A4 acrylic on canvas board. This is the second in the series of portraits of breast cancer survivors: The Power Portraits. Read on to learn about Anne’s story (yes, Anne number two too!).
Anne Whitley was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2021. Biopsy results confirmed an oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive, HER2 negative, grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Following surgery, radiotherapy and adjuvant hormonal therapy, her medical team predicted a high success rate. Anne was very happy with her treatment.
Diagnosis was no great surprise given a family history of breast cancer, together with a busy and occasionally stressful life. Her mum died from breast cancer at age 56 and she feels that every year is a bonus.
If anything, the diagnosis gave her ‘permission’ to do more of what she wanted to do in life; to be true to herself and not force herself to do things that didn’t feel right. Anne became determined to become more aware of what she wanted out of life, to make the most of her time, and get on with things. This included buying a camper van and taking off. She didn’t feel the need to explore options beyond the excellent medical care she received.
Like many people Anne credits a combination of factors for getting her through the experience: family, friends, yoga, cycling, sea swimming, nature, pottery and faith.
Looking back, it all feels a bit ‘surreal’.
Above all she feels lucky and grateful.
Lucky that the experience has given her a new mindset.
Lucky that treatment was minimal.
Grateful for her ‘job’ teaching yoga to lovely clients in a wonderful space.
Dawn Waldron Art 