It has been (and continues to be since June 2022) an honour to create digital art portraits for the beautiful women who have surrounded me with love and support throughout my breast cancer journey.

Although I am nearly 3 years clear, and about 2 years out from any treatment or regular recurring appointments, I continue to come back to this community for a reason— to find comfort, love, acceptance, understanding, and so much more. Life continues to show its challenges even after treatment ends. The women I’ve talked to over the last few years have become my friends. During my cancer diagnosis we were going through a pandemic, I had moved back in with my parents, I had lost my partner through an unexpected break up, lost pets, lost my belongings, lost future plans, and most upsetting of all— had lost myself.

I knew I wanted to give back in some way once I had healed enough, and I’m so thankful to be able to use my art as a form to help others too.

This community is so creative and it inspired me to put my own spin on things and to produce art to share with the world. I found healing through doodling mastectomy images and decided to see if anyone would be interested in healing through art along with me— and we’re now just shy of 50 portraits! I didn’t expect much of it, to my honest, but I’m so thrilled. I hope to continue this project for as long as possible, expanding beyond not just the world of breast cancer, but to people healing from all sorts of journeys too.

So if you know of anyone who would be interested in having a portrait done of themselves, to tell their story (whatever that may be), send them my way. To my blog www.shestaysstsrong.com, to my Instagram @shestaysstrongblog, or via email shestaysstrongblog@gmail.com.

Don’t think of this as the end to my art portraits, but rather another chapter closing. I think it’s about time to officially write and post about the Scar Story series and how far it has come. Thank you to you incredibly strong and powerful women for sharing your stories. Not just about your scars, but how you became diagnosed, the hurdles you overcame mentally, how it affected your jobs, family, income, self-esteem— everything. It’s incredibly important to spread awareness through stories— as knowledge and connection is power.

It’s so interesting to see the progression of the artwork overtime as you continue to submit your photographs and share with me your likes and passions. From the mothers to sports enthusiasts, to the painters and writers, from the very young to the more mature, you all inspire me to improve and keep going.

You’ll notice some images are direct depictions of the original photographs, while others are a merging of multiple. Some women chose to be fully clothed, while others have chosen to show it all— both of which are completely and perfectly fine. Most women shared very vulnerable photographs of themselves in order to get the most accurate representation of their bodies and for that, I thank you for trusting me with the process.

Portraits are still available for free for those in active treatment! So again, feel free to share my Instagram with others or shoot me an email.

And if you’ve received a portrait from me in the past already, I appreciate all of your love and feedback. Keep sending updates and shoutouts my way— it really does mean the world to me!

Much love,

Stephanie XO

#shestaysstrong

Now, let’s get on to the individual stories of these survivors, warriors, and thrivers! (These are in order of completion date, starting with the very first to the most recent at the end!)

“I’ve never loved my body more than I do right now. It has carried me through so many years and I mistreated it for most of them. It hasn’t failed me, yet I abused it. Cancer helped me recognize what I am capable of; and that is so much more than I ever gave my body credit for. My body is my temple and should be treated like one. With respect! Not just what you put in it or on it, but also the words I use to describe it. I promised myself I’d do better. I use clean products on my skin, eat whole food nutrition, and stay active. But also, use adjectives like Strong, Beautiful, and Wonderful to describe myself now.”

“After a routine mammogram and follow up, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 invasive breast cancer. A lumpectomy was recommended and after surgery and pathology reports (ER+/HER2-), I was informed I dodged the chemotherapy bullet but required radiation treatment and Anastrozole Inhibitors for five years.”

“I see a powerful, confident woman, and that is what I want to be.”

“I had a mastectomy last September with the spacer placement. I lost one spacer due to infection the following February and opted to take the other out due to breast implant illness a month later. I’m trying to preserve my skin to eventually have reconstruction done.”

Sara was 32 when she underwent chemo, radiation, and surgery. She made the choice of a double-mastectomy with expanders along with fat transfer and nipple-sparing.

This portrait depicts one expander being currently deflated for radiation therapy so that it doesn’t get in the way and impact treatment, and so fills will proceed after she’s done.

