When Luana Maddalena discovered a lump in her breast, she trusted her instincts and sought answers. She soon received a breast cancer diagnosis that would change her life. Since her diagnosis, she’s found inspiration in her community, who rallied around her as she fundraised for the Race for the Cure.
Instincts Lead to a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Luana wasn’t shocked when she learned she had breast cancer.
“I noticed a lump and my husband tried to reassure me that I didn’t need to worry,” she said. “But I just had this feeling there was something more to it.”
After a diagnostic mammogram and breast ultrasound, her suspicion grew. Additional testing confirmed her diagnosis: triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma.
“When you hear breast cancer, your whole life just goes to a different level,” Luana said. “My whole world just shifted.”
Finding Confidence Through a Second Opinion
The oncologist planned to treat the tumors with aggressive neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. This strategy didn’t sit well with Luana, and she decided to seek a second opinion before moving forward.
“During my second consultation, the doctor came in and said, ‘I have good news,’” she recalled. “I immediately began crying. She told me I was going to be OK. This was the first time since I was diagnosed that someone had given me good news.”
Beginning Breast Cancer Treatment
Luana moved forward with a new treatment plan, beginning with a double mastectomy. “There wasn’t any indication of cancer in my right breast,” she said. “I just didn’t want to worry and feel that fear again.”
After she recovered from her mastectomy, Luana began 12 weeks of chemotherapy. Her insurance covered cold capping, which helps minimize hair loss by freezing hair follicles.
“It’s one of the best inventions ever made,” she said. “I lost some hair, but I have so much of it that you could barely notice. It was such a blessing.”
Now that she is done with chemo, Luana is working with the cold cap manufacturer to send the cap to a cancer patient who can’t afford the out-of-pocket expense of cold capping. “I was lucky to have insurance that covered that expense,” she said. “Not everyone has that, so I want to be able to give someone the same opportunity.”
Breast Cancer Survivor to Fundraiser
After going through breast cancer, Luana wanted to do more and began researching breast cancer awareness walks in her area. When she landed on the event page for the Komen Greater NYC Race for the Cure, she felt called to register.
“One of my best friends from childhood died of a rare cancer, and the Race was scheduled for her birthday,” she said. “It was a sign that I had to do this walk for Lisa.”
She started a team – Lu’s Crew – and shared her page with everyone in her circle. “I sent it to my friends back home, high school friends and work friends,” she said. “Within a week, so many had not just donated, but they also registered and joined my team.”
On Race morning, more than 40 of Luana’s friends and family met her to catch the bus to the event. As she walked to meet them, her eyes filled with tears. “To see so many people coming together at 7 a.m. to support me was so incredible,” she said.
After the Race, Luana continued to receive donations and messages of support from people in her community who saw photos from the event on social media. “People would donate and then reach out to send me well wishes,” she said. “It was such a moving experience.”
Looking Ahead: A Message of Awareness
Luana is in the final leg of her breast cancer treatment – weekly immunotherapy shots. She’ll have breast reconstruction and begin hormone therapy soon after. As she reflects on her own experience, she hopes to inspire other women to make their breast health a priority.
“It’s so important to get your mammogram and follow-up with any tests your doctor may recommend,” she said. “But it’s also so important to know your body. My cancer wasn’t detected by a mammogram; it was detected by me. You have to be in tune with yourself and keep up with your self-checks.”
Statements and opinions expressed are those of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
