The approach to health, wellness and medical needs shifts during each stage of life. A diagnosis of breast cancer for 100-year-old Layne Horwich was met with her wise perspective, guided by a team of experts from Endeavor Health, including Catherine Pesce, M.D., a surgical oncologist with Endeavor Health Medical Group.
Horwich elected to have a right breast lumpectomy as the most life-friendly solution for her comfort and wellbeing.
“For me at my age, my breast cancer diagnosis was something that I could deal with,” Horwich said. “I opted to have surgery because I felt it was a prudent decision for my health. 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. But at almost 101, a heart attack or a stroke would have been more devastating and could possibly leave me incapacitated.”
Finding a lump, then finding care
Horwich discovered a lump in her right breast as she changed into a nightgown one evening. For follow up, one of her granddaughters made an appointment with an obstetrician/gynecologist who recommended a mammogram.
The mammogram, accompanied by an ultrasound and biopsy at Endeavor Health Highland Park Hospital, revealed grade 1 invasive ductal carcinoma and low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ.
Her granddaughter began researching oncologists and discovered Dr. Pesce, a “favorite surgeon” of the mammographer. Horwich said the first meeting with Dr. Pesce was the beginning of a mutual love affair.
“Everyone raves about Dr. Pesce,” Horwich said. “She has the finest reputation and is a great surgeon. As a person, you cannot help but to be drawn to her. She was so kind to me and so personable. I am very fortunate to be in her care.”
For Dr. Pesce, the first appointment brought what she describes as a remarkable patient into her office.
“We went through different options for treatment based on her age — to do nothing, begin an oral medication or have surgery. 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.”
Staying on top of her health
Annual mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40. As women become elderly, they should coordinate with their healthcare providers to assess the need for additional mammogram screenings.
Dr. Pesce added, “Every woman should have access to lifesaving screenings, no matter their age. I and my colleagues work with older patients to make healthcare decisions that are best for them based on their risk factors, overall health and medical needs. A woman is never too old to investigate an abnormality or concern and discuss treatment options with medical professionals.”
At the age of 100, Horwich no longer had routine appointments with an obstetrician/gynecologist, and she had not had a mammogram in about 5 years. When an issue appeared, however, this medical history did not stop Horwich from getting medical advice.
“I do everything I can to keep going, like reading and playing cards,” Horwich said. “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.”
A TikTok star
One reason Horwich wows everywhere she goes is her elegant style. “For me, being put together is a natural artform.” she said. “To me, it’s nothing. It’s just the way my eyes see things.”
Her daughter Nancy Rothstein added, “Being put together is just who mom is. She applied lipstick before we wheeled her out of the hospital after her lumpectomy. It’s not out of vanity, but is part of her outward connection to other people and her love for life. People are always coming up to my mom and talking to her, telling her how beautiful she looks and being astonished by her age. Mom exudes kindness, peace and calm, and people are drawn to her.”
One of Horwich’s go-to routines is using Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum since it was released in 1982. A breast cancer diagnosis didn’t even stop her from telling the world about her skin routine. On July 5, 2024, Horwich received her breast cancer diagnosis, and on the following day, at Estee Lauder’s request, Rothstein filmed a 30-second TikTok video of her mom for Estee Lauder’s social media team that got a lot of attention.
As her 101st birthday approaches in May 2025, Horwich is going to keep living as independently as she can and putting peace, calm, kindness and a little fashionable beauty out in the world.
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