David Livingston/Getty ImagesActress and singer Rita Wilson was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has undergone a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
"I have taken a leave from the play Fish in the Dark to deal with a personal health issue. Last week, with my husband [two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks] 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," the "Girls Night In" singer tells E! News 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, first shared the news of her diagnosis and surgeries with People.
The Girls guest star 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," she stressed.
"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 rep tells E! News.
Recently, Jason Alexander was hired to replace Larry David.
Rita also updated her Facebook page Tuesday, writing, "Hi all. There is some news I want to share with you in hopes that if you or any woman you know is dealing with this that a second opinion is necessary and vital. Not just by another doctor but by another pathologist. I'm doing well and getting stronger every day."