amandaj

Yes, I did have cellulitis, which is why I was on antibiotics. 

I have been seeing a certified LE PT on a regular basis and have seen other therapists, at her request, for second, third, fourth, etc. opinions.  I'm just hoping someone else has had a particularly hard time eliminating the swelling and might have the "secret".

I am a patient at this clinic and I can honestly say that EVERYONE there is wonderful and dedicated to saving lives and finding a cure for cancer.

Mine came up very quickly/subtly and changed very little for several weeks then all of the sudden became very red and warm to touch.  Good that you're seeing the surgeon soon but don't worry too much until then.

I have been on tamoxifen since May 2006 but was undergoing chemo for 6 months before that.  I have not had a period in a year, but did have 2 vaginal ultrasounds since November.  My ovaries are still functioning (because there are rather large cysts and good FSH levels) but I have no signs of a period in the near future.  My gyno says that this is just how my body is reacting to everything.  She says that everyone's reaction can be different.

My advice is that you know you're body!  Don't rest until you are satisfied with the answers that you receive.

Hello all!  I am here to share my tale.

I was diagnosed in November 2006 with IBC at the age of 25.  I noticed that something was not exactly normal with my right breast after it became slightly swollen and my nipple became inverted.  I went to my ob/gyn on Monday afternoon, November 6, who immediately sent me to a surgeon.  I had my first mammogram and ultrasound that afternoon.  On Tuesday, I went back to the surgeon for a biopsy, where he confirmed before the tests even came back, that I had IBC.  I met with my oncologist on Thursday and we discussed the possibility of going to a specialty clinic at MD Anderson Cancer Hospital that had just opened for IBC.  He made me an appointment there for the following week. 

In Houston (MD Anderson), the doctors re-tested everything and I found out that it had spread to my auxillary lymph nodes.  I went in for port placement and the beginning of chemo on November 22, a mere three weeks after diagnosis. 

I underwent two rounds of chemo (6 months) having treatments at home but traveling back and forth to Houston every few months.  I then had a bilateral mastectomy in Houston and flew home 2 days later.  The bilateral part was my choice, but one that I have never regretted. 

I chose to stay home for radiation therapy, which was twice a day for 6 weeks.  Needless to say-the therapists and I are wonderful friends now! Afterwards, I was charred, but ready to begin life without some form of treatment.   I am on Tamoxifen because I was Er+ and Pr+ and have check-ups here at home and in Houston every 3 months. 

Recently, I had plastic surgery (tram flap) to reconstruct my breasts.  Once into the procedure, my surgeon learned that there was a tunnel inside that never healed from my mastectomy.  It was quite large and filled with fluid, which coincidentally could have aided in my developing lymphedema.  I had to go back for a second procedure to clean out the tunnel and am now attached to a wound vac for several weeks to help the area heal from the inside out.

This summer, I will be having a follow-up procedure to make my new breasts exactly as I want them (hopefully!) I know that this has been a hard road for all of us, but I have learned much from my experience and have met so many wonderful people throughout my journey.