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Rita Wilson has taken her very personal struggle public revealing that she wasrecently diagnosed with breast cancer. The actress said she was"blessed" her life was saved after undergoing a double mastectomy andreconstructive surgery.
"Ihave taken a leave from the play Fish in the Dark to deal with apersonal health issue. Last week, with my husband by my side, and with the loveand support of family and friends, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy andreconstruction for breast cancer after a diagnosis of invasive lobularcarcinoma," Rita told People magazine exclusively. "I am recoveringand most importantly, expected to make a full recovery. Why? Because I caughtthis early, have excellent doctors and because I got a second opinion."
Rita revealed she underwent surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer Photo: Getty Images
The58-year-old wife of Tom Hanks went into detail about her condition discussingwhy it's important to get an early diagnosis and ask for second opinions. "I have had anunderlying condition of LCIS, (lobular carcinoma in situ) which has beenvigilantly monitored through yearly mammograms and breast MRIs. Recently, aftertwo surgical breast biopsies, PLCIS (pleomorphic carcinoma in situ) wasdiscovered. I mention this because there is much unknown about PLCIS and it isoften found alongside DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). I was relieved when thepathology showed no cancer."
The actress is encouraging people to get second opinions when it comes to their health Photo: Getty Images
Shewent on to say, "However, a friend who had had breast cancer suggested Iget a second opinion on my pathology and my gut told me that was the thing todo. A different pathologist found invasive lobular carcinoma. His diagnosis ofcancer was confirmed by, yet, another pathologist. I share this to educateothers that a second opinion is critical to your health. You have nothing tolose if both opinions match up for the good, and everything to gain ifsomething that was missed is found, which does happen. Early diagnosis iskey."
Rita says she recieved a ton of support from her husband Tom Photo: Getty Images
Despitethis difficult time, Rita admits her family and friends' support have helpedher through it. "I feel blessed to have a loving, supportive husband,family, friends and doctors and that I am the beneficiary of advances in thefield of breast cancer and reconstruction. I am getting better every day and lookforward to renewed health," she said. "I hope this will encourageothers to get a second opinion and to trust their instincts if somethingdoesn't 'feel' right."