Diagnostic appt on May 18 - fear of IBC

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CorgiMom704
CorgiMom704 Member Posts: 4
edited June 2021 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

So as I have paged through this forum, I have to commend all of you on such a supportive and welcoming place. I debated posting anything, but I feel like I need to say something to someone or I'm going to burst. My fiance is super supportive but in the "I'm sure it's nothing, and you're getting it checked out" kind of way. And I'm sure it's nothing, which makes me feel a bit imposter-y and overreactive, but here I am!

Anyway, I'm 34, nearly 35. I have never been pregnant, nor plan to ever be, and I regularly skip my period w/continuous use birth control, so this isn't cycle-related. Lots of cancer in my family history, but no specific breast cancer diagnoses. I went to my GYN for my annual on April 21, and mentioned I had just recently noticed my left breast has increased in size (I realized this when I put on a formerly-well-fitting underwire bra for the first time in months, thanks pandemic!). I had/have no idea how recently or how quickly this change happened, since they've always been asymmetrical (my ribcage is sliiiightly twisted from mild scoliosis), but the volume on the left had increased noticeably (to me). GYN didn't feel anything, and didn't notice any skin changes, but referred me for diagnostic imaging because "the change should be documented." (He's really great.) My imaging appointment was scheduled for May 18.

Since my appt with my GYN, I have developed a quarter-sized region of textured, speckled darker-pinkish skin (not raised like hives or a welt, not clearly orange peel-y, not a bruise, just ... different) on the lower left (4 o'clock ish from the nipple), and just in the last day or two I have had increasing tenderness or pain towards my armpit and along the breast/ribcage connection on that left side.

Logically, I know I'm doing the right thing getting the mammogram (this clinic's diagnostic mammograms include extra time built in for ultrasound in case it's warranted), and I know IBC is SUPER RARE, and I'm still young, and not high-risk, and all those things. But I still can't help but have that awareness hovering near the front of my brain constantly. And the worry. And the self-chiding that maybe the tenderness is psychosomatic and I'm working myself up over nothing....

I know there's nothing to say or do but wait, I don't have any questions, just ... worry. Maybe it's a hope that I can record this here, and come back in a few weeks and share that it really was nothing, so that others who come behind me with similar concerns can also feel a little more confident in the likely nothingness? Or just the need to share with some people who are not going to be unduly worried or emotionally invested in my own worry?

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2021

    Hi CorgiMom,

    We're so sorry you're here and worrying. You're right -- IBC is pretty rare, and especially so at your age. Try to remain positive that this is nothing at all to worry about. It's good you're being diligent about your breast health.

    Please do come back and let us know once you find out what's going on -- you're correct, follow up posts are helpful to future members worried about similar circumstances. So, do keep us updated.

    Sending good thoughts to you!

    Edited to add: Have you read this post: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/83/topics...

    --The Mods

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  • CorgiMom704
    CorgiMom704 Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2021

    Thanks Mods -- I appreciate your response. Yes, I have read all the newbie/start here/FAQs before I posted. It's part of why I have no questions! =) Y'all have such a wealth of information here on the site.

    But with my symptoms, and especially my newer symptoms since I first asked my GYN, I am feeling less confident that it's not IBC, but diagnostics are the ultimate keepers of the keys to mental freedom. Just need to juggle this worry for 11 more days!

    Who knows, I might have concurrently developed weird weight gain, a pulled muscle, and ringworm all in the same month. haha

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  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited May 2021

    Welcome Corgi! Yes indeed this is an awesome site! A godsend to me when I was first diagnosed! Glad you found us and finally posted! Sounds like you're doing all you can and need to do at this point... Just sending support and positive energy your way.... Please let us know when you hear something back if you're not also posting in between.

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  • CorgiMom704
    CorgiMom704 Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2021

    Thanks Livin! I really appreciate the good vibes. I shared my developing symptoms with my GYN and got on the cancellation list to move up my appointment if a spot opens. Otherwise we're just thumb twiddling until the 18th! I managed to sprain my elbow after getting tripped by my dog, so I don't get to actually twiddle my thumbs. :). I look forward to sharing good news here for future worriers, or availing myself of the knowledge and experience of others here in the event this is more than an infection.

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  • CorgiMom704
    CorgiMom704 Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2021

    Hello everyone. I wanted to come back and follow up with some good news for anyone who finds this post later. I had my mammo with immediate ultrasound to follow up on a finding. I have a few rather large cysts and apparently exceptionally dense breast tissue. The swelling and skin discoloration is still there, as is some tenderness towards the armpit, so we are following on with some investigation into hormones or other things that might explain the changes (swelling and pain). Thanks again for everyone's care and being here for those of us who are unknowing and frightened. It really meant a lot. All of my very best wishes to you all.

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  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited June 2021

    That does sound like good news Corgi!!! Thanks for letting us know! Hope that elbow heals soon too..... just what you needed.....

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