Jen had a lumpectomy last July along with chemo and radiation and is waiting for a hysterectomy. Her cancer is hormone-based therefore she is currently on CDK and hormone pills.

“I found a lump in my breast and one under my arm. I was 55. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer (13 lymph nodes involved). I was surprised that the recommendation was lumpectomy and radiation rather than mastectomy, with chemo and targeted therapy, as well as tamoxifen, bisphosphonates and other meds to keep the cancer from recurring/metastasizing and to support the varying side effects. I felt fortunate about the location of the lump which allowed the surgeon to minimize the visibility of the scar. The lymph node dissection was more invasive and my entire underarm remains completely numb, and I currently have resulting mild lymphedema which I must closely monitor so that it doesn’t develop into something much more difficult to manage. 2 years of treatment and recovery have passed since my diagnosis. I’ll never be the same physically or mentally but I have found a lot of positives along the way and I’m very grateful for the vast support network that kept me lifted up, especially on the hardest days.”

Elle has undergone a double mastectomy with implants.

“It’s been quite hard to watch my hair and eyebrows return slowly and differently than they were pre-cancer. This portrait was a reflection of myself that I found beautiful. It made me appreciate my new post-chemo hair and eyebrows more.” Aditi was diagnosed at 36 and as for surgery has had one breast reduced with nipple-sparing and the other reconstructed with the DIEP method (‘In a DIEP flap, fat, skin, and blood vessels are cut from the wall of the lower belly and moved up to your chest to rebuild your breast.’) We have also highlighted in her portrait the depending of her skin where she had radiation therapy.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 32. ‘Honey, you’re too young to get breast cancer’, is what my gyno told me a year and a half earlier when I pointed out what felt like a hard lump in my right breast during her exam. Stage 2b invasive ductal carcinoma, ER/PR positive, HER2 negative, micro-metastasis to lymph nodes. I had a lumpectomy with double-sided reduction and lift. I was told I would lose 1/2 to 1 cup size max but they ended up cutting out about 2 cup sizes on each. (A pseudo tumour had formed around my actual tumour, doing its job to try to kill the thing that was trying to kill me). I still miss my bigger chest and who I was before. I still can’t bring myself to throw out my old bras, but one day I will.”

Sara was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma at age 31. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation alone during covid-19. She is now on tamoxifen and zoladex for the next 5 years. Although breast cancer at a young age was incredibly difficult, Sara has been happy to meet lifelong friends along the way. Sara met a dear friend Shanna and together they started their own group for young women who have experienced cancer called The Bloom Club. They host monthly socials and adventures where they can create new memories together in good company. Sara also began writing poetry during chemotherapy and has continued to write daily. She has been published by a few magazines and hopes to write a book in the future. You can find her poetry at @saralou.writes

“I was 28 years old when I was diagnosed with Stage 1B triple negative invasive ductal and lobular carcinoma. At the same time I discovered I had the BRCA 1 genetic mutation. I always knew it was a possibility, since my mother is BRCA positive as well, but I never expected to get cancer so young. Despite having early stage cancer, being BRCA positive ultimately led to me having a bilateral mastectomy. After 8 rounds of chemo, I had my mastectomy in June 2021 with an immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. I later had a nipple reconstruction in May 2022. Cancer treatment took two of my most beloved physical attributes: my hair and my breasts. I often find it hard to feel pretty or feminine. And I struggle with the need to feel “whole”. But I am trying to learn to appreciate my body for everything it’s gotten me through and everything it’s been capable of. Loving my body again will take time, but I know I can get there. Seeing myself and my scars displayed with such iridescence in your artwork is another step closer.”

“I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer at 32 years old and 7 weeks pregnant. I also have the PALB2 gene mutation. I am so unbelievably happy to report my daughter and I are thriving! She endured the majority of my cancer treatments: my first mastectomy with an axillary dissection and expander placed, port placement, and 12/16 ACT chemo infusions! She was born the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness month (October). I then completed my chemo, started endocrine therapy, completed 28 rounds of radiation (rads), started targeted therapy called Verzenio, and had my second mastectomy with expander placed. It took me so much work to get to the place I am today. To not be afraid to look forward, embrace and love myself and my body, and see that you don’t have to a low cancer to take control.”

