Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Hillary's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Hillary Robinson was 52 when a routine medical exam found something abnormal in her right breast. She had been busy with family, community work and her family’s manufacturing business, and she had put off yearly mammograms. An ultrasound and mammogram showed a mass, and biopsy diagnosed invasive ductal and lobular carcinoma. A second opinion at Cleveland Clinic found additional areas of concern in the breast, so Hillary needed a mastectomy. In April 2019, a breast surgical oncologist performed a nipple-sparing mastectomy while plastic surgeon Dr. Graham Schwarz placed a tissue expander for temporary breast shape. During surgery, cancer was unexpectedly found in axillary lymph nodes. Thirteen lymph nodes were removed, and 3 were cancerous. After recovery, Hillary received 4 months of chemotherapy and 5 weeks of radiation. Lymph node removal and radiation then contributed to lymphedema, causing swelling in her arm and hand. She used compression garments and lymphedema rehabilitation. In March 2020, Dr. Schwarz performed a combined reconstruction: DIEP flap breast reconstruction using abdominal tissue and vascularized lymph node transplant to help repair lymphatic damage. A final revision surgery in November 2020 improved breast symmetry. As of April 2021, Hillary had completed active cancer treatment and reconstruction and emphasized the importance of not delaying mammograms.