My identical twin has breast cancer, they think I have it also...HELP

sharper65
sharper65 Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My identical twin sister was diagnosed with invasive ductile carcinoma, grade 3, stage 3 in June 2005, she had a masectomy on 8/8. They suggested I have a mammogram, they found 4 areas of concern on me. I am a single mom, with only my source of income. I have disability and a cancer policy that will kick in on 10/1. I feel no option but to wait for the biopsy's as if I am diagnosed before then, I will get nothing. My sister needs agressive chemo which she has decided not to do. I feel at a loss right now, I don't know where to turn or what to do. I am so depressed. I never thought we would come into our 40's with this dispair. Desperate in Dallas

Comments

  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #2
    I'm so terribly sorry you have to face this on top of your sister's diagnosis and your financial situation. I'm most concerned that you feel you have to wait for the biopsy until October 1. When I was diagnosed, I inquired about a sentinel instead of axillary node dissection and was told the waiting list was 2 weeks. The delay concerned me. My surgeon assurred me that a two week wait should be OK but no longer than 3 for fear my grade 3 cancer might actually have time to spread to lymph nodes, if it hadn't already. Your mammogram and the "4 areas of concern" may already constitute a pre-existing condition in the event a biopsy reveals malignancy. If so, waiting accomplishes nothing. You didn't say if you had gotten your primary physician's approval to wait. If you haven't discussed it, please do so before making a final decision. Your're in my prayers.
    terri
  • Sandis
    Sandis Member Posts: 85
    #3
    I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I think the hardest thing for me was the waiting. At one point during my diagnostic phase I chose to take a trip I had already planned. Lots of my friends disagreed with me, but for me I thought it was the right decision. I have an aggressive form of cancer, but the three weeks I waited for the surgery was what I needed, so I think you need to do what give you peace of mind. As a single mom, you're going to need to take an aggressive course if you have cancer and the insurance will be helpful. Of course, its also quite possible its not cancer. You and your sister are in my prayers.
  • epgnyc
    epgnyc Member Posts: 137
    #4
    Dear Dallas,
    You've been dealt a double blow with your sister's diagnosis and now your own concerns. Regarding your insurance, obviously you will do whatever you need to. I know if it were me, I'd do as you have decided to....wait the few weeks until October 1st when your policies kick in. If the news from your biopsy's is bad (and it's totally possible it will turn out to be nothing), you will need the extra financial assistance offered by these policies. If it were to be cancer, which I'm praying it's not, three weeks won't make any difference. As my doctor told me, cancer has been growing for a long, long time so a few days or weeks do not matter. Now if you were to wait several months to have the areas tested, that might be another story. Hang in there -- this waiting period is almost the hardest. You and your sister are in my thoughts and prayers. Let us know what happens.
  • lindatn
    lindatn Member Posts: 229
    #5
    epgnyc said:

    Dear Dallas,
    You've been dealt a double blow with your sister's diagnosis and now your own concerns. Regarding your insurance, obviously you will do whatever you need to. I know if it were me, I'd do as you have decided to....wait the few weeks until October 1st when your policies kick in. If the news from your biopsy's is bad (and it's totally possible it will turn out to be nothing), you will need the extra financial assistance offered by these policies. If it were to be cancer, which I'm praying it's not, three weeks won't make any difference. As my doctor told me, cancer has been growing for a long, long time so a few days or weeks do not matter. Now if you were to wait several months to have the areas tested, that might be another story. Hang in there -- this waiting period is almost the hardest. You and your sister are in my thoughts and prayers. Let us know what happens.

    I was dx in early May and didn't start treatment until the third week in June. Likewise Dr said no rush as it had been growing for years. I really would of liked to have moved a bit faster but wanted a lumpectomy and took awhile to get insurance and finding where I wanted the treatment. Chose Vanderbilt, had a aggressive cancer but over three years since I had surgery and had chemo before. Waiting is terrible I took a long trip to FL to visit grandkids etc. We will pray this is not cancer. Your sister and you are in our prayers. Linda
  • 24242
    24242 Member Posts: 1,398
    #6
    I am sorry you have so much on your plate to deal with at one time. I was a single mother of 36 at the time of my diagnosis after finding a lump 6 months earlier that they felt was a fibrous cyst. It took that amount of time for it to spread into my lymph nodes for a lump grew in a week in my armpit to the size of a golfball.
    Keep an eye on the areas and if you notice anything different happening then get in. Waiting a few weeks even a month not likely to cause it to spread.
    Please be on top of it and don't wait longer than you have to. I was stage 3 with 11 out 21 positive nodes. I would think your had some positive nodes since a stage 3 diagnosis and likely can look back now and see things that were happening to her that she down played for a time something us women do.
    There is so much to be done out there these days for us and this site will help too.
    If you ever need someone to talk to you can email me through this site. My thoughts are with you and your sister.
    Be good to yourself always,
    Tara

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