“I recently underwent a PAPFLAP reconstruction on the right side, using skin, tissue, and fat from both thighs to make a new breast. The operation itself is quite rare and because her skin was so damaged by radiotherapy, they had to use rather large "flaps" of skin. So instead of a smaller, round nipple scar I have larger ones. I also underwent a reduction on the left to help match up and make things more symmetrical. Overall I am thrilled with the results the surgeon has given me! I am keen to spread the message that there are alternative muscle sparing options to the DIEP flap for tissue-based reconstructions. So if implants are not your thing and the DIEP flap isn’t suitable for you, please ask your surgeon about alternatives that may suit your situation more!”

“Never miss a mammogram and if you can afford to, pay to be tested privately. Sometimes cancer doesn’t show warning signs and in my case I didn’t have family history, had no lumps or physical changes whatsoever. Cancer doesn’t discriminate— you can be any age, fit and seemingly well, and still get breast cancer. I feel incredibly lucky that my cancer was detected and treated early, but the experience has been traumatic and the fear of recurrence is something I have to live with now. But every day is a bonus and I appreciate life like never before. Check yourself, no matter your age! And never miss a mammogram— mine saved my life.”

“My story is that I found it breastfeeding my twin boys. They were 9 months at the time. My lymph node was swollen, but only one, and I didn’t feel sick. My lactation consultant suggested I go to the OBGYN (she is a breast cancer survivor, but I didn’t know at the time). They referred me for an ultrasound and then a mammogram with biopsy. They found micro-calcifications that were cancerous during the biopsy and I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma - ER, PR, and HER2 positive. My primary tumour was never found. I did a port placement then 6 rounds of TCHP. After that, a lumpectomy with reduction and lift. I also got a lymph node dissection because my lymph node had residual (4.5mm)— my breast had a complete response. I continued on Herceptin and Perjeta while I completed 25 rounds of radiation. Soon I start Kadcyla - 14 rounds, once every 3 weeks. I am starting my aromatase inhibitor tomorrow and have been on lupron shots since February. I wear the lymphedema sleeve when I walk or do any kind of exercise. It has been a long journey, but my boys and my husband have been a beacon of light and strength.”

Kirsten was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 40. With no family history, and no palpable lump; it was pain in her underarm that led to testing and an eventual diagnosis. After going through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, Kirsten believes in the power of sharing her story with others who need support. She raises awareness for breast cancer early detection, self-advocacy, lymphedema, life post-diagnosis, and treatment while also sharing her experience with scalp-cooling which she did during her chemotherapy treatments for hair preservation.

“I did a challenge on Facebook for suicide prevention and mental health awareness where you did 25 push ups every day for 25 days in 2020. One day after I've done the push ups I was laying on my tummy to rest and felt my left boob was sensitive, sore and I felt a little pea size lump, but didn't think anything of it. I told my husband and he advised I should go to the Dr. just to make sure. So about 10 days later I did and then only got a mammogram a month later. Three weeks later I woke up and got ready to take the trip to the breast clinic for my biopsy and felt another lump on my breast. The radiologist did lots of biopsies of both lumps as well as the calcification tissue around it. Two days later I was called in to my Dr.’s office and got told the worst words ever: " I am sorry but you have breast cancer". I was diagnosed at age 42 with stage 2 DCIS, invasive carcinoma (grade 3) ER and PR positive and HER2 negative cancer. Many scans, lumpectomy, port insertion with only local anaesthesia, 6 rounds of 'Red Devil', 12 rounds of Paclitaxel, double mastectomy with DIEP Flap reconstruction and sentinel node removal it is safe to say I've been in remission for 18 months! Yay praise the Lord. Pink was never one of my favourite colours, but pink chose me through breast cancer and now I love it. My inbox is always open to chat so please don't be shy. I love to encourage and help others in their difficult season.”

