Inflammatory Breast Cancer - need info

[CherylS]

You have all been my primary source of information since my diagnosis last year with breast cancer. Today I received a call from a friend who's mom has been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. Because mine was not, I lack information on this particular type of cancer. You guys have made me feel like something of an expert on everything else. Can anyone help me understand this type of bc so I can help her? There has been no treatment yet, no pathology.
Thanks so much in advance!

[AlaskaAngel]

Hi CherylS

I don't know much about inflammatory bc but here is a good place to start:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/f...ites-Types/IBC

How is your friend's mom doing?

AlaskaAngel

[Sandy H]

Hi Cheryl: I was diagnosed 5 years ago with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). First she needs a biopsy and a patholgy report. If she does have IBC she will be staged at 111b if it is contained in the chest area and if it has spread to bone or organs then it will be stage IV. Don't panic if it is stage IV as there are many at stage IV and doing well. You may hear from some on this board. The site that Alaska-Angel sent is a good one. There is an IBC board that I am on just type in inflammatory breast cancer support and you should bring it up. I like it but not as well as this one!! Your friend's mom is fortunate to have you willing to go the extra mile to help. If you would like to e-mail me it is sanhenry@prexar.com and my phone is (207)634-4921. Just make sure you make the subject so that I know its you from the her2 board. If I don't recognize it I will delete it. You should hear from others on this board as there are a few. Sending you a big hug, and wishing your friend's mom well. Sandy

[CherylS]

Thank you AA and Sandy. Sandy - how kind of you to offer your contact information. I hope to talk with her again today or tomorrow and I will offer it. Mom's name is Karen S. and Daughter is Monica H. Again, thank you so much. I'm sure your story will give them a fresh breath of hope and encouragement.

[Roz]

Hi Cheryl, I was diagnosed with IBC 3 years ago. It is very frightening when you read some sites, because a lot will tell you straight up that IBC is rare and serious. However, what it really means is that its goes to the lymph fairly quickly, which is different from the slower growing breast cancers. But, like breast cancer overall, may be treated effectively. The IBC support group is a good place to start, and better, I felt, because it describes many success stories. Like Sandy, I prefer this site now, Good luck, I hope it works out well for your friend.