IBC: initial signs

Hello!

I apologize if this post is in the wrong area. I’m new and looking for advice from those diagnosed with IBC.

I am 62yo. I was DX with ILC in December and had my lumpectomy surgery with SNB on January 24, 2018. During the surgery, the surgeon also found LCIS and removed it. A week later, I received a fantastic report of "clear margins and no lymph node involvement." Also, I only needed radiation, no chemo. I was told my risk of lymphedema was low because I only had two SN dissected. I was staged at Stage IIA— so pretty wonderful news!

Fast forward, less than two months later, I was about to start radiation when I woke up with pink skin and peau d'orange on the breast I had surgery on. I couldn't get radiation until my breast surgeon checked it out. She did an ultrasound and felt it was "benign infectious inflammatory process/ possible lymphedema in breast area." There was skin thickening but no abnormal mass or fluid collection. I never received a biopsy to check for possible IBC. I was placed on antibiotics and shortly began radiation. That was now 3 weeks ago and the symptoms still persist; however, my skin is now red (likely from radiation). The radiation oncologists believes it must be lymphedema of the chest, so I will be seeing a LE specialist soon. Though, I had felt that if it was lyphedema then I should have had fluid collection in my US. I still have two more weeks of radiation, but I plan to make an appointment with my breast surgeon again to recheck the peau d'orange. I am also going to ask for a punch biopsy to check for IBC— though I'm nervous radiation could impact the results. My BS never even suggested IBC, but Dr. Google did.

My first question is, has anyone had IBC present shortly after a lumpectomy for another cancer type (specifically ILC)? Did you have pink/ red skin and peau d'orange? I currently have red skin, peau d'orange, and swelling. I also have some skin flaking but I believe that is from radiation. I do not feel like my skin is hot, tender, or hard; though the ultrasound did show skin thickening inside the breast. I also do not have any pain. My nipple texture is different (not inverted) but again that could be from radiation. My current symptoms are very similar to some symptoms of IBC, so I'm making myself sick with worry.

Again, I apologize if this is the wrong forum. I do want to hear responses from those diagnosed with IBC— or anyone that has had similar skin problems after a lumpectomy.

Thanks! 🙏🏼