I have IBC

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed with IBC on the 28th October 2009. I had the usually treatment Chemo, LH Mastecomy, 12 weeks Taxol Chemo, 5 weeks of radiation.  I received clear margins after surgery.

I also have an auto-immune disease Scleroderma, my body makes to much collagen resulting in have tight skin this disease is also internal.

So when it came to my IBC there where lots of doctors involved, the main concern was with radiation as it cause fibrosis and so does Scleroderma, so after 2 drs agreeing and 2 drs disagreeing with radiation I went ahead and had radiation. I think it was more sensible to treat cancer and worry about the skin thickening later on, so far I have had no problems, although I have had physio every week for 12 months and now slowly getting visits furrther apart. This was to try and stop the skin binding down and to keep movement of the chest wall. I also can't have reconstruction because of the Scleroderma. I have only had Scleroderma since 2007 and this is an inflammatory disease so it makes me wonder if they are connected?

I do not take any supplements for cancer as I am on a lot of medications already and any thing new has to be approved by my immunoligist as my immune systems is over active, I try and follow a good diet and excerise.

You all have wonderful stories and we all keep plodding along day by day to the best of our abilities and we must listen to our bodies and rest when needed.

Cher