Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Stephanie's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Stephanie was 68 when she shared a long breast cancer history. In 2004, a routine mammogram found an abnormality on the right side. She had a needle-localized biopsy, lumpectomy, and sentinel node biopsy, then was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ and extensive lobular carcinoma in situ. Treatment included single mastectomy, reconstruction, chemotherapy, and 5 years of Tamoxifen. For years, she had mammograms and follow-up visits, but no additional imaging on the right side. In July 2018, after lifting and moving items, she felt pain and a lump in her right axilla. Biopsy first labeled it ductal breast cancer. CT scans showed no metastasis, but MRI found a right axillary lymph node mass and a concerning chest-wall area. In October 2018, Stephanie had a 12-hour surgery that removed multiple lymph nodes, 4 ribs, and part of the lower sternum. Margins were not clean because the spread was extensive, and doctors later clarified that the cancer was invasive lobular carcinoma. Since then, she has had Ibrance, Femara, additional surgeries, and recurrence in the original area. As of February 2022, recent scans showed no new cancer growth, and she continued Femara without chemotherapy. Her experience shows why long-term follow-up and subtype awareness matter after lobular disease.