I have inflammatory breast cancer which was firstly diagnosed as mastitis in Jan 09. Did not respond to antibiotic and was referred for biopsy. This is a particularly aggressive cancer and I had chemo;bilateral mastectomy and radiotherapy ending at end of Oct 09. You can imagine my fear when a red area appeared on my chest. Oncologist suggested a fungal infection and prescribed canestan; GP thought a form of dermatitis due to radiotherapy and prescribed a steroid cream for one month. Luckily , I had a routine app. with oncologist who did not think it was a recurrence of cancer, but referred me to surgeon for biopsy. Surgeon was 99% sure it was not cancer recurrence; so you can imagine my shock, on the mouth of Christmas, to be told the biopsy was positive! Saw another two surgeons who arranged bone scans and CAT scans. They were clear and surgery was going to be carried out until I pointed out some 'gnat bites' on my left side. They knew then that systemic treatment needed to be given. Currently on chemo tablets. seem very mild in comparison to FEC and Taxotare which nearly killed me. however, the inflammation and 'gnat bites' are not really improving; although it is early days ... 8 days treatment so far. I will see oncologist in two weeks time. I am very well in every otherway .. and hope to beat the odds and conquer this horrible cancer.
Anyone out there with a similar history. I know it's rare .. hence the misdiagnoses. Any help appreciated.
Lastferry
