In 2021, at age 52, with no prior health issues, I was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer, stage 4 de novo. That means the very first time I heard the word “cancer,” it had already spread beyond my breast and into my bones. Stage 4 was my starting point. Hearing those words was terrifying.
Like many, I believed my regular screenings were keeping me safe. For three years, mammograms and ultrasounds showed nothing, even though I could feel and see changes in my breasts. What I did not know then, but understand now, is that lobular breast cancer can be especially difficult to detect.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, my hope is to shine some light on this lesser known breast cancer and encourage people to become stronger advocates for their health. Awareness begins with listening to yourself. If something feels off, or if test results do not match what you know to be true, keep speaking up until you get answers. Persistence can make all the difference.
What makes lobular cancer particularly challenging is that, unlike the more common ductal breast cancer, it does not always form a distinct lump. Instead, it can grow in lines, almost like a spiderweb blending into surrounding tissue. Because of this, standard imaging such as mammograms and ultrasounds can miss it, particularly in women with dense breast tissue.
That is not to say scans are unimportant, because they absolutely are, but they are not perfect. In my case, cancer advanced silently while the images remained clear. This is why being aware of your own body, noticing changes and insisting on further tests when something does not feel right is critical.
When I was told I had incurable cancer, it felt like the ground had disappeared beneath me.
When I was told I had incurable cancer, it felt like the ground had disappeared beneath me. Yet, I soon learned that stage 4 does not mean hopelessness. Today, my reality includes medications, treatments and semi-annual scans. Life does change, but it continues. I treasure my second marriage. I cherish time with the people I love. And I look forward to meeting my first grandchild in 2026. Cancer has changed my life, but it has also made me focus on what matters most.
Encouragingly, lobular breast cancer is receiving more attention from researchers. Studies are helping us understand how it grows and spreads, and new, more effective treatments are being developed. This gives me real hope, not just for myself, but for those diagnosed after me.
Three things I want you to take away:
- Scans are not infallible. If you notice physical changes or feel unwell, do not ignore your instincts and push for answers.
- You can live with stage 4. Trust the treatment and live your best life. I don’t see myself in a “battle” – I see myself living with cancer.
- There is hope. Advances are happening. I realize I am living the reality of what many women before me could only have hoped for and I am optimistic about the future diagnosis and management of the disease.
Lobular breast cancer is different. Vigilance matters. And stage 4 does not erase the possibility of hope or joy. If my words encourage even one person to trust their instincts, to ask again for that second test or to live each day with a little more gratitude, then sharing my story will have mattered.
