What and when was your diagnosis?
I was first diagnosed in April 2021 with HER2-positive, hormone receptor-positive, and triple-negative.
How would you describe your initial reactions and feelings when you first received your breast cancer diagnosis?
My mum was in treatment for breast cancer and my sister had pre cancer cells removed the year before I got diagnosed, so when I was told I had breast cancer, I half expected it. I had the Bracha gene test done and myself, my mum and sister were not connected or they just haven’t found the gene yet.
What aspects of your individuality do you feel have been most challenged, changed or strengthened by this experience?
Having gone through breast cancer and treatment has made me a much stronger person. I look at life differently now. I live for today and tomorrow is a blessing, I fear more now after having cancer than I did when I was in it. I fear with every pain or lump or bump of recurrence, I think I’m actually talked into a hypochondriac 🤣
Are there specific moments or experiences in your cancer journey that stand out to you, which you would like depicted in the sculpture?
I just felt very lonely but also very brave. I got very good at putting on a show so that nobody would worry, I tried to make it easy for everyone around me. I felt I was in fight or flight mode.
How has your perspective on life and your own identity evolved since your diagnosis?
My Moto is we’re here for a good time not a long time, having cancer made me reevaluate my life, I sold my business and I’m now doing something, I really love, I want to give back, I’ve changed my career completely, and don’t think I would’ve if I hadn’t have got cancer. We need to be happy in what we do and not have any stress. I’m now stressfree 🙏
In what ways do you feel bravery has played a role in your cancer journey? Are there particular instances of courage that you’d like represented?
I meditate every day and have done for years. It made my cancer journey more bearable, it made me stronger and more able to cope with the situation that I was in and that reflected on to my family they saw bravery.
How do you want the world to see you through this sculpture? What part of your reality, character, or experience would you like it to emphasise?
Brave, strong.
What has been your source of strength and resilience throughout your journey with breast cancer?
Meditation, and my family.
What does being a part of this exhibition mean to you? How do you hope it might impact others who see your sculpture?
I’d like to get awareness out there, people need to check their boobs, both men and women.
Is there a specific message or emotion you want to convey to the audience of this exhibition, particularly to those who might be going through a similar experience?
I’d stay strong and positive.
How has the ABC community helped you with your journey?
ABC have been great, there’s always someone there to give you some advice, they gave me the special bras you need to wear after surgery,
