Rita Wilson has revealed she has breast cancer and has already underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. As a result, she’s taking a break from her play Fish in the Dark.
In a statement, Tom Hanks’ wife said she was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma and feels “blessed” that she caught it early and has the support of family and friends. “Early diagnosis is key,” she said.
“I am recovering and most importantly, expected to make a full recovery. Why? Because I caught this early, have excellent doctors and because I got a second opinion,” she told People in a statement.
She continued, "I have had an underlying condition of LCIS, (lobular carcinoma in situ) which has been vigilantly monitored through yearly mammograms and breast MRIs. Recently, after two surgical breast biopsies, PLCIS (pleomorphic carcinoma in situ) was discovered. I mention this because there is much unknown about PLCIS and it is often found alongside DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). I was relieved when the pathology showed no cancer.”
But after going in for a second (and third) opinion at the urging of a friend, doctors did find cancer. She stressed she wanted to share this story to encourage others to get second opinions and most importantly, go to the doctor if something doesn’t “feel right.”
Wilson shared the statement with her Facebook followers, assuring she's "doing well and getting stronger every day."
image via Roger Wong/INFphoto.com