Lindsey’s plans for her 45th birthday never included a hospital stay. Or the postponement of her final chemo treatment. She had planned to be in Ibiza, Spain to celebrate. But hearing from so many of her friends after a reel she created was accidentally published to her Instagram–6 months into her private battle with breast cancer–made her birthday incredibly special.
How Her Journey Began
While on a cruise over winter break 2023, Lindsey Lamchick–a Miami mom of 3–felt what she described as a small marble-like shape in her breast. She didn’t know how long the lump had been there but decided to get it checked out at her upcoming annual mammogram the following month, which was past due.
When the day of her mammogram finally came, everything changed in an instant. What was initially scheduled as a screening mammogram rapidly led to a diagnostic mammogram, followed by an ultrasound. And within just a few hours, with her husband on speakerphone, she listened as a doctor told her that she didn’t like how the mass looked and scheduled a biopsy. She had a biopsy on a Thursday and had to wait until Monday for results. That day she booked a ski trip to take her mind off her pending biopsy results and spend some quality time with her teenage son.
The results came in while she was on a return flight to Miami. She was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer, despite having no family history.
Treatment at Miami Cancer Institute
A subsequent MRI showed more, and she was immediately seen by Dr. Starr Mautner, a breast surgeon at the renowned Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. Under the care of an amazing team of specialists at Miami Cancer Institute–comprised of Dr. Venkatappa (oncologist), Dr. Panoff (radiation oncologist), Dr. Harry Salinas (plastic surgeon), Dr. Mo (acupuncturist), Dr. Currier (psychiatrist), Dr. Lisa Reale (integrative medicine), and Dr. Cristian (PT evaluation)–along with her gynecologist at Baptist Health, Dr. Robert Feldman, Lindsey bravely pursued an aggressive treatment plan. She began chemotherapy in March 2024 until her final treatment in July and then underwent a double mastectomy in August and reconstructive surgery just last month.
Though she is now cancer-free, her journey is not yet over. The support she’s received from her family, friends, and a close-knit community of breast cancer survivors continues to spur her on. And not just as a fierce survivor, breast cancer mentor, founder of The Edit, a luxury real estate brokerage, or co-founder of Project Disco Ball, a non-profit that uses all of its proceeds towards decorating infusion rooms at Miami Cancer Institute.
Being the Best Mom is Her #1 Goal
With teenage twins and her youngest in kindergarten, she prioritizes spending time with her family and being fully present. Gone are the days when Lindsey would be multitasking–drafting a contract while texting with a client during a phone call with someone else–in the presence of her family. When faced with a cancer diagnosis you no longer take any moments with family for granted. You hold on tight and cherish any time together.
Between her initial biopsy and the start of her chemo treatment, she made it a point to create meaningful, memorable 1-on-1 moments with her husband and each of her kids. After the ski trip with her son, she went to Vegas with her husband, enjoyed a special trip to Disney with her youngest, and had recently taken her oldest daughter to a Taylor Swift concert in Atlanta.
Reflecting on her journey thus far, she has this message to share with other moms:
As a mom who’s navigated breast cancer this year, the most grueling journey of my life, it has taught me so much about what truly matters. If I could share one message with other moms, it would be this: slow down and breathe. In the whirlwind of fighting for my life—balancing being a full-time cancer patient with work, family, social events, my kids’ crazy schedules, and everything in between—it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. But my experience has shown me that prioritizing family and taking time for ourselves is vital. I don’t take any moments for granted anymore. Whether it’s the 10-minute car ride to school with my little one, I make it count. We have dance parties in the car, we sing, we laugh, and we connect. People in the carpool line often stare because when I say we dance, I mean the car is literally shaking!
With my high school-age twins, I’ve made it a priority to remain a constant presence for them. It’s okay to step back and savor those little moments. Being an amazing mom is not about being a “perfect” mom and trying to do it all; it’s about being present for the things you are able to be there for, because that is what truly matters most.
I struggled with this but now am able to embrace the messiness of life and give myself grace. It was difficult at first, but became crucial and necessary for me to ask for help and that is okay. It really does take a village, and if you don’t already have a village, the breast cancer community is here for you. It really is the worst club with the best members. I am now able to ask for help and lean on my support systems. None of us are alone in this journey, and health and happiness matter most.
So to take away, I would say…
Take a moment each day to pause, breathe, and remind yourself that you’re doing your best. That’s enough.
