Posted on behalf of new user Mary:
I was diagnosed on Wednesday (21st Sept.) with IBC, my lymph gland was also tested but no lumps were found, there was however a thickness of the lining of the lymph gland, has anyone else had this problem and what exactly does it mean?
Hi Mary,
I’m sorry you’ve had to join the club. I expect you’re still very shocked but this is the right place to find help and support. IBC ladies are a small group but very willing to help. I was very lucky to be diagnosed early and my lymph glands were clear. I’m sorry I can’t help with your specific question but this will bump it up on the forum. I’m sure someone else will be along soon who can help.
Having been where you are I know you will be worried that the cancer has spread. Have your medical team discussed your treatment plan with you yet? Standard treatment for IBC is to have chemotherapy which is aimed at destroying any cancer cells anywhere in your system as well as reducing the breast tumour. It’s a tough treatment but there are lots of us who’ve completed it and are now living cancer free.
It’s also normal practice to scan everywhere for evidence of disease at this stage. It doesn’t mean they expect to find anything but it’s a tough time waiting for all the results.
Big hug. xx
Jan
Hi Mary, as JanB has said we are a small bunch on here with IBC, but we help when we can. I have n’t had your specific problem in the Lymph nodes but had thickening of the skin on the breast due to the cancer blocking the lymph channels in the breast,so maybe it’s a similar thing. I have had my chemo and had what my team have said is a fantastic result, I have had a Mx and full node clearance and will be having Radiotherapy soon, It’s not easy but it is doable, there’s lots of girls on here to testify the treatments for IBC are very good, I know how I felt when 1st diagnosed but once treatment gets under way it does get better.
Good Luck and let us know how you are .
Jean.
I just wanted to say that there is life after all of this! I was diagnosed with IBC at the age of 35 in 1998 and I am now 13 years out of treatment. It was all very gruelling and I found chemotherapy particularly tough. I hope that you find this helpful…
Thank you for your comments, I have seen the Dr today and had my treatment plan for chemo. and was asked to join a clinical trial of a new drug being tested to improve the chances of success, did anyone join a trial like this or does anyone know anything about it?
Hi Mary,
There were no suitable trials running when I had my treatment. I just missed one for reducing the treatment time for Herceptin. I was already a few months into my treatment when it was announced but I have been through the decision making with my Mum who also had cancer.
Only advice I can offer is to make sure your medical team discuss all the risks with you before you decide. You will need to weigh these up against the benefits and there are always some risks with trials. One definite advantage is that you will be monitored very closely during and after treatment. That in itself can be very reassuring. It’s a hard decision, I know.
Good luck x Jan