Tom Hank’s wife Rita Wilson undergoes double mastectomy for breast cancer

Tom Hank’s wife Rita Wilson has taken a break from the play “Fish in the Dark” because of her illness. (Source: Reuters)

Hollywood star Tom Hanks’ actress wife Rita Wilson has revealed she has undergone a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Wilson, who has taken a break from the play “Fish in the Dark” because of her illness, said she is recovering well, reported People magazine. “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,” Wilson said in a statement.

“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, 58, said she 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.”

Wilson said much is “unknown about PLCIS “and it is often found alongside DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ).” “I was relieved when the pathology showed no cancer,” she said. Wilson took the advice of a friend, who had breast cancer, by getting a second opinion. “My gut told me that was 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. 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,” said Wilson, who has two kids and two step-kids.

“I hope this will encourage others to get a second opinion and to trust their instincts if something doesn’t ‘feel’ right.” Wilson’s replacement for “Fish in the Dark” has not been announced. She is returning to Broadway May 5, her representative said.

Source:: Indian Express