Testimonials
In October of 2024, Nicki was diagnosed with Metastatic Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC), a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that she had never even heard of before her diagnosis. It changed her life in ways she never imagined. This is her story.
“It all started in April 2024 when I noticed a tubular-like structure in the six 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’d had a mammogram in October 2023 that was unremarkable). The mammogram with ultrasound results were negative, showing no evidence of malignancy. They suggested for me to follow up in a year for my annual mammogram.
“In July and August 2024, I noticed a small rash at the ten o’clock region of my left breast. The rash didn’t itch or hurt, and it wasn’t raised. Mind you, I did not correlate the tubular structure and the rash at this point. 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 near my house to make an appointment, and to my surprise, they had a cancellation, and I was able to see a nurse practitioner that same day.
“Diagnosis was Streptococcus contracted from a previous, unknown, untreated strep throat episode in the recent months. That made sense as I had been very ill in February 2024. I let this illness run its course, with no visit to my primary care provider.
“The nurse practitioner prescribed PCN and scheduled an appointment in thirty days for a follow up. Fast forward thirty days (October 11, 2024)—the rash had not improved, and there were a few new rash spots throughout my left breast. The nurse practitioner was still highly suspicious for dermatitis of some sort but thought it would be best to go ahead and biopsy the rash. I received a call on October 18, 2024 (one day after my fiftieth birthday) with the devastating news that I have Metastatic Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
“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 TCHP chemotherapy, followed by a left mastectomy. Due to residual disease after the TCHP regimen, 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. 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.
“Thank you, Personal Symmetrics for giving me a platform to share my story and for being a light for so many of us in the darkest times. Together, we can make a difference.”
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that is often misdiagnosed initially due to its unusual symptoms. Instead of forming a distinct lump, cancer cells block lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast. It spreads quickly, often in a matter of weeks or months, and tends to invade nearby lymph nodes and tissues early, causing visible inflammation and skin changes.
IBC symptoms, which are often mistaken for infection, injury, or mastitis, may include:
- Redness, warmth, and swelling over one-third or more of the breast
- Thickened or pitted skin resembling an orange peel
- Pain or tenderness
- Rapid increase in breast size
- Nipple inversion or discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or collarbone
If you notice any sudden changes in breast appearance, especially redness, swelling, or skin thickening without a lump, seek immediate medical attention. Early and accurate diagnosis of IBC is critical for improving outcomes.
Cincinnati’s Personal Symmetrics is a post-mastectomy boutique that has served the needs of women in the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana region for more than twenty-five years. Our goal is to educate you on your post-surgery options, to be a valued member of your recovery team, to bring back your comfort and confidence, and to help you feel like yourself again.
Contact us to set up your free initial consultation. In a warm and friendly setting, our board-certified clinical staff will guide you through the fitting process, the choices that you have, and the many different products available to you.
Resources: https://theibcnetwork.org/
https://www.bcrf.org/about-breast-cancer/inflammatory-breast-cancer/
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read on the internet.
“Personal Symmetrics exceeded my expectations. In fact, I’m still amazed and shocked by my experience and how they can actually provide that kind of service to women who have experienced that kind of trauma, and have you leave with a smile on your face. To have their patients walk out with such joy is really hard to do and they make it look easy.”
Tina B.,
Personal Symmetrics patient
“I just moved to Cincinnati and called Personal Symmetrics. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I walked in the door I was immediately greeted with an unbelievable amount of warmth and compassion. It felt like I had just walked into my mother’s arms.”
Tina B.,
Personal Symmetrics patient
“The products they offered – the clothing, the bras, the bathing suits – it was so overwhelming. It gave me such hope and joy for the first time in a very long time.”
Tina B.,
Personal Symmetrics patient
“If I had known of Personal Symmetrics before I went through all of my trauma, I think it would have made my life a lot easier. It would have given me a goal to look forward to.”
Tina B.,
Personal Symmetrics patient
“Tammy is the loveliest lady and most compassionate and empathetic person. She looked at me like my doctors did and said that it’s going to be okay; that she’s going to find something and that she won’t stop until she finds everything I want.”
