New symptoms, IBC seems way too likely now

Hi there,

Being scared is completely normal and feeling and seeing a rapid change woukd tip many over the edge.

Read this link...is itpossible re: fat necrosis?

Hoping the best for you!

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/hw51015spec

Hbee93, I'm sorry you are scared. You aren't annoying, and it is fine to post, but starting more new threads with essentially the same info won't get you different answers. I'm glad your imaging will be done this week, and I hope there is a benign and simple answer to whatever is going on. Just try not to convince yourself of this being so dire when there are other more likely explanations

We all been there. It’s very understanding the feeling and thoughts going through your mind. If you have seen a doctor prior to these symptoms I’m sure they would have noticed and sent you off for emergency. Also remember our minds play a huge part in how we feel overall so the calmer you are (which I know is hard) the better your body will respond. You are putting your body through a mental shock and that’s not healthy. Given that you have a family history I’m sure your doctor will scan for everything. I know you feel anxious and want to get it over with but the best thing to do right now is try and keep your mind off it. Watch a movie, walk or even meditate. And try not to keep touching the area. If you really can’t wait for your doctor I would suggest going to the emergency to give you a peace of mind. Will keep you in my thoughts

for peace of mind, I would seek a second opinion. Why not?

Hbee93 I know it is very scary to suspect IBC but hope it helps to ease your mind to know that IBC doesn't usually grow as a lump, it grows in sheets or layers and that is why it's usually not detected by a mammogram. If you have a lump and the ultrasound didn't find anything concerning, including the thickening of the skin that is typical with IBC, I wouldn't worry about IBC. The lump and bruising may have just been from banging into something or some other physical trauma, especially since you said that the original bruise has faded. If the lump remains, it could make sense to get a second opinion but I would not worry about IBC.

My IBC "bruise"/purple discoloration wasn't small multiple bruises. My entire breast looked bruised and the discoloration grew until it covered most of my right torso, from my collar bone down to my waist. It didn't fade until after I began chemo. The symptoms increased dramatically every day while we waited for the results of the biopsy and then multiple scans to confirm staging. My only "lumps" were the visibly swollen lymph nodes under my arm and above my collar bone. The skin of your breast would usually feel hot to the touch and swelling of the breast and lymph nodes are usually dramatic because IBC blocks the lymph vessels. There are usually visible signs of inflammation, hence the name Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

When IBC is misdiagnosed, it is usually diagnosed as mastitis.If no one has mentioned the possibility of mastitis to you it likely means that your doctors are not seeing symptoms of either.

A second opinion might give you peace of mind, but it honestly doesn't sound anything like my experience of IBC. Hope it turns out okay for you.

Sending thoughts and prayers your way, hoping you get answers, please keep us posted as to what they find out.

While pregnant. your breasts start preparing for the baby. Is it possible the miscarriage is related to this...blocked ducts etc? So sorry for your loss too....not an easy thing and then get this happening. Hoping you come to a good resolution to this and you can move on. ((((HUGS)))))

Hbee,

Yes, go in. You need to feel 100 percent assured. Listen to your voice. iBC has typical presenting traits, but you need to be sure. We’ll hope it’s infection.

I would consult with dermatologist, endocrinologist an ob/gyn. It is quite possible that you have an infection and inflammation from being pregnant and suddenly not pregnant. For this to arise after a miscarriage, is suspicious, but not in a cancerous sort of way. Your prolactin levels and progesterone levels are all over the place, and you could have developed mastitis from milk being developed and suddenly blocked because of lack of hormones. The rash would be more indicative of an infection, with all of the other things that you have going on. I would be assured by what your doctors have already told you, and work with a counselor to get back on your feet. It is easy to let your mind go to negative places, after you have suffered a loss. Since the miscarriage, have you changed detergents, soaps, lotions, stayed in a hotel, tried new foods? What state do you live in and what is the weather like there?

Hbee, it's so frustrating to have continuing symptoms and no firm diagnosis. Unless your biopsy comes back with IBC it sounds like that's not the culprit - however, *something* is going on with your breast, and you need to pursue whatever that is. It could be any number of things, from benign findings (like cysts or hormonal issues) to infections (cellulitis or mastitis) to something else. Since this started as a spot on your skin, have you considered seeing a dermatologist?