Cellulitis vs IBC

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dreamyscribbles
dreamyscribbles Member Posts: 3
edited November 2019 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I'm sure I'm probably in the "overthinking" boat, but... about a week ago I started having breast tenderness, like PMS symptoms (I've had a hysterectomy so not typical for me) then on July 24th my left breast was really sore, much larger and heavier, and pink (at least 45% of my breast). On the 25th it was much worse. To touch it hurt like fire, it burned and was more red and swollen. I went to my PCP who thought it was odd but since I'd had a mammogram and ultrasound 7 months ago didn't thing imaging was necessary. She put me on antibiotics commonly used for mastitis. Yesterday I woke up (this is after 4 doses of antibiotics) and my breast was even bigger and fire red. I felt pretty fatigued and crappy, low grade fever. I went to the ER, got an ultrasound to check for abscesses and was all clear. I mentioned IBC but that was shrugged off. He did refer me to a breast surgeon next week. He put me on Keflex and after 2 doses I feel a bit better. Breast is still pink/red, heavy but not as large, and now itches. I can feel a hardened area at the top of my breast going into my nipple. The skin that is red looked a little ridged compared to my other breast. I guess my question is has anyone been diagnosed with breast cellulitis and then found they have IBC? I'm 41 and also have 8 year old breast implants, hysterectomy but not menopausal yet.

Comments

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2019

    Hi dreamy, Sounds like a lot going on- many variables. Impossible for anyone to weigh in on, other than a health professional. We hope you get this looked at, and then please let us know.

    Thinking of you, The Mods

  • dreamyscribbles
    dreamyscribbles Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2019

    Thanks, I will:)

  • libby2647111
    libby2647111 Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2019

    I'm having similar issues. I'm 42yrs. It started off with an itchy rash in armpit then spread to breast and arm above my arm pit. It's also on my legs. It initially looked like an allergic reaction. My breast is tender, warm and a little swollen and hard around nipple. I just got done with radiation June 19th and had chemo before that. Still am getting herceptin. I'm supposed to get biopsy of rash and bilateral mri soon I guess to rule out cancer

  • Aperez0718
    Aperez0718 Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2019

    So what happened? Was it cellulitis? I am 40, hysterectomy and no menopause and similar symptoms. I am interested to hear what your results were.

  • dreamyscribbles
    dreamyscribbles Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2019

    Yes, they determined it was cellulitis. Keflex cleared it up (10 days of treatment). The redness took weeks to disappear though. A breast specialist did ultrasounds and could see liquid behind my nipple that didn't seem to be enough to aspirate. Recommended that I have an ultrasound at my next mammogram in January (they always do an ultrasound). Personally, I feel my breast implants are a huge contributing factor.

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