Kay and Ann
Left to right: Kay and Ann
By Kay, a Sister Study participant from Washington State
Ann and Kay's Story
At the Sister Study’s request, I was preparing my story about Ann and me with a nice photo of the two of us. From my point of view, this was a good news story as Ann has been cancer-free since her surgery and treatment in early 2000 – over 9 years! We have tried to be cautiously optimistic. I was excited to respond to the Sister Study’s request for a story and forwarded the email on to Ann. Within minutes she called. “You better hold up on the story you’re going to write – I had a questionable mammogram and ultrasound.” The biopsy showed it was malignant. She has to break the news to her 3 daughters and son, and our other sister, Sue. Sue has 2 daughters, and I also have 2 daughters. Our mom and her only sister have had breast cancer, as has my sister-in-law, Angela.
I was asked to write about why I’m in the Sister Study, and what it means to me.
After Ann’s latest news, I was feeling depressed and helpless that I couldn’t do anything for her. Then I realized that I am doing something – the Study is extremely important for us and especially for our daughters and granddaughters. And Ann, through her tears said, “I would take this any time, so that my children do not have to.” And that is why I joined the study in 2005, and continue to have hope for its future findings – sometimes we just need to be reminded of this. None of us wants anyone else to have to endure what Ann, and our mom, aunt, my sister-in-law and so many friends have had to endure.
So, this story doesn’t have an ending right now, and, as with the Sister Study, we have to be patient to wait for the results.
Good News Note: Ann had a mastectomy after this was written, and is doing really well. Her family’s love and support has helped her immensely, and all reports are good news!