Pink is the colour that is used in branding breast cancer. It is bright, cheerful, hopeful, girly. But pink can also be muddy, murky and easily lost in all of the noise. I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer, at 45. I had no obvious signs or symptoms. No family history, I don’t drink or smoke, have never used illicit drugs, in fact, my only risk factor was having dense breasts. My body had betrayed me. My femininity had betrayed me. I questioned my womanhood. Each stage of treatment has bought different challenges. I have had to work to rebuild and reshape who I am, how I see myself, and how that affects the people around me. But, and it is a big but, I choose to focus on the things that bring me joy. I have completed qualifications in meditation and holistic counselling, I spend more time on my art, I have met some amazing people, and am proud to call them friends, and I choose to serve and to live the life the I want to live, not the life that is expected of me. This painting represents the reshaping of feminine identity throughout cancer treatment. This is based on my experience and what I went through. It does not negate the challenges of any other individual, regardless of gender.
This painting is being auctioned at the Bungendore Brekky 4 Boobies #BB4B on Saturday 26 October 2019.
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