Stage III Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Lucy's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Lucy was 47 when she found a pea-sized lump in the outer quadrant of her right breast during a self-exam in 2003. A mammogram and ultrasound did not show cancer, and she was told the lump was a fluid-filled cyst. Over the next 15 months, the area grew to the size of a large lime and the surrounding skin became extremely itchy. With a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, Lucy pushed forward. A second mammogram still missed the cancer, but ultrasound showed a large black mass with tentacles. A core needle biopsy confirmed breast cancer. Lucy learned that the tumor was invasive lobular carcinoma, measuring 7 x 6 x 3 cm, and that 7 of 19 removed lymph nodes were cancerous. Her Stage III diagnosis interrupted full-time work and night classes. Two months later, treatment began with a double mastectomy, aggressive chemotherapy, and radiation. At the time, Lucy found limited information about ILC, so she later turned her experience into education and advocacy, including workshops for young women on breast exams and self-advocacy. She eventually found LBCA years after diagnosis. Lucy celebrated 20 years with no evidence of disease and emphasized that life can continue after breast cancer.