Do I have IBC ?

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Hi,  I’m hoping you ladies with IBC can help me.  I was dx December 2011 with ductal carcinoma with lymph node involvement in my right breast. I had a WLE, node clearance, chemo, radio, ovarian oblation and am now on Arimidex.  About 4 weeks ago I noticed some changes in my breast,  it was swollen a little pink and dimply and I had a large area of thickening to the lower outer area of my right breast.  I saw my GP who refered me urgently to the breast clinic. I saw them last week and was given a mammogram and ultrasound which showed the area of thickening but no mass.  I was told I was to be discussed at the MDT meeting and would hear from them today, which I did. The nurse who spoke to me on the phone said that I was to be monitored, would see the breast surgeon in 3 months time and that at some point they may consider doing a skin punch biopsy.  When I asked if I might have IBC I was told that it hadn’t even been considered at the meeting and they only suspected lymphoedema of the breast.  I already knew I had breast lymphoedema but felt that this was different. 

 

My question really is, do my symptoms and experience sound familiar and should I push for the biopsy and an earlier appointment?

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I would ask if they have experience of IBC, and if not ask to see someone that does. You are entitled to a second opinion. It isn’t likely to be IBC, but with those symptoms it could be. And if it is, waiting 3 months is not a good idea. Not sure which part of the country you are, but if near London you could ask to be checked at the Marsden, who are gaining some reputation in the UK with IBC (although there are other places that are equally good - I wasn’t treated there). If it is IBC it’s likely that your symptoms will continue to progress fairly rapidly… Hope things either improve or you get some certainty soon.