My name is Nicki Camp, and in October 2024, my life changed in ways I never imagined. I was diagnosed with Metastatic Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC), a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that I had never even heard of before my diagnosis.
It all started in April 2024 when I noticed a tubular-like structure in the 6 o’clock region of my left breast. I went to my gynecologist to have her assess my suspicion. She was able to palpate the tubular-like structure and thought it would be best to send me for a mammogram with ultrasound just to be on the safe side (I had a mammogram in October 2023 that was unremarkable.) The mammogram with ultrasound results were negative and showed no evidence of malignancy. It was suggested for me to follow up in a year for my annual mammogram.
In July/August 2024, I noticed a small rash at the 10 o’clock region of my left breast. The rash didn’t itch or hurt and wasn’t raised. I started noticing some other rash areas come up on my left breast. I decided I would try to get into a dermatologist as over-the-counter topical antifungals were not helping eliminate the rash areas. I contacted a dermatologist to make an appointment, and to my surprise, they had a cancellation, and I was able to see a nurse practitioner that same day.
My diagnosis was Streptococcus that was contracted from a previous unknown, untreated strep throat episode in recent months.
I was prescribed penicillin and scheduled an appointment for a follow up. After 30 days (Oct. 11, 2024), the rash had not improved and there were a few new rash spots throughout my left breast. The nurse practitioner stated she was still highly suspicious that it could be dermatitis but thought it would be best to go ahead and biopsy the rash. I received a call on Oct. 18, 2024 (one day after my 50th birthday), with the devastating news that I had metastatic inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).
Those words still echo in my mind. I felt a mix of fear, shock and disbelief. IBC doesn’t show up like typical breast cancer. There was no lump, no obvious warning signs – just changes that were confirmed to overlook with a negative mammogram.
By the time I was diagnosed, everything felt like it was moving so fast.
From that point on, my life became a whirlwind of appointments, port placement, scans and treatments. I started chemotherapy, followed by a left mastectomy. Due to residual disease after my initial treatment, I had to start a second round of chemo and immunotherapy while starting radiation. Each step was overwhelming. The physical toll was hard: losing my hair, radiation burns, dealing with fatigue and feeling like my body wasn’t my own. But the emotional toll was even heavier. I had moments when I felt strong and moments when I wondered if I could keep going.
This journey has taught me more about strength than I ever thought possible. I have learned to ask for help, to lean on my family and friends and find hope in the smallest moments.
Being diagnosed with IBC has also opened my eyes to how little awareness there is about this disease. I had never heard of it before, and now I want to make sure other women know what to look for because it can save lives. IBC is not found on mammograms. IBC only shows itself on an MRI, hence why my mammogram in April 2024 was negative for any findings. I believe that if bringing awareness, education and support to people facing this battle can help even one person get diagnosed earlier or feel less alone, then it’s worth every word.
To anyone reading this who is going through cancer right now: you are not alone. This fight is hard, but so are you. There will be days when you feel like giving up; DON’T. Take one day at a time. Celebrate the small victories and never lose hope.