what are the signs of imflammatory breast cancer, IBC ?

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Hi can anyone tell me what the signs of IBC are , can you get this after treatment fotr breast cancer?

I was treated for breast cancer this year, chemo lumpectony and rads which ended in sept 08.

I had an infection after op, Now my breast is red sore and has some orange peel skin and raised lines, GP has given me antibiotics on second lot now.

She is asking for my appoint to breast surgeon , due jan 09 to be brought forward.

Are these signs of IBC or am i paranoid??? Help
Sarah66

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Hi Sarah66

I have put below for you the link to BCC’s publication on IBC, I hope you find it helpful. For further information and support please do phone the helpline where the staff will be only too happy to talk to you about this. Lines open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm and Sat 9am - 2pm. 0808 800 6000

IBC publication: breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=698

Hope this helps, kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator

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Hi Sarah66;

I have IBC, and yes … the things that you’ve listed COULD be IBC, but by no means are they definitive.

You are right to get seen sooner by your Onc, even if only to get some reassurance that everything is all right. I’d be pushing to be seen this week, if you’ve already had two lots of anti-biotics.

Hope all turns out OK, and that it’s just an infection that can be easily solved

Best wishes, Rebecca

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Hello Sarah,

I would phone oncs secretary and get your appt brought forward, unless you’ve noticed signs of improvement now you are on your second course of anti b’s.
I don’t want to alarm you but yes your symptoms could be IBC, they could also ‘just’ be caused by a particularly bad infection, and maybe the first lot of anti b’s weren’t the right ones.

I’m an IBC girl and the rule is if no improvement after a course of antibiotics get it checked urgently.

Please let us know how you are doing,

Jackie