Lynette Bisconti
Lynette Bisconti, Cancer Fighter, on Today
Lynette Bisconti is a breast cancer survivor and a member of Cancer Fighters. Recently, Lynette joined Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb on Today. Lynette discussed the important role of patient advocacy and empowerment in her triumph over cancer, and shares how Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) supported her life and health goals and decisions through a fully integrated care model that focuses on the whole-person needs of patients.
Lynette recently shared with us her motivation behind being a member of Cancer Fighters. “I enjoy being a Cancer Fighter because this program gives me a voice. It allows me to tell my story in the hope that it will help those cancer patients who have come after me.”
Lynette continues, “Participating gives me an opportunity to give back and to teach my son to give back as well. It also gives me an opportunity to learn from others who have walked through cancer. And, I find being a Cancer Fighter inspiring. Cancer patients and their caregivers, particularly those within Cancer Treatment Centers of America, are the most wonderful, caring and courageous people I have met. Connecting with them and being a part of this very special group inspires and humbles me everyday.”
“Cancer Fighters are amazing people! It is a privilege to be one of them,” she added.
At age 34, Lynette was diagnosed with breast cancer, just three weeks after discovering she was pregnant. Lynette had a mastectomy when she was just 10 weeks pregnant. The pathology report after surgery showed she had an aggressive cancer and she was advised to have chemotherapy and radiation. Lynette chose not to be treated after consulting with six physicians, all advising her to terminate the pregnancy.
On a referral from a family friend, she called CTCA. She found a team that put her beliefs, desires and her survival at the center of the plan and allow her to be a full partner in all of her healthcare decisions. On August 31, 1998, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Frankie. Almost a year and a half after her original diagnosis she chose to receive radiation.
Lynette continues to work with her healthcare team at CTCA to give herself the best chance of remaining disease-free. In October 2008, Lynette became the President of Gateway for Cancer Research. She is a passionate advocate of patient-centered cancer research that offers new and innovative treatment options to cancer.
You can view her Today segment online or read her full survivor story.