What happened, in summary

Erica was 46 when a routine mammogram changed the course of her life. She had delayed screening in her early 40s because of procedural anxiety, but after encouragement from her doctor and a close friend, she began annual mammograms. Her 2022, 2023, and 2024 screenings showed dense breast tissue but no suspicious findings. In March 2025, after almost skipping that year’s appointment, her mammogram showed possible architectural distortion. An ultrasound followed, and a radiologist familiar with lobular cancer identified 2 tumors. MRI then found a 3rd tumor. Erica was diagnosed with Stage IA, Grade 2 invasive lobular carcinoma that was ER-positive, PR-positive, and HER2-negative. In May 2025, she had a lumpectomy with sentinel node excision. The known tumors were removed successfully, and her lymph nodes were not involved. She then completed 16 rounds of radiation. A complete hysterectomy with ovary removal, done for other health issues, also affected her medication options after breast cancer treatment. As of December 2025, Erica was moving through survivorship by connecting with support groups, finding LBCA resources, and using advocacy as part of her emotional, spiritual, and physical healing. Early detection became a central message in how she made sense of the experience. Her experience also reinforced why she encourages others to keep annual screening appointments.