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Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

abishellcom
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Hi, this is my first post here and I'm just really looking for advice and support!

I'm 20 years old and this morning as I was getting ready I noticed a few small pink lines on my right breast, on the inside of the breast and probably around a 3cm wide each, and there are quite a few lines. At first I just thought it was nothing and might have been indents from my clothes, but then realised I couldn't feel anything when I touched them. Then I thought it could be stretch marks, however they I've never had stretch marks before and I'm not too sure this is what they would look like, wouldn't they be a bit darker and on both breasts? I also only noticed them today so they've definitely been very sudden.

After googling what it could be, it keeps going back to IBC which is extremely worrying as it's so aggressive. I don't really have any 'typical symptoms' so to speak as there is minimal pain more of an ache across my entire chest but I think that's from me being so anxious all day, there's no lumps, I know lumps aren't typical for IBC but still, there's no changes to skin texture or anything. My right breast is larger than the left but it always has been, but by how much I'm not too sure. I wouldn't say cancer is common in my family, my Grandma had cancer of the lymph nodes a few years ago but that's it so far I believe. The only pain I am really feeling is a mild sudden ache in my right breast on the outside nearer my underarm but that's probably from where I've been poking it all day, lol 

I have a phone call appointment with a Dr on Monday morning that I booked online today, I'm hoping they call me in for a check as I'm getting extremely worried - I have very severe anxiety as it is so it's normal for me to worry about this sort of thing, I had to go for a check in 2019 after sever pain (later told it was just muscle inflammation) so I am very conscious when I notice a change in my body.

Is there anything specific I should mention to my doctor? I don't want him to think I'm being dramatic and worrying because I've googled it, but I do want him to take it seriously and listen to my symptoms, do you have any advice?? How do I approach the topic of IBC or breast cancer in general?? 

Sorry for such a long post but I appreciate any feedback!xx

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    Hi Abishellcom,

    I was diagnosed with stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer last September. I'm sorry that you're worried and distressed about having IBC so I'll tell you my story.

    Mid July 2020 I experienced very sharp pains in my breast. They continued and became excruciating within a week. The following week the pain was in my armpit, Within 2 weeks my breast swelled significantly and went slightly darker in colour. Days later the skin became dimpled like the skin of an orange and my nipple inverted. I also had a small lump, about the size of a 2p piece. Within 6 weeks I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer which had spread to my lymph nodes,  both lungs and 3 spots on my liver. At this point my lump had grown to 11cm x 9cm.

    However.... I've had chemotherapy (and will be on target therapy every 3 weeks until end of life) and I'm pleased to say that cancer on my  lungs, liver, lymph nodes and huge tumour have gone. Everyone is amazed by the results and I've hopefully got more time with my family.

    I am unable to comment on whether or not you have IBC but will definitely say that if you're worried then speak to your GP and request a referral to the breast clinic. 

    I sincerely hope that you are clear and live a long and healthy life.

    Barb xx

  • Offline in reply to Barbm

    Thank you for the response! I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but also so happy to hear about how well your body responded to the treatment, I'm sure you will continue to fight it just as well for many many more years!! Thank you for the insight into some of your symptoms, I'll definitely remain conscious of them over the next few days and weeks and see how my doctor reacts, if it gets worse I'll definitely see someone else for a second opinion!

     

    Again, thank you so much and I sincerely hope all your future results are just as positive!

    abigail xx

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    I had a phone call appointment today, my doctor was amazing and after only a few minutes he booked my in for an in-person examination, the phone call was at 8:45 and I was in the doctors office by 10:45. He was so lovely (as was the nurse in the room) when he was checking and explained many different causes, he didn't mention IBC but prescribed me a weeks worth of antibiotics and said if it hadn't cleared up to go back and we can discuss other options, potentially getting a scan I am assuming or at least having other tests. He was extremely open and said how I knew my body best and if there was still discomfort next week to phone them straight back and ask to be seen by him again, although he couldn't feel any lumps and the marks had faded, he believed everything I said which I am so grateful for as other doctors haven't been as reliable in the past.

    I'll update this post next week just incase anyone else is in a similar position to me and needs any moral support xx

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