I was diagnosed with IBC on Sept 17, 2008 after my right breast engorged, the nipple inverted, and there was a pink rash.I was 48. I had my normal mammogram in Feb 2008 and had 2nd mammogram on left breast in August 2008, due to calcifications. IBC is so aggressive that 1 day it wasn't there and the next it was. It doesn't show up on the mammogram or sonogram as a tumor. Just suspicious area. The MRI showed the tumor behind the inflammation was 8 cm. After the dreadful diagnosis, I immediately had to have tests and port placed and my 1st chemo was Oct 1st. Every other week I had 4 AC treatments and 3 Taxol (the 4th was not done due to severe Neuropathy caused by the Taxol). I had Bilateral Mastectomy on Jan 28, 2009 and 33 radiation treatments and more chemo for 3 months. IBC is very aggressive. There were 4 lymph nodes and breast tissue still with cancer cells. Hopefully the radiation and extra chemo killed any remaining. I live with the knowledge that IBC used to be a death sentence and now with all of the research, there is a higher percentage of women beating this. This month marks my 1 year anniversary since diagnosis. I have problems with my hands and feet and short term memory lapses, but I am ALIVE! I plan on being here to see my Grandkids (if my 3 boys decide to bless me with them). My boys are 23, 21, and 18 and they are my life, along with my husband of 24 years. I have so many friends and family that helped me get through this terrible year. Their prayers and support got me where I am today. ALIVE!

Johanna Morgan
Cumming, GA