I have a history of stage IIIC breast cancer, had it removed and both sides reduced. This was a bit over two years ago. Then had chemo and radiation. Tried Tamoxifen, but with sudden menopause from chemo, it was too much. Turned down AIs, and I am working on diet, supplements, and exercise. Recently my non-cancer side developed a pink patch near the nipple, about 1 o'clock. I do have lymphoedema on my cancer side, but not on my "good" side. It has not changed in weeks--neither getting worse or better. The aereola does seem more puffy near the patch. Does IBC ever start with just a patch? It does not itch and is not hot. I see my rad onc in ten days, and will have her look at it, but I still wonder. Thanks!
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Q: Can IBC start as just a pink patch that does not go away?
Answers (2)
8/ 8/09 9:39pm
8/ 9/09 9:50am
Janimil, this link to an article on distinguishing rashes from IBC may be helpful. Here is a link to some background information about IBC. Although one typical characteristic of IBC is that it rapidly progresses, actual presentation does vary quite a bit from patient to patient. Although this can probably wait until you next doctor's appointment, with your cancer history, it might be a good idea to call, report this change, and ask if the doctor wants to see you sooner.
8/ 9/09 1:18pm
Thanks. I am trying not to worry. I think the "once bitten, twice shy" theory applies here. I probably over-react to every new breast change. But under-reacting to classic signs was what allowed my IDC and DCIS to grow. So trying to learn from my past mistake.
8/ 9/09 7:41pm
My doctors never thought i was over-reacting when I called their attention to a change that concerned me. They sent me to the head of the line for whatever test was needed to find out for sure what I had. We all breathed a sigh of relief when the tests came back OK. Never hesitate to call. The best that can happen is that the doctor will tell you that the place that concerns you is some small normal occurrence, and you'll feel a little foolish for calling about "nothing." The worst that can happen is that you will hesitate to call and find out that your waited too long. I'm hoping you get good news.
8/11/09 8:56pm
I'm glad you are still getting good test results. Yes, my doctors take me seriously, bc I had Stage IIIC. My radiologist makes sure to call me with test results that he will usually just send by letter, as he knows I am waiting to exhale. In July, they found a few calcifications and biopsied them, and he called as soon as he got the results--a day earlier than expected. Thank the Lord, it was okay. I don't know if I have the energy for being in "alarm mode" again so quickly. A week, now, and I will see the rad onc. I am not experiencing any changes in this, spreading or heat or itching, so I will think good thoughts. But I appreciate sites like this, and people like you, who can help me with my questions. Bless you.
8/20/09 2:36pm
Just as an update, I saw my rad onc, who could not make heads or tails out of the pink mark. It is not IBC, she said, and told me to watch it and report it immediately to her or the breast clinic if it starts to change or spread. Thanks for the help!
8/20/09 2:50pm
Sorry, I replied to myself, LOL. Okay, I will try again.
I saw my rad onc, who could not make heads or tails out of the pink mark. It is not IBC, she said, and told me to watch it and report it immediately to her or the breast clinic if it starts to change or spread. Thanks for the help!
8/21/09 4:12am
I'm so glad that you got a good report from the doctor. So many mysterious things happen in our bodies that doctors cannot always explain. Before cancer, we scarcely notice them.
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By janimil— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 08/08/09
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Thanks, I am watching it closely in case of any obvious changes.