Featured Image Credit: Instagram/endeavorhlth
Topics: Cancer, Breast cancer, US News
Joe Yates
A cancer survivor has spoken out about her experiences having developed the disease at the age of 100, before beating it at 101.
Layne Horwich received her devastating diagnosis breast cancer just two months on from her 100th birthday, and a day after Independence Day last year.
The senior TikTok star explained: “For me at my age, my breast cancer diagnosis was something that I could deal with."
The Illinois native's story has been shared by medical group Endeavor Health, having visited its Highland Park Hospital - which is located in a suburb north of Chicago - with the post having gone viral on Instagram.
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Taking to the platform, Endeavor Health posted: "When 100-year old Layne Horwich was diagnosed with breast cancer, she elected to have a right breast lumpectomy as it was the most life-friendly solution for her comfort and wellbeing.
"Guided by a team of experts from Endeavor Health, including Catherine Pesce, MD, a surgical oncologist, Layne is back to living as independently as she can and putting peace, calm, kindness and a little fashionable beauty out in the world."
However, Horwich notes that her circumstances are stark to that of a younger woman who would be more reluctant to undergoing a lumpectomy.
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For those unfamiliar with the terminology, a lumpectomy is an operation to surgically remove a portion of tissue from an infected area where a tumor has grown.
"I opted to have surgery because I felt it was a prudent decision for my health," Horwich continued.
"I know this is not the same for a 30-year-old woman and that breast cancer can alter the rest of her life with complications or reoccurrences and related uncertainty.
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"But at almost 101, a heart attack or a stroke would have been more devastating and could possibly leave me incapacitated."
Her doctors laid out three plans to her - 'do nothing, begin an oral medication or have surgery', explains Dr Catherine Pesce.
She added: "Surprisingly, Layne wanted to have the surgery, but I agreed because I knew she would tolerate it. She is truly an amazing person and is doing great after surgery.
"At her six-month follow-up appointment, everyone in the office was absolutely wowed by her.”
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As for her secret for a long-life, Horwich credited it to keeping active.
She added: "I do everything I can to keep going, like reading and playing cards.
"I played tennis regularly until I was 92. I try to do all the right things to stay active and healthy.
"In this case, I was fortunate to find Dr. Pesce. I encourage other women to stop living with something that bothers them or could be a medical concern. Seek expert care.”