Rita Wilson, the wife of actor Tom Hanks, underwent a bilateral mastectomy–as well as reconstructive surgery–last week, following a diagnosis of breast cancer.
According to a report from People magazine, the actress feels ‘blessed.’
“I have taken a leave from the play Fish in the Dark to deal with a personal health issue. Last week, with my husband by my side, and with the love and support of family and friends, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction for breast cancer after a diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma. 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,” Wilson said.
“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,” she added.
Rita Wilson undergoes double mastectomy after breast cancer diagnosis http://t.co/ZuyYBsRBNS pic.twitter.com/oswroopg0N
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) April 14, 2015
“However, a friend who had had breast cancer suggested I get a second opinion on my pathology and my gut told me that was the thing to do. A different pathologist found invasive lobular carcinoma. His diagnosis of cancer was confirmed by, yet, another pathologist. I share this to educate others that a second opinion is critical to your health. You have nothing to lose if both opinions match up for the good, and everything to gain if something that was missed is found, which does happen. Early diagnosis is key,” Rita Wilson shared.
“I feel blessed to have a loving, supportive husband, family, friends and doctors and that I am the beneficiary of advances in the field of breast cancer and reconstruction. I am getting better every day and look forward to renewed health,” she said.
“I hope this will encourage others to get a second opinion and to trust their instincts if something doesn’t ‘feel’ right,” the actress urged.
Tom Hanks has yet to comment publicly on wife Rita Wilson and her recent breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery. It won’t be surprising to see him issue a statement in the near future.
Kudos to Rita Wilson for speaking out about her very personal ordeal, in hopes that it will help other women be more mindful about their own bodies and breast health.
Surely people from all around the world are keeping Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, and their family in their prayers as they all recover from this harrowing ordeal.