My introduction to hearing the words lobular breast cancer came following my own diagnosis on September 22nd, 2022 at the age of 46. 

Around the time I was 35, I found a hard, pea size lump in my breast which ended up benign. I received routine regular mammograms every fall, and all of these mammograms produced the same result: extremely dense breasts. I figured it would explain why my breasts would get so tender and felt so lumpy to the touch. I gave up on doing self exams, as I would find hard lumps everywhere every month. 

In 2017, following my own instinct after speaking with a friend, I found a rapid imaging center near Detroit, Michigan that offered low-cost self-pay options for patients, regardless of insurance status. I had my first breast MRI there, where I learned that I had heterogeneous breast density and was advised to continue with regular breast MRI screening in the future.

For years, my mammograms were considered clear, although they consistently noted my breast density. Then, in September 2022, I received a call back after my mammogram, and I knew something had been found. What followed was four different biopsies, including an MRI-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy that became a severely traumatic experience. In many ways, the biopsy went so wrong that I found the experience even more difficult than my eventual double mastectomy.

I quickly went into survival mode, determined to learn everything I could about lobular breast cancer. Through connecting with LBCA founding member Leigh Pate, I was introduced to the incredible work of LBCA. From my first conversations with Leigh, I knew I had found a safe place and the support I needed. Even in the short time I knew her, her passion for advocacy was unmistakable. I could see how deeply committed she was to connecting with and helping people who were just beginning their own lobular breast cancer journeys.

Connecting with LBCA from the very beginning was a crucial life raft at a time that was most needed for direction, comfort, and clarity on this disease. I feel that the center where I was treated truly failed me when it came to providing information about lobular breast cancer or directing me toward resources where I could find guidance and support. That experience is a big part of why I feel so committed to patient advocacy. Being part of this community has brought me so much comfort, positivity, and joy, while also giving me a sense of purpose in helping others feel less alone and better supported throughout their own journeys.

I still enjoy my career as a horse trainer and have been fortunate to blend my advocacy work into my life, thanks to the flexibility that comes with being an independent trainer. I have a beautiful family here in Michigan, and as often as I can, I travel home to Ireland, where the rest of my family still lives. Being able to bring my advocacy work to my hometown of Drogheda has been especially meaningful, allowing me to share resources and information with communities there that have welcomed me with open arms.

I am blessed to have the unwavering support of my family in my advocacy work. They have been incredibly understanding of the time and commitment it takes to be available to collaborate, learn, and share in support of one another.

To this day, I continue to educate myself through various scientific programs, as I believe education is a crucial part of advocacy and that there is still a tremendous need for greater awareness and understanding of lobular breast cancer.

We have a growing concern with the rate of lobular breast cancer cases rising and the need for more awareness put into action. 

I am grateful for the day I was introduced to the LBCA. It has been such a powerful part of my continued journey with breast cancer.