Any identical twins out there where one has been diagnosed???

Raelan

I'm an identical twin that was recently diagnosed 3 months ago.  I had a BMX and am currently undergoing chemo.  This will be followed by radiation.  I'm 50.

My twin had her annual mammogram a month ago and everything was clear.  However, she will be seeking out a high-risk specialist soon since our mother also had BC in her early 50's (pre-menopausal).  Although I had the BRCA test and it was negative, it's clear to me there are some bad genes at play here.  My mom also had 2 cousins who have both been diagnosed with BC, as well as her Aunt.  

Dense breast tissue runs in our family, and although my sisters radiologists claims she can read her mammograms, she needs to have a doctor who specializes in high risk patients overseeing her care.  She is very pragmatic and is willing to consider a prophylactic BMX if she feels it will spare her having to go through everything I'm currently experiencing.

sweetbean

Raelan,

Does insurance cover prophylactic BMX for identical twins if one has been diagnosed? 

hugz4u

Yes, I am identical and my sis is very concerned because we seem to get identical ailments. She had the BRCA done and is clear. She gets constant servailance about every 6months bouncing between MRI/ultrasound/mammograph.  She has micro califications so we are watching. We both are dense in breasts, but I have had bmx 6 years ago. We hope she doesn't get this wildbeast and just about as bad..... lymphedema which seems to control my life more than BC.  If you have had nodes out you might be wise to check into the lymphedema thread which is very helpful and active.

sherry67

I too have a twin sister she had her mamo done and all is good.I did test negative for the Braca mutation even though that doesn't mean she wouldn't get as well but she is fine for now and hope she stays that way and it doesn't run in our family either...

monkeycu23604

My twin sister was diagnosed in 2004 and I was in 2013 I had masctomy she had lumpectomy she was stage 2 I'm stage 4 but in remission

apandy

I am an identical triplet and and anxious about how my diagnosis will affect my sisters.  I have been told I am ERPR negative, which means I am likely to be triple negative (HER2 status not determined yet).  If I am triple negative it is more likely I have the BRACA1 gene than those with hormone positive cancer.  But regardless of gene status I do know that identical twins/triples have a higher chance of bc if their sibling has it.  Luckily, one of my sisters recently had a clear mammogram and the other has requested one, as her latest was two years ago. 

I am hoping I will be given genetic testing if I am triple negative but understand it is not normal unless you are under 50 or there is a family history of bc.    I don't know if genetic testing is standard for those with identical twin/triplet siblings but it ought to be.

I have my post surgery consultation next week and intend to ask for genetic testing.

Anne

Lisa1637

I am an identical twin (42) and was diagnosed with DCIS December 27, 2012. I chose to have a lumpectomy and completed radiation May 1st of this year. I am not taking Tamoxifen and do not feel it is right for me.

My twin received the same diagnosis a few months later and had a BMX this past October. I was negative for the BRCA gene which I thought offered some reassurance for her. I guess this 'coincidence' underscores the probability that more than one gene is associated with increased risk for breast cancer. Lately, I feel like I'm walking around with 2 ticking time bombs, mostly because my twin's final path report showed a small amount of invasive. This isn't an exact science and who knows what may be hiding.

I just had a clean mammo and I'm trying to feel good about that. I will likely alternate between an MRI and mammo every six months. Can someone say, more biopsies please ?? One day at a time.

dancermom

I was diagnosed in Feb 2011 at age 47. My identical twin has been okay. She had to have a hysterectomy at age 41. I wonder if the lack of hormones saved her from BC. Her DH died from melanoma five months after my dx. It would be devastating to her kids if she got BC.