Two questions

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited May 2020 in Not Diagnosed But Worried
Two questions
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  • Emily1992
    Emily1992 Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2020

    Hi all. I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for Tuesday, but I have two questions before then, and I'm hoping the answers can ease my nerves. I am high risk for breast cancer because of family history and I'm very worried.

    First question - Does anyone know if the rash and itchiness with IBC disappears? I had a rash and severe itchiness a few weeks ago. I changed my bras (from some lace to cotton) and both the rash and itchiness cleared up. I haven't experienced either in 2-3 weeks.

    Second question - All these websites say swollen lymph nodes in the armpits are a symptom. Is pain and tenderness also a symptom of IBC, or only swelling of the lymph node? I am asking because the lymph node in my left armpit has been tender to the touch on and off for about a month and a half now. I am hoping it's just allergies and normal things.

    Thank you all, and especially anyone who can offer some guidance!

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  • Foxgloves42
    Foxgloves42 Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2020

    I don't have any experience with this, I just joined, so don't take my thoughts too seriously. To me, the itchiness stopping when you switch bras is a really good sign, because it might have been irritation from the fabric. And also just from other medical stuff, you should know that sometimes your lymph nodes swell up and/or become tender because of an unrelated illness or infection. I think it's not super worrisome, but obviously talk to a doctor! I hope this helps with some of the anxiety!

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  • Sunshine99
    Sunshine99 Member Posts: 1,680
    edited May 2020

    Hi Emily, I'm sorry you're worried. I did not have IBC, so I can't answer to that. When I found my first lump 12 years ago, it was not painful. My latest lump in the armpit was also not painful. Both of mine turned out to be cancer, but again, they never hurt nor were they tender in any way. The doctor did ask a lot of questions, like did I have any kind of infection, bug bite, cuts, etc.. I'm guessing those could cause a swollen lymph node that would be uncomfortable.

    Tuesday seems like forever, I know. I'm glad your rash resolved and hope you get the answers you are looking for on Tuesday.

    All the best to you

    Edited to correct my typos. Good grief, my typing is getting wonky! Info is still the same as in my original post.

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited May 2020

    I'm sorry you have reasons to be concerned. What is your family history? And if I may ask, how old are you?

    "Does anyone know if the rash and itchiness with IBC disappears?"

    No, to my understanding it does not disappear but instead gets progressively worse, and usually very quickly.

    What we often forget is that our breasts are covered with skin and can be affected by skin conditions just like any other skin on our bodies. A rash and itchness that disappears when you change your clothing is a sign of irritation from the clothing. If you had a skin rash and itchiness on your arm, and you switched from a lace sweater to a cotton sweater and the rash and itchiness disappeared, would you continue to worry?

    How do you know that your lymph node has been tender and painful? By any chance have you been poking into your underarm to check for swollen lymph nodes? That would cause tenderness and pain. Cancerous lymph nodes do sometimes become swollen, and while they might be painful, from my understanding, more often the enlarged lymph node is hard and painless.

    Hope your appointment goes well on Tuesday. Let us know how it goes.


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  • Emily1992
    Emily1992 Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2020

    Thank you all. I feel so much more at ease after reading your comments. I can't believe I got three responses the night I posted. The support on here is beautiful. <3

    Beesie, my family history is my grandmother and her sister (my great-aunt). Both passed away from breast cancer, but I don't think either of them had IBC. My mom's been tested for the gene and we don't have it, thankfully.

    I'll update after my appointment on Tuesday.

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