Mandi LaSala will never forget the night it all started. She was lying in bed when
she felt a lump in her right breast; her heart dropped. She said a quiet prayer and
tried to get some rest.
The next morning, she told her husband, who immediately encouraged her to see her doctor. At that appointment, she was told it likely wasn’t cancer because the mass was movable.
“Something told me not to ignore this. The lump didn’t feel right. I followed my gut
and scheduled an appointment at Exeter Hospital,” said LaSala, who lives in Sandown.
After six mammograms, six ultrasounds, and six biopsies, she was diagnosed with
stage 2 breast cancer in 2017.
“In that moment, fear tried to take over — but I chose to fight. That was the day my
battle began.”
Then came the even more challenging part — telling her four children that their
mother has cancer, something no parent should ever have to do. This conversation
was one of the most heartbreaking experiences she had ever had.
After sharing the news with family and friends, she was referred to Dana-Farber
Cancer Institute, where she would receive a mastectomy, followed by 22 weeks of
radiation, and then Tamoxifen — a chemo pill she still takes today.
“I was terrified. I questioned everything. How will I look? How will I feel? Can I
get through this? Am I strong enough?”
Cancer taught LaSala that she is stronger than she could ever have imagined.
Her cancer journey wasn’t smooth. She endured complications — it was grueling,
both physically and emotionally. But she made it through, thanks to an incredible
support system. Her husband, friends and family rallied behind her every step or
the way.
One of the most meaningful pieces of advice she received came from a nurse: “Mandi, you’re allowed to kick, scream, cry, throw things, punch things — but only for 10 minutes a day. Then you get back up. Because it’s easy to get stuck in those emotions.’
Those words saved her, and she still lives by them every day.
Throughout her cancer journey, she has made it her mission to raise awareness for
breast cancer. Today, she gives back as much as she can. She’s on the committee
for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk of
Exeter, which took place Sunday, October 19. She helps organize various
events, including fundraisers, golf tournaments, comedy shows, charity events, and
walks, to raise awareness and support for breast cancer research.
“This community is unlike any other. I’ve met so many brave individuals facing
their battles—thrivers, survivors, and caregivers. We lift each other, share tears,
laughter, and hope.
To anyone who may be facing this same battle, know this: You are not alone.