“I rolled over and scratched my boob in the middle of the night and felt it. I remember telling myself, “don’t be a hypochondriac.” After 2 weeks, waiting to see if it was cycle related, the lump became painful. Off I went for a mammogram. 6 months after losing my mom to peritoneal metastatic pancreatic cancer, I was diagnosed with mammaprint high risk T2, Grade 2, ER/PR+, HER2- breast cancer. I qualified for the I-SPY2 trial at UCSF and I began my treatment of 12 taxol, 4 Pembro, 6 SD-101 intratumoral injections, lumpectomy followed by 4 AC the week my city locked down for Covid. I had some crazy complications (my port leaked and my thyroid went bonkers from the immunotherapy) that made my treatment so very, very hard on top of the social isolation. As I left the house for my final skin check a week after completing radiation, I learned my father was found dead in his house after a falling accident. 20fucking20. This summer I opted for plastic surgery to fix ugly tethering scars from my lumpectomy/SLNB and lift my other boob from radiation changes to my cancer boob. I did fat grating to fill the pothole in my boob and my surgeon fixed my keloid port scar, too. As I was healing from surgery, I learned of Stephanie’s Bewb Art project and I knew this would be the best gift to give myself. Such a raw, honest, vulnerable, empowering thing. I bought myself a piece of art after I competed treatment: Rushed, Sloppy, Irritated, and Alive.”

Falon was diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer in October 2021. She has completed 6 months of chemo, had a double mastectomy with expanders, finished her 6 months of immunotherapy, and had her exchange surgery for silicone implants in early November.

Emily was diagnosed de novo at 30 (which, if you didn’t know, means Stage IV upon initial diagnosis). Also known as metastatic breast cancer.

Carly was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 at age 28. She had no family history or genetic markers, but was tracking breast lumps for a few years. She went through a double mastectomy, expanders, breast reduction, and 4 rounds of chemo with cold capping. Doing all that she could to keep her hair for her personal and professional identity was really important to Carly and helped her feel more confident jumping into expanding her business once she was out of active treatment. She’ll continue hormone treatment (Lupron and Anastrozole) for 5 years (1.5 down!) Currently, she’s continuing to grieve the side effects that having cancer during COVID had— on her body, her choices, and her youth— while thriving where she can.

“My scars tell a story. They are a reminder of times when life tried to break me, but failed. They are markings of where the structure of my character was welded.” — Steve Maraboli. Most of you cannot see my scars in my every day life. But, on occasion my port or lymph node scars show. And while most women worry about “nip slips”, I worry about “scar slips”.

“When I saw your artwork it made my heart melt. I resonated with each piece. Looking at myself in the mirror has never been easy and adding breast cancer and the scarred emptiness it brings, made it even more difficult. Seeing more women sharing their cancer stories builds strength in numbers with other warriors. The power of empowerment in times of crisis and recovery is truly a gift that can easily be shared. This portrait is based off a photo I took 3 years ago just after my unilateral mastectomy. I would wait until the last minute before I fell asleep to remove my prosthetic boob. I remember thinking I need to take a picture— even if I can’t look at myself now, because one day I will. This past April I had my final DIEP flap surgery and though I’m still healing I’m still fighting pretty! Thank you so much for this, it’ll be in the book I finish writing one day!”

“In the past year, I have had a double mastectomy salpingo-oophrectomy, implant exchange, cellulitis and another exchange back to one expander, 8 rounds of chemo, and 25 rounds of radiation. I worked full time, took care of my two very young children under 5, and accomplished my goal of riding 204 times on my Peloton that was a 2021 New Years goal I made before my diagnosis. My advice? Keep going. Everyday I am terrified, everyday I wonder when I will get a recurrence. But whenever these dark thoughts cross my mind, another voice appears and loudly shouts, “keep going!” So my advice to anyone going through the depths of hell— chemo or any form of cancer treatment: keep going, you are needed.”

“The only way I knew I had cancer was through my yearly mammogram. I was diagnosed at DCIS stage and micro-invasion, Grade 3 with HER2+. Calcifications on my mammogram led to a biopsy and eventual double mastectomy. I had Taxol and Herceptin every week for 12 weeks and did cold-capping so that I did not lose all of the hair on my head. I had no attachment to my old breasts and opted for a flat enclosure due to too much research about problems with reconstruction.” There are many options for surgeries so please do what is best for you! Reminder that a mastectomy is NOT a “free boob job”. It is a traumatic amputation that changes your life regardless of the option you choose or are suggested to go with.

“On July 4th, 2021, by chance, I found a golf ball-sized mass under my breast. After 2+ weeks of worry, wonder, and waiting, one of my worst fears was confirmed. I had cancer. Stage 2, Triply Negative breast cancer. During the initial clinic apt we brought my son’s writing journal from last year’s Kindergarten as we couldn’t find any other notepad to quickly take notes. While my husband was taking notes and I was trying to absorb the news, he turned to a page and saw Elijah’s writing that said, “I’m gonna see a victory.” This was from a song we had sung with him at church and in the car. My oncology team put a swift plan into place and within another week, I had genetic testing, chemo teaching, an echo, a port, an MRI, and finally, my first infusion for chemotherapy. The kind that makes you sick and lose your hair. I managed the symptoms of that first infusion fairly well as I underwent a PET scan, a CT scan, another MRI, and finally another PET scan to determine if the cancer had spread or not. The song See a Victory has become an anthem during the journey. We designed T-Shirts for sale for our friends, family, and supporters with Elijah’s handwriting. We sold 171 shirts and raised $885 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation www.bcrf.org. During October— Breast Cancer Awareness month, donations were tripling and multiplied to $2,655! Research for preventing breast cancer and its recurrence is the most important thing we can do right now for all women as it affects 1 out of every 8 women in their lifetime.”

“I’ve had scars since I was three weeks old, after being diagnosed with pyloric stenosis. So when I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer at 31 I thought I’d be able to handle the new scars. Turns out my old scars did nothing to prepare me for the shock when those bandages came off after my lumpectomy and reduction. I’m struggling to find beauty in my body again. Your art was something I suggested to my therapist to help me see myself in a different light. Turns out she was right. I’m re-learning that this body is beautiful through all my scars and able to handle anything this life throws at me. I can’t thank you enough for it.”

Jennifer has underwent a DMX surgery using the “Goldilocks” technique. (Double mastectomy in which the surgeon uses redundant mastectomy flap tissue— skin and fat, to construct a sort of ‘breast mound’.) Jennifer was told she had 2 types of breast cancer upon diagnosis: Stage 3, Grade 3 TNBC (triple negative) with just the 1 tumour being HER2+.

“I see healing.

I see a fighter.

I see a thriver.

I see gratitude.

I see vulnerability”

“I’m full of scars. My first major scar being from an emergency appendectomy in 2015 on Friday the 13th. In 2017 the doctor determined I had severe endometriosis and recommended a full hysterectomy. After many tears and conversations it was decided to be the best course of action. The surgeon was able to do it laparoscopically so I have 5 1” scars over my abdomen. In 2020 I went to a women’s event and got a thermography scan which presented some interesting results. Due to Covid, I wasn’t able to follow up on those findings for awhile but eventually had 2 mammograms, 4 ultrasounds, and a small biopsy which eventually led to “the conversation”. I opted to go with a double mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure because I’m allergic to so many things. It’s been a long journey but I”m getting used to the new me!”

“I was diagnosed at 32 years old with stage 2 HER2+ breast cancer. I underwent chemotherapy, a unilateral mastectomy, radiation, targeted therapy (Herceptin), and am now eagerly awaiting construction. If I could recommend one thing to someone going through a traumatic experience such as cancer, it would be to reach out to others. I have never felt more lonely than I did during the beginning stages of my diagnosis. I met my now life-long best friend and fellow breast cancer survivor, Sara, through Instagram and together we created the @bloom.club Connecting with others who have been through a similar experience has been a bright light during a very dark time.”

“Cancer has been the most difficult experience, it literally tortures you, it tears down your life, your self esteem, it breaks you into tiny fragments of yourself that you have to take time putting back together. I was lucky, I had amazing family and friends help me pick up the pieces, and as I put them back together, I got back together a little funny, but those cracks are good together with a stronger sense of myself, of forgiveness, of love. Cancer tore me apart but in the reflection of my new body, it gave me room to rebuild something so much stronger.”

