HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Is this a Symptom of IBC?

Support Forums
>
Breast Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/28/2008 12:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I have been over in the Anxiety-Panic board for awhile but never over here.  But I thought perhaps someone, if they have time, could tell me if this is cause for worry?

I have had an isolated patch of about 1.5-2 inches square that is an itchy rash, more itchy than rash, just below my collar bone towards the front of my shoulder.  It is hot and red and gets worse when I scratch it.  Sometimes I have shooting pain in that breast but don't know if I'm imagining it because I've recently started worrying that the rash could be a symptom of IBC.  Is it possible that a rash that far up could be a symptom of IBC?  At first I didn't even link it to my breast because it seemed so far away, then I got online and started to freak out when seeing all of the warnings about rashes.  I don't have any other symptoms although I think my left breast is more sensitive feeling.

Thanks in advance if you're willing to reply!

BKF1515

Posted 1/28/2008 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
Oh if you are having anxiety problems stay away from looking stuff up on the computer!!!!! You can read symptoms into anything and convince yourself that you have it. There are lots of reasons for itchy rashy places. First of all I would suggest hives. Have you been using anti itch cream? I itch a lot, too, and keep several different kinds on hand. Usually if one won't soothe the itch another will. Then sometimes I take Bendryl to help with itching. There is a slight possibility it could be shingles, but I would try creams unless it is unbearable then I would call the Dr. IBC is not a common problem and it really is likely you do not have it.

Hugs, MK
Posted 1/28/2008 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, I know looking up symptoms on the internet can be dangerous. I have used an antihistimine cream which hasn't seemed to help. I've also cut out most products and tried to think if I've used something new which I haven't. I tried not scratching for more than a week and the rash got better visually but the need to itch never really went away. I have a dr's appt. in 7 days but am feeling so much anxiety about it, I feel like I can't wait till then. Thanks very much for your reassurance though.
Posted 1/28/2008 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
I can tell you I had no itch up there. I had many beautiful colors and some really ugly shades also. Texture changes, but nothing started up high. My axillia was catching cancer cells and it managed to acquire a 5 cm size before I started with the changing of color. It made lifting my arm painful. My color change seemed to spread from the side forward. As anyone can tell you IBC really is nasty because if follows no rules. There was a nun and I who both had the exact same presentation and we were as the doctor likes to call his success stories. So just because someone did not have what you have does not mean that you should not check it out. But I find the more medical things a person reads, the more problems they are sure they have. I have stopped laying my Cure magazine around, for that reason. You would be surprised how many people have had to go to the doctor because they read it. Good luck and let us know how you make out.
Posted 1/28/2008 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Lemonz, Thanks for your reply and I'm honored that you shared some of your story with me. I am so glad for you and other IBC-sufferers that you are a success story. I will definitely keep your symptoms in mind and try not to think about it too much. The problem is that the more I think about it, the more the area (and my breast) hurts and the more I look at it, the redder it gets. So I know I just have to leave it alone or I will drive myself crazy. I will let you know if I get a prognosis at the dr. next Mon.
Posted 1/28/2008 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
Sometimes a rash is just a rash. I agree that this needs to be checked by a doctor. In the meantime, try some hydrocortisone cream or ointment for the itch. Good luck and let us know what you find out from the doctor. Like MK said, IBC is fairly rare so it is unlikely that is what it is. But, you need to find out.
Lauri (dxed 4/11/96)
Posted 7/14/2008 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
I'm a 3yr. cancer survivor but today I fear I have IBC. I will call the doctor tomorrow. It started as a small pimple (I thought) in my surgical incision. Now 2 weeks later I have all the symptoms of IBC. I've never heard of this type of cancer until I started researching my symptoms. Of all the research I've done, this is the only web site that I have seen hope. Thank you for giving me a better outlook.

Posted 7/14/2008 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
usually on the ms panel, but recently got troubling symptoms in my right breast. began as itching, but chalked it up to a different bra. switched to totally bland one, but itching continued. a red oval area surrounding nipple developed with heat, stabbing pain. by pure luck called the office of my primary and got a doctor. awaiting call back from the staff on when i can be seen asap. linda
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply