One in Eight « Weyland Photography

One in Eight

According to the National Institutes of Health, one out of eight women (12.5 percent) will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. Lydia Samaniego Evans, 45, was diagnosed in early March 2010, plunging her and her family into a world of doctors visits, medical reports, surgeries, drugs, physical discomfort and general uncertainty for which, like most, they were not prepared. The extent to which their lives have been turned upside down and, in many respects, irrevocably altered, belies the prevalence of breast cancer. Their story shows that to fight this common disease requires an uncommon courage.

This project is still in progress.

: Lydia strolls across the lawn during a party, held at a friends house, celebrating her 45th birthday. June 6, 2010.

: Lydia teaches her last Zumba dance class at Fitness System in Yuba City, California, before having a mastectomy. March 31, 2010.

: A portrait of Lydia after her diagnosis of stage II breast cancer, but before her mastectomy. March 17, 2010.

: Lydia's breasts are displayed on monitors in a darkened room, while doctors (not pictured) explain what they discovered during an ultrasound at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA. March 18, 2010.

: Lydia on the phone with her brother, before one of numerous early-morning doctors appointments. UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA , March 18, 2010.

: Lydia (L) and Terry (R) wait nervously during an ultrasound searching for possible tumors, at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, March 18, 2010.

: Lydia is comforted by her husband Terry while waiting for the results of an ultrasound at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California. March 18, 2010.

: Lydia and Terry kiss amidst family and friends during a party, held at a friends house, celebrating Lydia's 45th birthday. June 6, 2010.

: A list of family and friends who have offered support sits on Lydia's kitchen counter. April 15, 2010.

: Lydia says goodbye to her long-time friend Samantha Carson who was visiting her at the Freemont-Rideout Cancer Center in Marysville, California during her second round of Chemotherapy. June 23, 2010.

: Terry and Lydia process their situation during one of many consultations with their oncologist, at UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA. March 29, 2010.

: A moment before her mastectomy at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California. April 13, 2010.

: Hands in the operating room at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, as Lydia goes under anesthesia before her mastectomy. April 13, 2010.

: Lydia under anesthesia during her mastectomy at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento on April 13, 2010.

: A temporary implant moments before being inserted into Lydia's left breast after her mastectomy at UC Davis Medical Center on April 13, 2010. The fill-able implant will be replaced by silicone after her muscles have adequately stretched and adapted to the correct size.

: Dr. Wong, a plastic surgeon, performs a breast reduction procedure on Lydia's right breast, directly after having a mastectomy and a temporary inflatable implant inserted on her left breast. In total the procedure lasted about four hours and took place at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California on April 13, 2010.

: Fluid is pumped into a temporary implant in Lydia's left breast after her mastectomy at UC Davis Medical Center on April 13, 2010. The fill-able implant will be replaced by silicone after her muscles have adequately stretched and adapted to the correct size.

: Plastic surgeon Dr. Wong informs the family that Lydia is out of surgery and doing well after her mastectomy on April 13, 2010 at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA.

: Terry waits outside the waiting room, frustrated that he can't see Lydia who just came out of surgery. April 13, 2010.

: Flowers decorate Lydia's kitchen table after her surgery, while her son Thomas eats a grapefruit. April 15, 2010.

: Lydia's son Thomas offers her a rose shortly after her surgery. April 15, 2010.

: Lydia opens presents amidst family and friends during a party, held at a friend's house, celebrating her 45th birthday. June 6, 2010.

: Lydia wearing a gift during her 45th birthday party, held at a friends house, on June 6 2010.

: Lydia discusses recent blood work results during her second round of chemotherapy at the Freemont-Rideout Cancer Center in Marysville, California, on June 23, 2010.

: Nurse Kathryn Plaxco removes the IV stint after Lydia's second round of chemotherapy at the Freemont-Rideout Cancer Center in Marysville, California. June 23, 2010.

: Lydia relaxes while her sister-in-law Shelby Samaniego paints her nails at home in Sutter, CA, while her husband Terry sends emails. May 6, 2010.

: Lydia relaxes while her sister-in-law Shelby Samaniego paints her nails at home in Sutter, CA, while her son Thomas plays. May 6, 2010.

: Lydia relaxes and visits with her sister-in-law Shelby Samaniego (right) and her Mother (left) at home in Sutter, CA, while her husband Terry sends emails. May 6, 2010.

: Trying on wigs at Heads Together salon in Marysville, shortly after starting chemotherapy treatment. She decided to go with purple. July 1, 2010.

: Lydia hugs her friend Samantha Carson, who was visiting from Utah, after Lydia's 45th birthday party. The two have been close since kindergarten. June 6, 2010.