Should I get a second opinion?

[Kess]

if you havent already got anywhere you can try the Royal Marsden they have a good cancer team and they do know IBC. You are entitled to a second opinion if you are not happy with your first one. I hope that you get some clarity soon.

[LondonSummer]

They have done blood tests and I don't have a high white count that would indicate an infection - also I don't seem to have a fever. But I will ask the Doc tomorrow whether it could be an infection.

I saw the breast specialist on 2nd June. I am seeing my GP tomorrow - I'm quite scared - I noticed splotches on my skin (not red splotches - it is more like when you have an old bruise that is nearly healed). It was on the inner side of my left breast (the swollen one) and the patch has just grown over the last 4/5 days - now I have splotches over half of my left breast and a horrible burning pain - couldn't sleep last night because the pain was unbearable and I couldn't find a position where it didn't hurt. 

I am going to ask my GP to send me to another breast specialist for a second opinion - but I'm concerned whether the docs have seen/are experienced with IBC - I don't want to go to the breast specialist I saw already because he was very dissmissive - when I asked whether I should come back and see him if my symptoms got worse he said he didn't think that was a concern it was just hormones but he said I could if I wanted to.

I was wondering if anyone knows of any hospitals or where I can find doctors that specialise in IBC?

Thank you

[Kess]

have they ruled out an infection? How long ago did you see the breast specialist? a week? Have you seen your GP since? You have a lot going on and tbh if you have all you describe that sounds a lot (and for a month) to be hormones. you probably do want to get it rechecked if things dont settle down soon. I would call the helpline for sure though - they can help you to decide on the best next step.

hopefully things will start to improve though.

[Sam_BCC]

Hi LondonSummer

Firstly welcome to the BCC forums, it sounds like you're having such a worrying time at the moment. I'm sure you’ll get loads of support here from people who know exactly what you are going through.  In the menatime you might also find it helpful to read some of the booklets on breast conditions which explains about changes in the breast, just follow the link below:-

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/publications/browse-order?category=154

If you are feeling upset or panicky and want to talk to someone who understands what you are going through then do give our helpline a call. Everyone working on our helpline either has experience of breast cancer, or is a breast care nurse, and has an excellent knowledge of breast cancer issues. They are on 0808 800 6000 and are open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm Saturday, 10am - 2pm

Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator

[LondonSummer]

Hi 

I'm a 30 yr old women in London with no kids who hasn't been feeling too great over the last few weeks and I would appreciate any advice you might be able to give. 

About a month ago I started feeling exhausted all the time and getting pains in the left side of my chest - I was also having a rapid heart beat and I noticed some swelling in my chest above my left breast. I saw a Cardiologist who ruled out any heart problems - my heart rate was high but not irregular and the pain in my chest could be what is spiking my heart rate. The swelling and pain continued to increase - my entire left breast increased in size and I have swelling under my arm (no enlarged nodes though) and top part of my left arm is a couple of cms bigger than the other arm. I feel pain in my left armpit, arm, breast, left side of my neck and my left shoulder blade (the back pain started before the pain in my breast). I haven't found any lumps in my breast. I am struggling to wear a bra and when I don't my left breast feels heavy. I don't have any enlarged nodes in my armpit but I have some thickening just under the skin in my left armpit that came up a few weeks ago.

I saw a breast specialist who did an ultrasound - he said there was inflammation and some tiny cysts but said the pain and swelling was hormonal and told me to take evening primrose oil everyday - I have been doing this for the last week but everyday the pain seems to get worse. 

Should I get a second opinion? Should I mention inflammatory breast cancer? I have never experienced hormonal pain but something is telling me there is something wrong. My doctor said that if you are feeling pain then it is a sign there is nothing too serious going on. 

Thanks for you time x