IBC

[nancyd14]

For awhile I had had a hot spot on my left breast (Two months or so, about two inches long on the top of my breast).  About a week ago my breasts were getting really sore and swollen, but I chalked up to PMS.  My left breast continued to get bigger and is holding steading at a DDD cup :O It was super Red.  I went to the OB thinking its an infection.  I don't breastfead, smoke or anything.  He doesn't think it's mastitis because it looks superficial, It also doesn't have the orange peel like texture to it either.  Today it is still very swollen and painful and more purple.  Can it be IBC without the orange peel texture?  THX!

[zouzi]

Thanks for the update.
I am relieved that your doctor has recommended more investigation and to consult a Breast Surgeon.Your condition should be treated with expert medical attention and I am very hopeful that the Specialist will get to the bottom of this problem.
Please,let us know how things are proceeding.I wish you well and I hope that all will work out for the better.

[nancyd14]

I am scheduled for a mammogram and a appointment with a breast surgeon.  The breast got larger today and my arm started to hurt.. :/

[nancyd14]

Thanks for listening.  I will call back tomorrow. I don't feel good about this at all.  I am also having leakage which he gave me dostinex for because he thought maybe hyperlactolactocemia was causing my swelling......I haven't breastfed in 4 years. :/  My stomach hurts.

[zouzi]

I viewed the picture and I am really sorry if I can't be more helpful.I am not a doctor and  I wish I could tell you that there is no way this could possibly be IBC, but I've read  many stories from women in our Forum that this disease can be very sneaky. Indeed your breast looks quite swollen.I can also see the red area and what seems to be a bruise above it.It appears like a breast infection,but as you well know so does IBC
I know you must be worried and my heart goes out to you,but there is only so much one can tell you over the internet.I
If the antibiotics don't improve things in a week or so,then the only way to make sure is to ASK for more investigation.I really hope that you and your doctor get to the bottom of this and I pray that what you have is just an infection.
I wish you all the best...

[nancyd14]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v132/johnan/photo-1.jpg

This is the spot.  The breast is still pretty swollen :/

[zouzi]

It's good  that things are getting a little better,but I am concerned about the red spot that is not improving. Please ask your doctor to refer you to a Breast Specialist/Surgeon for more testing.Symptoms are very variable and may not be all present in IBC which is sometimes difficult to diagnose.
A biopsy would be the best thing to do for your own peace of mind and you should insist upon having one, if the antibiotics don't make this persistent red spot disappear completely.
A Dermatologists could also examine you and perform this simple skin punch biopsy procedure.
What you have could be something completely harmless,but don't let this go on for too long...It's better to be safe than sorry.
Take care..

[nancyd14]

Things seem to be getting a bit better, but the one spot (DH says its 3-4 inches) is not and thats the spot I have had for a couple months.  Would you request a biopsy for just a spot?  It looks like a burn.

[zouzi]

Glad to know you are on Antibiotics.You need to give it at least a few days to have an effect, 24 hours it's a little too early to decide if this medication is going to work or not... give it a couple more days to see some improvement.Things should get better and not worse though.If one round of antibiotics doesn't clear up your symptoms, I certainly agree with you to be proactive and pursue this matter until you find out exactly what's going on.
Good luck and I hope it all works out..

[nancyd14]

He did put me on an antibiotic with a wait and see attitude.  As of tonight the left breast is about a cup size bigger than the right and red and sore....24 hours on antibiotics.  I am giving it until Monday and I will call to ask for a biopsy if nothing changes.  This Doc has known me for 9 years and has dx me with more weird things than anyone he knows :P

[zouzi]

Hi,
It's really hard to say.IBC presents similar to mastitis and I wonder if you doctor has recommended further investigation or at least prescribed a course of antibiotics.
Inflammatory breast cancer is a very rare type of cancer that would usually present with rapid, unusual increase in breast size,redness, rash, persistent itching of breast or nipple,lump or thickening of breast tissue,stabbing pain and/or soreness of breast,feverish breast, swelling of lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone,dimpling or nipple retraction.
The skin of the breast may also show the pitted appearance called peau d'orange (like the skin of an orange).
Since your OB isn't sure if it's mastitis or not ,then I think that the best thing to do is to consult a Breast Specialist ASAP, to make sure that your symptoms are not indicative of IBC.
A few test such as a Mammogram/Ultrasound and possibly a punch biopsy should be considered to rule out any serious problem.If this turns out to be just an infection,it will certainly need to be treated accordingly and as soon as possible.
Hoping that there is nothing serious ,but please don't leave nothing to chance okay?
Best wishes..