SBElizabeth Thank You! Thank You for responding and being so kind. You are right. I did what I should and went to a breast clinic and then to a derm. Neither were concerned about any type of cancer. I really whole heartedly am sorry for using this board. I know it is not meant for me and my anxiety. In all honestly while I was pregnant in 2016 my Grandmother past from melanoma and my Great Aunt from breast cancer (but this was decades after she was initially dxd). I had a health scare also during pregnancy with a tumor in my jaw so I really am still anxious and suffering from post partum anxiety. I do so good for months upon months and something comes up and I lose it. Again Thank You for responding to me as well as all the other wonderful ladies.

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited January 2018

    Honestly, this is the least likely description of IBC I've ever seen.

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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    so it's still here.. it's pretty flat but when I pick the skin up it feels likes a splinter is in it. On an ibc research site it says it can feel like a pencil lead. This is seriously stressing me out. I've seen a derm and nurse practitioner at a breast clinic. What else can I do? I posted a pic. Is this concerning? Please please help. image

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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    it's still here. When I pick the skin up and squeeze it feels like a splinter. Hard to explain. An ibc research site says it can feel like a pencil lead under the skin. I am so stressed. I have posted a pic. Does this look concerning? Does this look like ibc? I have seen derm and a NP at nurse clinic. What should I do? Please help me. I have no where to turn.

    image

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  • Jujube43
    Jujube43 Member Posts: 178
    edited January 2018

    Pics are not allowed, but this does not look like IBC.

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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    do you think it's sinister? I got back on my anxiety Med yesterday but I can't sleep I cry and shake. I am so scared

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  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited January 2018

    chelle - you've been told by several professionals this is not IBC. This doesn't look sinister at all. Give your meds time to work, but please consider getting more support and help for your anxiety.

    And delete your photo - it's not allowed, if you dont the Mods will shortly

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited January 2018

    Chelleb, You absolutely need to grab ahold of yourself! Try taking several deep breaths, holding each one to a count of 8, then release to a count of 10. Now again.


    Okay, now you need to focus on what you KNOW to be true, NOT what you fear. What you know is that you have had several professionals look at your breast and your skin and tell you that you do NOT have IBC. Your derm even gave you a diagnosis "post erythema". Every time your mind starts to go to the "what if"/scary place, you need to grab ahold of it and tell yourself (out loud actually works better) "I have seen medical providers about this and I DO NOT HAVE IBC" and then you need to distract yourself with something else to get your mind off of this persistent worry. Clean something, needle work, knit, go for a long walk or run, learn breathing or yoga, binge-watch something, or do some relaxation (warm bath, soothing music, chamomille tea, lavender oil/candle).

    I am glad you are back on your anti anxiety medication, but it seems like it would be very useful to you to also start working with a therapist who is experienced in helping folks with anxiety. It will take over your life if you don't get it in check. Best of luck!

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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    it's just the stories of the bite looking spot that ends up terminal. I just think that's going to be me. I don't know how to get a for sure answer that this mark is not ibc. I do need cbt and I will make an appointment Monday to see someone. I am suffering from post partum anxiety and this spot has me shaking like a leaf. I just want it to disappear so i can feel better and not have my mind going a million miles an hour. It's been three weeks. I'm sorry to bother you guys I am just to so frightened

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  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited January 2018

    chelle - you've had several professionals, of different specialties - tell you this is not IBC. You have your for-sure answer.But your anxiety is in control and keeping you from hearing and internalizing this truth. MTwoman has given you good advise to start recognizing and claiming this truth. CBT will certainly help, but it is hard work, especially post-partum when hormones are all over the place.

    Try to take some time to repeat to yourself that this is not cancer. This is not terminal. Say it out loud. Hear it with your ears, as well as deep in your soul. Even when you don't initiallg believe it - keep saying it. Eventually you'll begin to hear and know this truth

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  • Jujube43
    Jujube43 Member Posts: 178
    edited January 2018

    You already got a "for sure" answer. It's beginning to appear that you will accept nothing less than an IBC diagnosis. You have anxiety, not IBC. How many no answers will assuage your certainty that you have have IBC? This is a cancer board and you don't have cancer.

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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    I will try. I sit here in tears yes because I'm scared I've been misdiagnosed but also because I'm so weak. I'm a weak person. You guys are battling something and are so strong and take the time out to try and help me. Thank you so much

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited January 2018

    chelleb, it's ANXIETY not weakness. Learning to name things by their correct names will help you with anxiety. Step by step. I would recommend that you stop googling anything breast related and also stop frequenting sites that are devoted to breast cancer. You've been given a "for sure" answer by 2 different professionals and it is time to move on and focus on improving your anxiety. Focus on relaxing things. When the scary thoughts come back, refocus on things that are relaxing or enjoyable. CBT will help you control your mind, instead of your fears controlling it. Best of luck!

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  • chelleb1017
    chelleb1017 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2018

    thank you. I'm signing out and will try my best. Thank you again for all of your help

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