4 Symptoms NOT to be Taken Lightly

[bmagill]

While I consider myself pretty informed when it comes to Cancer, when my friend was recently diagnosed I was dumbfounded to say the least. Her Cancer not only took me by surprise, but also her doctors due to her age and her overall healthy lifestyle.

This form of Breast Cancer is apparently sweeping the nation, unfortunately going undetected most times. It is called Inflammatory Breast Cancer. One of the most aggressive forms of Breast Cancer, getting it’s name “inflammatory” by blocking the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast making it often look swollen and red, or “inflamed”.

4 Symptoms to Look For:

1. Redness, swelling, and warmth in the breast, often without a distinct lump in the breast.
2. The skin of the breast may also appear pink, reddish purple, or bruised.
3. The skin may also have ridges or appear pitted, like the skin of an orange, which is caused by a buildup of fluid and edema in the breast.
4. Heaviness, burning, aching, increase in size, tenderness, or a nipple that is inverted.

These symptoms usually develop quickly; over a period of weeks or months. Because Inflammatory Breast Cancer affects the lymph nodes, IBC may also present itself under the arm, above the collarbone, or in both places.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer tends to occur more frequently at a younger age and in African American women more than any other race. IBS is not only more likely to metastasized at the time of diagnosis, the survival rate is between 25-50%, which is significantly lower compared to other forms of cancer.

To find out more:

I encourage you to visit http://cancer.gov. Thank you to all those whom said a prayer for my dear friend during her surgery to remove this ugly Cancer. She made it through safely and will soon begin her chemotherapy treatment!

Stay Informed!

Brandi

http://anewfeast.com

[TexasMom817]

Aug. 10, 2008 at 11:04 AM

Thanks for the info, Brandi! The most important thing is to get any changes in your body checked out thoroughly by your doctor as soon as you notice something. I used to be a surgical tech and I saw people come in with the most hopeless diagnosis, only because they didn't go sooner to the dr.

I'll say a prayer for your friend.

[bmagill]

Aug. 10, 2008 at 3:02 PM

These symptoms often present themselves as your typical infection.  We as mom ignore the problem hoping it will go away so we can continue on our way taking care of everyone else.  This is a scary disease and should not be taken lightly by any means. 

(Original Poster)

[aliciainma]

Aug. 10, 2008 at 6:12 PM

ty for the information i will keep that in mind, yes us as parents need to make sure we are in good health for our kids

[TonyaSuzanne]

Aug. 10, 2008 at 6:30 PM

Thx Brandi.

[jenz450]

Aug. 10, 2008 at 8:37 PM

Sorry to hear about your girlfriend, hope she will be OK...Thanks for the information

[stayathomemom06]

Aug. 11, 2008 at 8:47 AM

Thank you for the info!! Hope your friend recovers very soon!!

[bmagill]

Aug. 12, 2008 at 1:40 PM

Thank you guys for your concerns, she is doing well.  We are waiting to find out when the chemo will begin, I'll keep ya posted:~)

(Original Poster)