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Worried I could have IBC

29andterrified
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Hi everyone

I've joined this forum as I'm terrified. I discovered a red patch of raised skin on my right breast on Thursday night. It feels hot to touch and is raised, with a lump in the middle of it which looks like a blister/bite. Stupidly went online and kept seeing posts about inflammatory breast cancer, which matches what I've found (I know I shouldn't have done it, but this was late at night and I didn't know what to do). I called my GP on Friday and they put me on a list for a call back on Tuesday, so it gives me chance to monitor things. 

 

I'm 29, don't have kids and live at home with my fiancé. I'm too scared to tell him as he is going through a relapse in his mental health, and I'm also too scared to tell my parents. My auntie died at the end of last year after a 3 year fight with breast cancer, and my brother has a stage 4 glioblastoma brain tumour, so if I do have anything, this could just send them over the edge. So I'm turning to someone for help 

 

I know I was stupid to Google this, but I was just terrified.

 

Thanks for listening xx

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    Hi 29andterrified,

    Welcome to our forum. I am so sorry to hear about your symptoms. I am glad to hear that you have made an appointment with your GP for a telephone consultation next Tuesday. Don't contact Dr Google again, as he will only scare you further.

    It sounds like your family is going through a nightmare time. I can understand why you don't want to upset your parents and your fiance. Many people don't tell family and friends until they get a definite diagnosis. However, if this happens, you will find that you need someone who can support you, someone who you can bare your very soul to. Bear in mind that your family might be quite upset if they find out at a later stage, if you don't tell them.

    If your GP suspects the possibility of anything untoward, s/he will refer you to the breast clinic, as they can do all the necessary tests there. I hope that all turns out well for you. Please keep in touch. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine

    Thank you for coming back to me. I don’t feel as worried now, especially as I accidentally squeezed the lump when I was checking up on it and blood came out. The area is still red and warm to touch, but the redness has gone down and the area doesn’t feel raised anymore (if it still is, it’s not noticeable).

    I’m still going to keep the phone appointment with my GP so I can put my mind at rest, but I think on the whole I just completely freaked out when looking online (stupid and irrational, but easy to do).

  • Offline in reply to 29andterrified

     

    Hi 29andterrified,

    I am not a doctor, but when you mentioned redness along with swelling, it sounded more like an infection. However, I agree with you. It is still better to have a word with your GP and, to get this checked out.

    Whatever you do, steer clear of the internet. It will only increase your anxiety and get you nowhere.

    Please let me know how you get on on Tuesday.

    Fingers crossed for you!


    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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