Hi everyone

In September a red rash suddenly appeared on my breast. Over the next few days it spread, was painful and felt hot at times. I thought I may have been bitten and that this had led to an infection, so went to my GP to get it checked assuming I may need antibiotics. 

I was examined and was told "I suspect it's breast cancer" The GP, not my usual GP,had also found a lump that I hadn't realised was there. To be honest, this floored me as I wasn't expecting this at all. I've had cancer previously, although not breast cancer. 

I was referred under the 2 week process and on 3rd October was seen at the breast clinic. By this point the red rash had practically gone, but there was a purple bruise like mark and it was still painful. When waiting for my  appointment I'd caved and checked online...whenever I typed in about the red rash and bruise it brought up Inflammatory Breast Cancer. I told the doctor, I think a registrar, of my worries and she told me that you can get bruising due to an infection, which reassured me a bit.I had a mammogram and ultrasound and was told that everything appeared normal. I was told that the lump was actually inflammation from an infection and that things should resolve themselves (I queried whether they needed to do a biopsy and was told it wasn't necessary) 

Although I've tried not to think about it, I'm worried as I've also read that IBC is often misdiagnosed as an infection. I discussed this with my usual GP a few weeks ago. He also reassured me by telling me that when that happens it's usually because the GP hasn't referred for further investigation and that the Breast Clinic staff are experienced in spotting the signs. 

However, it's now been a month since I was seen at the clinic. The redness has gone, the bruise is less noticeable but still there and I'm still in pain. I'm constantly aware of my breast, it feels heavy, painful and sometimes sore. When I was initially referred I was told to stop taking my HRT and went without it for 5 weeks. I've been back on it almost 2 weeks and wondered if this could be causing the pain due to the change in oestrogen levels? That said, although my other breast is a bit uncomfortable, it's not painful.

I've had a letter from the clinic confirming their findings and saying that I can be referred again if I have further problems. I've phoned my GP surgery to request this and have been asked to call next week when my GP Is back from hols so we can have a chat.

Has anyone else had a similar experience to me or a diagnosis of IBC?

Thanks for reading

Debs x