Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Katrina's Crucial Discovery
Learn Look Locate is proud to present insights from Katrina, a stage three inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) survivor. Through her candid sharing of experiences and dedication to advocacy, Katrina offers valuable perspectives on recognizing the signs of this rare yet aggressive form of breast cancer.
Meet Katrina
IBC Survivor and Spokesperson for Learn Look Locate
“You have to be an advocate for yourself. If you feel something in the pit of your stomach if you just kind of feel like, I just know, really check that out. Listen to your body, because nobody knows your body like you do.”
The Unexpected Discovery
In October 2020, I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Most people have never heard of that. There are 15 types of breast cancer. IBC is the rarest, and it has the poorest outcomes. Only 1-5% of all those diagnosed with breast cancer will have IBC. It doesn’t normally present with a lump, so it is not detected in a mammogram. When I tell people that, they always ask, “So, how did you find it?” Here is my story.
The Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis
I was taking a shower on a late, mid-September evening. As I ran the soap across my left pectoral muscle toward my underarm, I hit a very hard area near the tail of my breast tissue. The area was so hardened that I dropped the soap when it went over it. It was slightly sore and felt very stiff. I gave myself a quick self-breast exam and felt nothing, so I thought I must have pulled a muscle. I knew I had a doctor’s appointment with a mammogram scheduled two weeks later, so I figured I would just ask the mammography technician about it. In the meantime, I massaged the area and kept an eye on it. In those two weeks, the area got more and more firm. I began to see some redness coming and going in that area, and my left breast felt slightly heavier.
1. The Critical Signs of IBC: A Shower That Changed Everything
What began as a routine shower became a pivotal moment in Katrina’s life. During a simple act of washing, she discovered an unusual hardness near her underarm that was so firm it caused her to drop the soap. Without any family history of breast cancer, this discovery led to swift action. Over the next two weeks, she noticed increasing firmness, slight redness, and a feeling of heaviness in her left breast – subtle yet significant changes that signaled something wasn’t right. Her story emphasizes how IBC often presents differently than typical breast cancers, making awareness of these unique symptoms critical for early detection.
2. The Spider Web Pattern: Understanding IBC's Rapid Spread
Unlike typical breast cancers, IBC manifests as what doctors describe as a “spider web” pattern, rapidly infiltrating the dermal lymphatic system. Katrina’s experience reveals the aggressive nature of this rare cancer – within just three weeks, it had spread to eight lymph nodes. Through detailed imaging and testing, her medical team discovered how the cancer had created a complex network throughout her breast tissue. This unique presentation often makes IBC challenging to detect through standard mammography, emphasizing why understanding its distinct characteristics is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers.
3. Revolutionary Treatment: The Impact of Immunotherapy
HER2-positive breast cancer added another layer of complexity to Katrina’s diagnosis. However, it also opened the door to powerful immunotherapy treatments – Herceptin and Perjeta. She describes the remarkable response her body had to these targeted therapies, with visible improvements appearing within days of starting treatment. This section of her story offers hope and insight into how modern cancer treatments are revolutionizing outcomes for even the most aggressive forms of breast cancer.
4. Finding Strength Through Support: The Power of Community
5. Early Detection Saves Lives: Knowing Your Body
Beyond sharing her treatment journey, Katrina emphasizes the vital importance of knowing your body and recognizing changes quickly. Her experience with reconstruction highlights how far treatment options have come, while her emphasis on early detection underscores the critical nature of self-awareness and prompt medical attention. Through her story, she encourages others to perform regular self-exams, understand their breast tissue, and never hesitate to seek medical attention when something feels different.
Key Insights About Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
- IBC usually does not present as a solid tumor. It has a spider web or plastic-like quality, making it undetectable when using mammograms and ultrasounds.
- Clinical appearance, MRI and biopsy are needed to diagnose IBC
- Can develop and spread quickly, making prompt medical attention crucial
- Symptoms include but are not limited to breast hardening, soreness, color changes, peau d’orange, breast enlargement, skin changes
- Specialized medical knowledge is key for diagnosing IBC
The Importance of Support and Advocacy
“I will continue to advocate for women and men in the IBC community, ensuring that the needs of breast cancer patients are met.”
Throughout her interviews, Katrina emphasizes several crucial aspects of the cancer journey that extend beyond medical treatment:
- Mental health support should be an immediate priority after diagnosis
- Organizations like Imerman Angels provide crucial peer support
- Patients need to advocate for themselves and trust their instincts
- Understanding your diagnosis empowers better decision-making
- Community support plays a vital role in treatment and recovery
Connect with a Mentor Angel
No one should face breast cancer alone. Imerman Angels offers personalized support by matching individuals with a Mentor Angel—someone who has walked a similar path as a fighter, survivor, previvor, or caregiver.
“As an inflammatory breast cancer survivor, I continually learn more about IBC. I strive to share that knowledge and educate women and men about this rare breast cancer subtype”
About Katrina
Katrina is a survivor of stage three inflammatory breast cancer, diagnosed at age 42. Her experience with this rare and aggressive form of breast cancer has inspired her to become an advocate for early detection and awareness. Through her involvement with Learn Look Locate and other advocacy organizations, she works to educate others about the unique symptoms and challenges of IBC while providing hope and support to those facing similar diagnoses. She is available for speaking engagements. Contact: Email | Instagram
The Learn Look Locate Connection
About the Expert
Meet Charles Weaver MD
Learn Look Locate is proud to present expert insights from Dr. Charles H. Weaver, a pioneering medical oncologist with a distinguished career in cancer research, treatment, and patient education. Dr. Weaver, who trained at prestigious institutions including the University of Washington, University of Pennsylvania, and the National Institutes of Health, has made significant contributions to stem cell therapy, breast cancer, and lymphoma research.
As the founder of Cancer Connect and a key contributor to Learn Look Locate’s mission, Dr. Weaver’s expertise is central to our joint newsletter, which has been empowering over 30,000 women affected by breast cancer for more than a decade. This monthly newsletter supports patients through every stage, from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship.
This inflammatory webpage has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by Dr. Charles Weaver, Medical Oncologist and Medical Advisor for Learn Look Locate, ensuring its accuracy and adherence to medical standards.
