Hi,
I have no personal experience,but I'll try to give you some information and I hope it helps.
With this type of breast cancer called “inflammatory” the breast will look swollen and red, or inflamed.It progresses rapidly, often in a matter of weeks or months.
It's FIRST symptoms are usually redness/and or swelling, often in the absence of a lump, a rapid increase in breast size,pink,red, or dark-colored areas,sometimes with peau d'orange, (texture similar to the skin of an orange) sensations of heaviness and pain that is constant,burning,inverted nipple,itching that is unrelenting and unrelieved by oral drugs or topical agents.
Swollen lymph nodes may also be present under the arm, near the collarbone, or in both places.Inflammatory breast cancer can be difficult to diagnose,because it may be mistaken for those of mastitis, which is an infection of the breast.The clue is that it usually gets no better when it's thought to be an infection and is treated with antibiotics.
Usually this type of rare BC occurs in older women,but one never knows who can develop this disease and at what age.
The best way to detect inflammatory breast cancer early is to notice any swelling or redness of the breast and have it examined by a Breast Specialist as soon as possible.
Testing for IBC will most likely entail an excisional biopsy.That's when a small sample of skin and some of the underlying tissue is removed to be studied under a microscope for signs of malignancy.
I really hope that you don't have this type of breast cancer and most likely you don't.But if you have any doubts at all,please see a Breast Specialist and let him/her know about your concern.
Wishing you all the best...
Hi there,
Zouzi has provided you with some excellent information, and I am here to back that up on a more personal level, that being anxiety and breast cancer.
I've seen far too many hospital rooms, emergency departments, specialists and doctors.
I'm at the point where if swear if I see another needle coming for my veins, I'm going to leap out of the chair and run out on the road and just keep on running....
But I dont.
Instead I grit my teeth, bring my husband for support and do the next procedure that must be done.
So my heart goes out to you for what has happened to you in the past, and for the fear and anxiety you are going through now with your breast.
The thing is, catching breast cancer early is crucial, especially if it is inflammatory breast cancer as if left unchecked, can go from a cancer that can be removed and treated - to one that is inoperable.
I know you dread it, I know you dont want to walk into another procedure like a mammogram, but I urge you to do it anyway as your doctor has requested one for you, he/she must feel it's required.
Also, don't forget that there is anxiety medication that your doctor can help you with that can make walking through the door of a Radiologist Clinic a little easier to bear.
Please get this checked out
My very best wishes to you
You both have truly been helpful and encouraging....thank you SO much for your help and advice. I'm calling to schedule my mammo w/ ultrasound today.
I will update you both.
I am delighted we were able to help and wanted to personally say well done on overcoming your anxiety and booking that appointment.
After all that you have been through in these last months, it takes a huge amount of strength to move forward and tackle this issue by making that appointment so I hope you give yourself a lot of praise because you definitely deserve it!
Don't forget too, that you can let the staff there know that you are anxious and that can often ensure they take things more slowly and gently
Please keep in contact and let us know how you get on as we do care about how things go for you.
Sending you my best wishes
Lani
You're more than welcome!
I am glad that Nylani and I have helped a little.But most of all,I am very pleased that you are going to have a mammogram and Ultrasound soon.Very wise decision!
There is nothing better than having peace of mind and know for sure that your breasts are healthy.
I join Nylani in sending you my best wishes too. :)