Tina B.,
Personal Symmetrics patient
“I was blown away by the products alone, but also by how compassionate and empathetic Tammy was. It was as if she was able to look inside of me and know exactly what I needed. She made me feel comfortable enough to express my concerns to her and my fears. To tell you the truth, I was encouraged and excited. She made me feel so happy and over the top with excitement that I just couldn’t wait to see the next thing. Tammy answered all of my questions and concerns and provided me with the information and products that I needed to make me whole again.”
Tina B.,
Personal Symmetrics patient
“Personal Symmetrics exceeded my expectations. In fact, I’m still amazed and shocked by my experience and how they can actually provide that kind of service to women who have experienced that kind of trauma, and have you leave with a smile on your face. To have their patients walk out with such joy is really hard to do and they make it look easy.”
Tina B.,
Personal Symmetrics patient
“It felt like it was Christmas morning when I showed up to pick up my prosthetics; they knew exactly what I needed. I’m still in awe of everything that they were able to provide me with as a cancer survivor and as a woman. And I will never forget it. I will never forget their compassion.”
Tina B.,
Personal Symmetrics patient
“The best part of my experience with Personal Symmetrics was working with Tammy. I would have gotten on a plane to meet her. Right down from how she greeted me with that smile to her genuine love, concern, and compassion. I felt it from the moment I walked in there and the way she welcomed me. You can’t feel those kinds of things all the time unless it’s real. She literally made it so easy on me. You can imagine the stress and anxiety of not knowing what it was going to cost you to feel whole again, to feel normal again, to feel pretty again, to have your clothes fit you again, but Tammy looked right at me and said that it’s all going to be okay and that I’m not going to leave here until I have exactly what I need. She took on that burden for me. She said that I worried long enough and that she was going to take care of me. She knew everything. She was completely professional and informed.”
Tina B.,
Personal Symmetrics patient
“After my very first consultation, I walked out with prosthetics. I put them on and I immediately felt normal. Then I came back and got measured for my other ones and got bras. When she measured me, she took a great deal of time. She didn’t stop until she was absolutely positive that the measurements were right because she didn’t want me to wait another moment for the prosthetics. And Tammy called me with a lot of joy in her voice to tell me that they [my prosthetics] had arrived. She had such joy in her face when I walked in, she knew how excited I was, and we kind of celebrated a little bit and I walked out with a smile and I’ve been smiling ever since.”
Tina B.,
Personal Symmetrics patient
“Once you’re healed and cured, it’s time to rebuild and Personal Symmetrics helps you rebuild. Women who’ve had to experience this kind of trauma need the kind of support that Personal Symmetrics provides. They need it more than I ever thought possible until I walked in there. Every woman should have the opportunity to walk into a place like that and feel the way I felt, and Tammy helped me do that. You put your prosthetics on and you put your nice blouse on and you instantly feel good and therefore, your outlook is better. And every day that I put my prosthetics on, I feel that and it just makes everything better.”
Tina B.,
Personal Symmetrics patient
“They are amazing people, who are very dedicated. I’m always impressed by them. The process for the breast prosthesis was very easy and fast, the scanning and all.”
Annie K.,
Personal Symmetrics patient
“The people are very friendly and I feel really at ease with them.” – Annie K., Personal Symmetrics patient “To me, it’s the whole experience. Every time I go to that place, they’re extremely friendly. It’s like meeting with friends.” – Annie K., Personal Symmetrics patient “The best part of my experience with Personal Symmetrics was walking out of there with a new breast. A new look.”
Annie K.,
Personal Symmetrics patient
“The custom breast prostheses gave me comfort, the symmetry was just right, and they feel more natural. . . It’s an excellent alternative to reconstruction.”
Dale,
Personal Symmetrics patient
An array of skin, areola, and nipple options are available to help match the look of your natural breast.
“The prostheses contour in the right spots against my chest wall. They’re like a puzzle piece…they just fit perfectly.”
Jennifer,
Personal Symmetrics patient
Contact Us
Questions or comments?
E-mail us at tammy@rjrosenberg.com
Personal Symmetrics
Phone: For more information or to arrange for
a custom fitting, please call (513) 221-7200.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by appointment only.
3366 Central Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45225
