Stage III Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Angie's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Angie is a nurse and RN case manager in Louisiana. Because of earlier microcalcifications, she had been getting annual mammograms. She postponed a February 2017 mammogram until May because she had started a new job and expected another negative result. This time, imaging found something in the upper outer part of her left breast. Her breast specialist reviewed the film, examined her, and found a slightly hardened area Angie had not noticed. The specialist suspected invasive lobular carcinoma, and biopsy confirmed it. Angie’s oncologist explained that she had Stage III, grade 3 ILC, with 16 of 23 lymph nodes positive and extension beyond the nodes. She chose the option her doctor most strongly recommended: 4 AC and 12 Taxol over 5 months. Her radiation oncologist recommended 30 rounds of radiation. Angie finished treatment in March 2018 and then started Arimidex, planned for 10 years. As of September 2021, she was living with fatigue and muscle aches while continuing long-term hormone therapy. Her nursing background helped her research ILC, and she found LBCA resources useful because lobular breast cancer behaves differently from other breast cancers and can be hard to feel on exam or see clearly on mammograms. Her story reinforces the value of follow-up when screening finds even subtle breast changes.