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| Mixed Media Collage |
It's Tuesday again, and that means one thing: Glue-it Tuesday with Aimee and the gang over at Artsyville. This week's page is a long time coming, about 9 years in fact. Just a brief history to explain the sentiment behind the page. Nine years ago, at the age of 27, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. I wish I had known about art journaling then. Fast forward to the future, here and now finds me cancer-free and healthy, the trials of cancer a notch in my belt, and a growing distant memory. The hardest part for me throughout all of this, wasn't the hair loss or the weight gain, the medication or the exhaustion but overcoming the mentality of being somehow less of a woman. The rediscovering of my sexuality and the understanding that my scars were not shameful, didn't make me less or ugly or undesirable has been a long time coming. I've learnt to love myself not in spite of the scars but because of them. So this page is a tribute to me, and to every woman out there who has looked in the mirror and wept. YOU are BEAUTIFUL, and that, is the honest to God truth.
Stay Safe and Love Yourself,
Wonderful post! So glad that you are cancer free for this long...that's AWESOME!!! My mother is celebrating 10 years cancer free. So happy!
ReplyDeleteLynn
i think you should look at those scars as beautiful. they are a symbol of life, that you over came the dreaded and have a beautiful life to live.
ReplyDeleteWhat a LOVELY tribute to you and all women who have kicked cancer to the curb! My husband's mother lost her battle when my hubs was only 4 years old. I know that all his kindness and sensitivity came from her :) Although I'm not participating in GIT, I still check in to see everyone's creations.
ReplyDeleteTara :)
I know exactly what you mean. My first breast cancer operation was 2007, the second one 2011. My sincere congratulation for your 9 cancerfree years. If I did not have my art, I do not know how I would have come through that. Your collage is wonderful and true...
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tribute and I celebrate you!
ReplyDeletethat is very touching. And so moving! All women have this emotional tie with their appearance, no matter what the problems are. So nice to hear you are feeling complete in yourself. {:-Deb
ReplyDeleteMy mother died of breast cancer and I can tell you-- to me your scars are that of a warrior princess!!
ReplyDeleteScars are like maps on our bodies showing places we've been and things we have over come. I would give anything if my mother were still here and wearing her scars as well.
May you be blessed with continued good health and a love of self as big and the sky!
XO~ Dawn
What an inspirational story. Thanks for sharing! I am so happy for you that you discovered your inner strength to overcome it all. Love the painting!
ReplyDeletewow.
ReplyDeletehugs and smooches.
you're beautiful.
thank you sweet, beautiful woman that you are, for sharing your story, ironically I just scheduled myself for my yearly mammogram today while taking DD in for a sprained foot, as I was waiting in xray it dawned on me to make an appointment. You go girl. Keep on rockin' on. xxooxxx
ReplyDeleteOh Heather, what a wonderful and strong page and statement, and so very true! You inspire and give strength to all women with this blogpost.
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiring post, you have such strength and courage not only to fight and win but to share your battle with us.
ReplyDeleteOh my HK, you've made me choke up...You are amazing and this page proves it, loads of love soul sister xxxxxx
ReplyDeleteA very powerful and touching artwork.
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