“My name is Jennifer and after a routine yearly mammogram, I was diagnosed this past May at 47 with stage 2A IDC/DCIS, HER2+. I just finished my final TCHP (yay!) and will continue with Herceptin and Perjeta until Fall. I was stunned when I got the call at work that I had breast cancer. I have no family history and my genetics panel was negative. I live a very active/healthy lifestyle. The next few weeks were very scary and I was forced to make some really tough decisions. I had a double mastectomy with an AFC (aesthetic flat closure) in July 2022, port placement in August, and started chemo mid-September. Not having reconstruction was not a popular choice (with my doctors) but one that tI am very proud of. Still in shock that I went from a healthy person to a cancer patient overnight. The only time I felt any comfort after my diagnosis is when I spoke with others that have walked the path I was on.”

“I was diagnosed with Stage1B ER/PR+, HER2- breast cancer at 33 years old. A couple of weeks later I learned I was pregnant. During my pregnancy I had a double-mastectomy, port placement, and 5 rounds of AC chemo. Knowing that my body was growing a life while also trying to kill cancer was an incredible thing. After my baby girl was born I started chemo again, this time 10 weekly Taxol treatments. A few days before Christmas I had surgery to replace my expanders with implants. Next week I’ll start radiation, and then will be on endocrine therapy for 10 years. It has not been easy, and I still have a long road ahead, but one thing I keep coming back to is that we’re all stronger than we think. Going forward, I hope to find a way to support other women who are pregnant while facing a cancer diagnosis, as well as helping parents of young children in a similar situation. My inbox is always open if you’re in need of support!”

“My scars are just a small part of my life’s story. They don’t make me who I am, but rather remind me of how strong I became. My cancer journey started out like everyone else’s… in total shock. But, the journey I’m on in the present and in my future doesn’t involve caner— it involves me becoming the woman I was always meant to be. My scars tell a story, one that I love to tell, so I can help women on their walk through the craziest time of their lives. Because it’s through one another we become fighters, warriors, and survivors.”

“Finding out I carried a faulty BRCA gene when I was 24 and pregnant was a bit of a shock. I felt every emotion under the sun. Terrified but so grateful to have been given an opportunity to take matters into my own hands and take preventative action. After giving birth to my 2nd child I was ready to explore what to do next. I decided to proceed with a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction. Although surgery and recovery was tricky, it was diluted by the pure empowerment that ran through my entire being. Grateful to have been given an opportunity to secure my future for myself and my family. In awe of our bodies and how they deal with physical trauma. Knowledge is power.”

Karen is a “Previvor”— someone who has had a mastectomy proactively to avoid a potential breast cancer diagnosis due to carrying the hereditary genetic mutations we call “BCRA” in the breast cancer community. Karen is also the creator of EmpowerInkCanada. She is the wonderful woman who gave me the best gift of all— my mastectomy cover up tattoo. She runs multiple entries a year and collaborates with incredible tattoo artists around Canada who volunteer their free time and resources to gift women in the breast cancer space a way to heal and move on.

The following portraits haven’t been posted on my Instagram page yet and/OR are a bit unique and outside of the Breast Cancer series:

Kristin is a mom of 2 from Norway! (So neat to know we’re connecting women from all over the world). She was diagnosed at age 29 and is very proud of her scars (I love to hear this— me too!) “I share my story with pride whenever someone asks me about them. I’m blessed and life turned out so much better than I could ever imagine!”I admire the gratitude I feel from Kristin. It’s not easy to come out on the other side of cancer and feel okay most days.

**Olivia Newton-John tribute - @therealonj**

Leukemia Portraits:

**Natalie - @carpooltochemo and @nataliegrubbs**

Thank you once again for participating. You are all so beautiful and I cannot explain to you the healing power I felt in creating these images. Your emails and reactions made me cry more times than I can count! This community is special— and though it’s not a place we wish for anyone to have to join, it’s a good one.

Much love,

Stephanie XO

#shestaysstrong