On May 20, 2025, Erika Ehlers, a 36-year-old wife and mother to an 11-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son, received a life-altering diagnosis: stage III invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). This elusive breast cancer, notorious for evading standard mammograms, went undetected in her earlier screenings. Her experience highlights the critical need for vigilance and advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI or ultrasound, to detect ILC and underscores the importance of advocating for thorough evaluations when standard methods fall short.

In July 2024, Erika, with a history of benign breast cysts, noticed a new mass in her left breast. A screening mammogram identified scattered fibroglandular elements in both breasts, which were noted as elements which could obscure a lesion on mammography. Additionally, benign calcifications in both breasts with no significant masses, calcifications, or finding in either breast, and no mammographic evidence of malignancy were observed.

These findings seemed consistent with her medical history. Unbeknownst to her, invasive lobular carcinoma often masquerades as benign tissue on standard mammograms, its diffuse growth pattern making it notoriously difficult to detect without advanced imaging. Reassured by the results, Erika carried on, unaware of the silent threat growing within.

By April 2025, new symptoms emerged: increasing acute nerve pain in her left armpit and under her clavicle, coupled with mild swelling. It wasn't until Erika deeply palpated the area that she discovered another mass. Her finding prompted a visit to her OB/GYN. A diagnostic mammogram with ultrasound revealed three masses in her left breast and several enlarged lymph nodes in her armpit and clavicle. A biopsy confirmed malignant cancer cells in both areas, indicating local metastasis. Erika?s experience underscores the need for additional diagnostic tests beyond standard mammography to detect ILC, which her mammogram failed to identify nearly a year earlier.

Her oncologist ordered CT and bone scans to check for spread to distant organs or bones?a finding that would deem the cancer incurable, shifting treatment to hormone therapy for life prolongation. While initial scans showed no evidence of metastasis, ultimately the precision of a FES-PET scan would be needed to validate the cancer had not spread. The weeks between scans were physically and emotionally grueling as Erika and her loved ones awaited clarity.

The scans brought hope: no distant spread. Erika?s cancer was still potentially curable. She has since begun a rigorous treatment plan?chemotherapy to shrink the tumors, which will be followed by surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy?a year-long journey to remission. This battle tests her strength daily, but Erika?s story is a powerful reminder: women must advocate for comprehensive testing, such as ultrasounds or MRIs, when they suspect something is wrong. Invasive lobular carcinoma?s elusive nature demands such persistence, as early detection is the key to unlocking better outcomes.

Surrounded by her family, friends, and medical team, Erika fights with unwavering courage, strength, beauty, and perseverance. We stand by her, cheering every step toward healing and a cure!

This fundraising campaign has been created to assist with treatment costs and keep life as normal as possible for Erika, her husband Brock, their 11 year old daughter, and 2 year old son as they navigate these challenging times together. No one fights alone! Each purchase is an incredible gift to Erika and her family, not only as a show of personal support for Erika in fight against cancer, but the profits from each sale are donated directly to her family?each purchase makes a difference!

Erika's Support Squad shirt was designed to raise awareness. The iconic pink ribbon is a universal symbol of breast cancer awareness, instantly recognizable to many. These shirts display your solidarity not only with Erika and her family, but with survivors, patients, and families alike, reminding them they?re not alone in their fight!

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing lobules and spreads into surrounding breast tissue. It is the second most common form of breast cancer, making up about 10-15% of all cases.

Unlike invasive ductal carcinoma, which forms distinct lumps, ILC grows in a single-file, diffuse pattern. This diffuse growth makes ILC harder to detect via standard mammogram or physical exam, often leading to later-stage diagnosis. ILC?s subtle, infiltrative nature can blend into normal breast tissue, frequently making it invisible on standard mammograms, which are designed to detect denser masses. This characteristic requires advanced diagnostic imaging, such as breast MRI or ultrasound, which are more sensitive to ILC?s patterns.

Accurate BI-RADS (Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System) categorization is critical in diagnosing ILC. BI-RADS standardizes imaging assessments and guides clinical decisions. ILC?s diffuse nature can lead to underestimation in BI-RADS scoring, potentially causing false-negative mammogram results (e.g., BI-RADS 1 or 2 when abnormalities exist). Proper BI-RADS categorization, especially with MRI or ultrasound, ensures suspicious findings are flagged (e.g., BI-RADS 4 or 5), prompting timely biopsies and reducing diagnostic delays.

Women must self-advocate for advanced scans if they suspect abnormalities, even if mammogram results are normal. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, so persisting with concerns and requesting additional imaging or specialist consultation is crucial, especially when subtle breast changes are present, to ensure nothing is missed.

ILC primarily affects women, with a median diagnosis age of around 60, slightly older than other breast cancers. However, as seen in cases like Erika?s, 32% of ILC diagnoses occur in women under 60. According to the American Cancer Society, about 43,600 new cases of ILC are estimated annually in the United States, based on 2025 projections for all breast cancers (approximately 310,720 new cases, with ILC comprising 10-15%). The incidence is higher in postmenopausal women, with risk factors including hormone replacement therapy, family history, and BRCA2 genetic mutations.

Symptoms of ILC may include subtle breast thickening, swelling, or skin dimpling, but early ILC often lacks noticeable symptoms, complicating detection further. Diagnosis typically involves imaging?MRI or ultrasound for better visualization of subtle tissue changes?and a biopsy to confirm ILC. Accurate BI-RADS categorization during imaging helps stratify risk and prioritize further testing; for example, a BI-RADS 3 finding may warrant short-term follow-up, but persistent symptoms should prompt re-evaluation to avoid missing ILC.

ILC tends to metastasize to unusual sites like the gastrointestinal tract, ovaries, or peritoneum, unlike other breast cancers that commonly spread to bones, liver, or lungs. Treatment often includes surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy, as ILC is frequently hormone receptor-positive (estrogen or progesterone receptor-positive in about 90% of cases).

The 5-year survival rate for localized ILC is approximately 93%, dropping to 72% for regional spread and 22% for distant metastases, per National Cancer Institute data (2020-2024). Outcomes depend heavily on the stage at diagnosis and response to hormone-based therapies. Given ILC?s elusive nature, ongoing research aims to improve early detection through advanced imaging and targeted treatments.

Women are encouraged to educate themselves about ILC?s unique characteristics and monitor for subtle symptoms. Advocating for comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, including MRI or ultrasound, when standard mammograms are inconclusive, maximizes the chances of early detection and effective treatment. Awareness of BI-RADS categorization empowers women to question imaging results and seek clarification from healthcare providers, ensuring subtle or ambiguous findings are not overlooked.