Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Eileen's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Eileen’s lobular breast cancer was diagnosed in September 2018, when a radiologist called just after her plane landed. Early consultations suggested lumpectomy and 5 weeks of radiation, but an MRI changed the plan. What first appeared to be a line of invasive lobular carcinoma above the left nipple turned out to be more widespread: 5 ILC lines through the left breast and 3 more on the right. Eileen had a double mastectomy. Recovery was not simple. Necrosis and poor healing became part of the next 2 years, leading to 7 additional surgeries. Because ILC can spread in subtle ways, her doctor also became concerned when a growth was found on her Fallopian tubes. Eileen had an oophorectomy as surgery #9, and the biopsy showed no malignancy. She continued to be watched closely because malignant cells had been found in her left lymph nodes. As of March 2022, Eileen preferred to say she was NED, with no evidence of disease, rather than simply cancer-free. She hoped to keep hearing that result from her oncologist every 4 months and found support through lobular breast cancer education and community.