Twins Navigate Life, Cancer Diagnoses, Together
As twins, Barbara Page Carlson and Jeanne Page-Soncrant have shared a range of experiences throughout their lives. From toys and childhood games to parenthood, Barbara and Jeanne have always been by each other’s side. But the twins could never have imagined that one day, they would need to take on one of their toughest experiences of all: breast cancer diagnoses.
“We know we're blessed because we have each other,” said Jeanne. “We are each other’s advocate and bosom buddy.”
Barbara was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 at age 30, a young mother with a toddler at home.
“I was lying in bed and rolled over and noticed a lump that hadn’t been there before,” she recalled. “I was in my doctor’s office right away.”
While Barbara’s initial breast cancer diagnosis led to rounds of surgery and chemotherapy, she leaned on her sister, the rest of her family and the American Cancer Society for support. Still, as a young mother on her cancer journey, Barbara felt isolated.
“At the time, you couldn’t get a wig that didn’t have gray hair in it,” she said. “But I had a friend willing to help me search until we found one. We used an American Cancer Society program to purchase it.”
Years later, in 2011, Jeanne was also diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, her cancer was caught early because her doctors were aware of her sister’s history.
Finding strength in family
Through the family’s experience with cancer, they discovered both sisters had two genes – ATM and CHEK2 - that doubled their risk of breast cancer. They later learned their brother, who had been diagnosed with both testicular and breast cancer, was also a carrier of those two genes.
Cancer was not finished with their family yet. Barbara’s breast cancer returned in 2020, though regular screening caught it when it was very small and treatable. Then in 2021, Jeanne was also diagnosed for a second time.
For Jeanne, her second diagnosis hit hardest.
“At one point, I had stage three breast cancer, and they even thought it might be stage four,” she said. “I had a 13-year-old and a seven-year-old. They knew enough about what was going on, and I worried for them.”
Both sisters agree that while the diagnoses were difficult for the family, one positive thing that came from it was that the next generation saw the strength and determination it took to manage cancer.
“[Our children] saw us stay up to date with screening and be involved in our health,” Jeanne said. “They have seen us do what it takes.”
“It’s always hard to face the unknown and have so little control, but my family was there for me.”
Supporting others with cancer
Through harrowing diagnoses and treatments, the sisters supported not only each other, but others living with cancer. They were active with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Southern New Jersey and shared their stories through community events.
“You don’t expect this to happen,” said Barbara. “It’s always hard to face the unknown and have so little control, but my family was there for me.”
The sisters provided each other with emotional reassurance and practical support throughout their cancer journeys, with Jeanne finding hope in her sister's survival. They also encouraged one another to stay active and engaged in life by participating in activities like hiking and biking together.
Together, they aim to provide the support and hope for others that they have given each other throughout their lives.
“Go find your bosom buddy,” advises Jeanne. “Whether it's somebody who's also going through the same cancer or not, find someone so you can challenge, support, and advocate for each other.”