IBC shocked

Hi Liz Can't say it any better than Deanne & Karen have really. You said you love hearing about life after treatment. I reach the 'magic' 5 year cancer free milestone in September this year. Planning a huge celebration. I was diagnosed with IBC in Sep 2010 at 46yrs with a 5yo daughter. A huge shock given there was no history of breast cancer in my family although my Aunt was diagnosed a year after me with ductal bc. I too had been having regular mammograms with my March 2010 one not showing up anything abnormal. Yes, this type of breast cancer is aggressive meaning that it grows rapidly. Mine was 10cm & luckily for me, chemo was my friend shrinking the cancer down to a manageable size to operate. I had a double mastectomy. It's really difficult when you're feeling sooo sick from it's side effects (& yes I had many hospital stints) but I used to imagine the chemo as the Australian a Defence Force moving around my body fighting the enemy. Unfortunately there are casualties along the way but chemo is is victorious over the cancer in the end! Totally agree that third week after chemo was the best with your tastebuds returning but on the downside you know another bout of chemo is just around the corner. Also totally recommend treats to look forward to - a foot massage, a coffee date, a movie, a new outfit, something for the house, a mini break weekend away as gives you something to focus on. Also, something a little bigger at the end of chemo & radio. I'm happy to say that this 4 & a bit years has flown by & that part of my life is fast fading away into a blurry memory. Counselling has helped me along the way as well as support groups (I live in the city). Having said that, I haven't met anyone with IBC through these groups, only in this forum. Take good care of yourself, accept any help that is offered & feel absolutely free to ask anything of us as I'm sure you will have many questions. Terri xxx