Worried about IBC, and risks related to pregnancy
Hi everyone, I am 38 and I had an IBC scare a few years ago (and a long history of health anxiety). Everyone here was so kind (and honest) about it, which I deeply appreciate still. It turned out to be a “chemical” mastitis on my left breast from popping a boil. I ended up getting an MRI that found nonmass enhancement in my right breast, and that biopsy was benign. I had a followup MRI and was due for another this year, but got pregnant. I had an ultrasound in lieu of the MRI that identified benign cysts in my left breast and possibly benign cysts in my right, but the radiologist told me we’ll have to look at it later, after my pregnancy. I am currently 16 weeks
I now have red marks on both breasts, and swelling. On the right breast, the marks are on the underside; on the left, they are on the front. The red marks fade to brownish red, but never go away, and then get bright red, depending on the time of day. After a shower most of the skin on my breasts looks very red and a bit orange peel like, but the orange peel texture doesn’t stay. As of tonight, the redness has been there for hours
I’ve heard of IBC redness fluctuating/being impacted by hormones and I know pregnancy-induced BC happens, also due to hormones. This is my first pregnancy and I’m quite nervous. I will see a breast surgeon in two weeks, but I know time is of the essence when it comes to IBC. I did see a nurse at the breast center this week on a day when the redness was at its palest, and she told me fluctuations indicate it’s likely pregnancy related, but I’m still scared.
Any insight would be appreciated. And if this isn’t an appropriate post here, I understand. Thank you!