Barbara and Heather
Left to right: Heather and Barbara
By Barbara
In 1990, I was diagnosed with breast cancer twice in one year. The first diagnosis was frightening; the second was devastating. I agreed with a breast cancer friend who said, "I wouldn't wish this experience on my worst enemy!" I did get through it, though, with good medical care and lots of support, including from my sister.
Actually, breast cancer has involuntarily reorganized my life. I wanted to 'make a difference' for other women and evolved into a breast cancer activist. Now I am active in the research community by bringing patient issues and experiences into those discussions. That's how I heard about the Sister Study. I can't think of a more valuable thing a woman concerned about this disease can do than to be part of a project that aims to answer the question, "Just what is it that increases a woman's risk [of] developing breast cancer?"
My sister Heather cannot wait to take part in the Sister Study. I hope what is discovered in this study might mean a future woman won't face an experience she wouldn't wish on her worst enemy.
By Heather
In 1990 my sister Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer, not once, but twice! She was only in her forties which made it more frightening for her and more threatening for me.
I could picture myself in her place, but could only try to imagine what it was really like to be in her body going through such an ordeal. What a helpless feeling for both of us - for Barbara her body felt taken over by cancer and was being assaulted by surgeon's knives, oncologist's chemotherapy, and other necessary (however intrusive) medical "stuff." For me, as a nurse, I was "fixing" people all day long, but I felt helpless to "fix" my own sister.
By the grace of God we both made it through that year, stronger and closer because of it. How wonderful it would be if, through the Sister Study, there were more sisters who didn't have to face breast cancer! I am very happy to be a part of this important research.