Cynthia, Carol, Connie, and Allan
Left to right: Cynthia, Carol, Connie, and Allan
By Connie, a Sister Study participant from California
Memories of Cynthia & Carol
I have wondered why my sisters both died. My brother Allan and I (Connie) are the only two siblings that remain in Pasadena and San Bernardino, California. We lost our sisters to breast cancer. Even though I spent days with both Carol and Cynthia, I was always able to come home to my family. But it was really hard for Allan because he lived with Cynthia. Since her death, Allan has tried to do renovations of the family home they shared and keep busy with other relatives and music.
After Cynthia was diagnosed in 2001 she was really withdrawn. It was more than two months after her mastectomy before we were able to exchange recipe ideas or talk about her new church activities. In 2003, my former husband died and I spent even more time with Cynthia, and we talked about her remission. Soon after that Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer. I stayed with her after her mastectomy — I cooked for her and helped my niece with her needs. Allan, a physician’s assistant, wanted to do what he could for them both. He went to the doctor appointments and helped them understand what was needed. Again, I wondered why and what I could do because then both Carol and Cynthia were survivors and I wanted to stay in good health.
Life has always been a number of different experiences. Allan got sick with diabetes. I believe that because Cynthia had diabetes and was not in control of it, Allan felt like he would like to make the choice for better health. And in 2007, Cynthia was told that the breast cancer returned. Later that year, Carol was told that she had a tumor in her brain. Cynthia and Carol both endured many trials and tribulations. Allan, my new husband Michael and I all tried to help where we could.
I joined the Sister Study because I believed that I could make a difference. And Allan, Michael and I attempted to get more people in our community involved. The analysis in the study work was helpful to me. I will remain in the study because I believe that it is important.
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