Janet and Janice
Left to right: Janice and Janet
By Janet
Janice and I are identical twins. My husband teases me because I don’t like to be alone very much and I think this is because of the bond between my sister and me since conception! He says I’ve experienced life differently from other people, because I’ve always had someone to share things with and have always had a best friend—a best friend that is truly my sister. I did not always appreciate how unique, blessed and special my life was to have a twin sister. Growing up, a person often focuses on the negatives of being a twin—no one calling you by the right name, getting one gift for a birthday to share, everyone always asking where ever you were “Are you twins?” at a time such as adolescence when you don’t want the attention! As an adult, I learned to appreciate all of the positives about my unique and special relationship with Janice. We talk on the phone for an hour to the dismay of our family; we share happiness and sadness and are always there for each other.
Janice was diagnosed with breast cancer almost six years ago in her early forties and the memory of that time still brings tears to my eyes. We live across the state from one another and I often felt much too far away as she faced surgeries, chemotherapy and the constant fear of follow-up appointments for the past several years. I admire my sister more than anyone I know, for her consistent strength and determination since her diagnosis. Janice continued to work, raise her family, and was a support to others even though I know there were days when she asked, “Why me?” Certainly there have been days I have asked, “Why her?”
Recently, when asked to visit with one of my coworkers diagnosed with breast cancer, a reassurance she gave was, “Remember that being diagnosed with breast cancer is not a death sentence!” Janice certainly is an inspiration for all of us. She works full time as a nurse, and as a part-time nurse for the Army Reserve. She worked toward a Masters while raising two young sons, she exercises daily, volunteers as time allows at church, loves to travel, calls other women who are facing breast cancer when asked, and makes time for family and friends. I know that she is a much stronger person than I! I am so grateful to have her as my sister and friend. I look forward to participating in the Sister Study as both of us feel it offers a unique opportunity to help all women now and in the future.