Twin sister of woman who died from cancer shares anguish

The identical twin sister of a woman who lost her battle with cancer has spoken of her anguish about spending Christmas without her.

Sydney mother-of-three Mandi Holman tragically died at the age of 44 last year after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in June 2014.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, her distraught twin sister Melissa Fahey said the family are still struggling to cope with her death.

‘How do you put in words the sadness and loss we feel? There are many moments that remind us that she should be here or of what she might say,’ Melissa said.

‘We feel she has been ripped off – and us. But we keep going for her – we promised. It totally stinks really.

‘It’s a super tough time of year and everyone feels her loss strongly.’

Melissa Fahey (right) has spoken of her grief after her twin sister Mandi Holman (left) lost her fight to cancer last year

Mandi (left) tragically died at the age of 44 after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014

Mandi (left) tragically died at the age of 44 after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014

The grieving family spent their first Christmas without Mandi last year on the Hawkesbury River where she used to water ski.

‘There was lots of tears and everyone was a little flat. We put flowers on the water and remembered how much we loved her,’ Melissa said.

Melissa, who also has three kids, said the family are spending this Christmas in Murwillumbah in far north-eastern New South Wales where they grew up.

The 46-year-old mother recently celebrated her 46th birthday on December 15 without her late sister by her side. 

‘I just celebrated our birthday without her. Will forever be a bittersweet day,’ she said.

‘I had a cry, had a laugh about her telling me off for being soft, then spent a lovely time with all her children and mine, our nieces and nephews and lots of friends.’

The twin sister were inseparable from birth - creating memories from childhood to adulthood

The twin sister were inseparable from birth – creating memories from childhood to adulthood

The sisters supported each other through their most challenging ordeal after they both underwent a double mastectomy in 2015

The sisters supported each other through their most challenging ordeal after they both underwent a double mastectomy in 2015

The grieving family spent their first Christmas without Mandi last year on the Hawkesbury River where she used to water ski

The grieving family spent their first Christmas without Mandi last year on the Hawkesbury River where she used to water ski

Following her sister’s shock diagnosis, Melissa was told she could be at risk because they shared the same genetic predisposition to breast cancer.

The sisters – who were inseparable from birth – supported each other through their most challenging ordeal after they both underwent a double mastectomy in 2015.

While Mandi had the surgery as part of her treatment for her breast cancer, Melissa had the procedure as a preventative measure.

And more than two years on, Melissa said she owes her life to her doting sibling.

‘My health is good. It was a decision that the genetic team said was essential. The implants are not that comfortable, but I am alive though,’ Melissa said.

‘It’s taken until now to start exercising again – with some restrictions. Some restrictions in what I can wear. Nothing serious to stop me doing what I need.

‘My twin saved my life to be honest. It’s very hard to live with that when she didn’t get that choice.’

While Mandi had the double masectomy surgery as part of her treatment for her breast cancer, Melissa had the procedure as a preventative measure

Following her sister's shock diagnosis, Melissa was told she could be at risk because they shared the same genetic predisposition to breast cancer

Following her sister’s shock diagnosis, Melissa was told she could be at risk because they shared the same genetic predisposition to breast cancer

The grieving identical twin sister  said her family are still struggling to cope with her death

The grieving identical twin sister said her family are still struggling to cope with her death

The family have also built a memorial garden to pay tribute to Mandi – a beloved sister, daughter and mother.

‘We placed her favourite flowers and trees and a wishing well for her daughter Penny or anyone to leave messages and drawings in for Mandi,’ Melissa said.

‘Her ashes will go there as well. Her brother Michael and myself have built memorial gardens at our own homes too – everything is pink in her honour.

‘Penny has placed a sleeping fairy with a love heart shaped pink crystal, fairywren bird and some moss in my garden for her mum.

‘Family and friends have all bought something for each garden from themselves as well to remember her. They are places to reflect and find peace in.’

‘Penny often asks for me to play music and she just goes and plays and dances in it – we are still building it – it’s huge.’



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