Hi all, I’ve not been on here for a while. I was diagnosed with Dcis in nov 2012. Had a mastectomy and reconstruction with strattice mesh/implant. I’ve had a few stresses with it but settled well over the 2 and half years. I’m a bit anxious as I have this pink rash, one large area and a few little ones. Quite pale pink and flare up and down. Obviously I’m anxious, y breast has felt quite itchy last month and swell up and down. So I’m not sure if it’s irritated. I think I have slight breast lymthodema in breast as I suffered with swelling for many months after surgery with redness too. Just like some advice. Don’t want to worry breast surgeon for nothing. There’s no lump, just patches of pale red rash. It’s been there over a week now.
Really like some advice, or if anyone else has had rashes after 2years out.
Hi Hay123…I am over 3 years post diagnosis and at the end of last year had a pale pink, non-itchy, not hot rash on ‘good’ side. As I had routine surgeon appt ar the time, the senior nurse looked at it, didn’t know what it was, said don’t put anything on it and watch and wait. Went back 3 weeks later; rash was still there, but fading. Was told again to watch and wait, go back in 3 months. If still there they would biopsy, and if it got worse, go back straight away. Well, it faded slowly and had gone after the 3 months. Went back and all fine. She did say it could possibly be an auto immune reaction to a bruise, as I mentioned I had bruised my breast and had also had something similar on my upper arm a few months previously. She said she’d heard about this, and it was quite rare…possibly connected to chemo…!!! I would say, please get it checked out for your own peace of mind. Our medical professionals are there for us, and I am sure never feel bothered by any concerns we may have. Hope you get it sorted soon…take care M x
Hi Maryland
Thank you so much for your advice and sharing your story of your rash. Yes I will call BCN, I’m just holding off as it comes and goes, and praying it just goes. It’s horrible as your mind goes in overdrive and your read about IBC when you look up rashes. Thanks again. Any other advice for similar rash stories from any one would be great x
Hi
Thought I’d update as went back to breast clinic yesterday. I saw my surgeon and he didn’t think it was anything serious as at time it was quite faded. But I showed him the photo on phone over last few days. He seem to think maybe mild infection or allergy but not sure. He said this was a anything sinister. But my own peace of mind have a ultrasound in new couple of weeks and take antihistamine for 7 days. So I feel better but will be better to get ultrasound done. Pink blotches still there today.
Hi all
Just a update on pink blotches on reconstructed breast. Well I had my ultrasound for peace of mind and it showed a thickening of skin where rash was. Also my lymph nodes were enlarged. So due yo my history of DCIS then wanted to do biopsy on rash and biopsy on lymph nodes. Obviously I was out of my mind with worry as all sorts was going through my mind and had a very tearful week. Went back on Wednesday to be told lymph nodes were just reactive nodes to infection/allergy and punch biopsy of skin showed inflammation. No cancer cells found on either. Thank goodness. Been out on stronger antibiotics and anti inflammatory medicine. So now trying to clear up this stubborn blotches, which still flare up and down. I do wonder if the fluid pockets they found on ultrasound may not be helping but over the moon no cancer. Just need to get rid of blotches. Any ideas!!!
Don’t have any advice but just wanted to say that’s great news re no cancer cells found xx
Hi hay123,
I have a medical background and aromatherapy experience so I could recommend a choice of 3 natural remedies to try, all of which have a natural antiseptic and soothing, cooling action . The best would be Lavendar gel (can find it at larger Boots branches in the natural remedy /homeopathic section - comes in a tube). Brill for mild rashes - put some on 2-3 x a day. Or Witchazel gel. Or Teatree lotion which, if you cant get hold of it ready mixed, buy a small bottle of UNperfumed face or body lotion + small bottle of Teatree oil and put 1 part oil in to 10 parts lotion and shake well to disperse the oil throughout(with the top on of course!). Teatree oil is also handy to keep in your toilet bag for dabbing neat onto any occasional spots - it’s great, quickly clears them up. You just have to put up with the initial slight mild antisepticky smell but that’s far nicer than TCP.
Hope that’s of some help to you. Good wishes to you and everyone else.
Delly x