the portraitsThe Portraits are ten handstitched self-portraits, each one made by a woman living with or beyond breast cancer. Created as part of Cayr Charity's Pink Stitch programme, these intimate textile works invite participants to see themselves anew, not as patients, but as makers, storytellers, and survivors. Alongside each portrait sits the artist's own words: advice, reflections, and truths stitched from lived experience.
All images © Alison Lewis Photography
Ignore the weepers and wailers, the moaners and the stiff-upper-lip brigade. Stay positive and above all be kind to yourself in every way you can.
Annmarie
Hello, my name is Gloria. I'm 61 years old.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2018. I had been feeling really unwell for at least a year before my diagnosis.
I found a lump early one morning and was in shock. I called my mum and then my GP. Waiting for the appointment later that day, I was filled with fear. My GP felt the lump and now I knew it wasn't a figment of my imagination.
I was diagnosed on October 8th, a day I will never forget. Nothing prepares you for the words "you have cancer."
I was told I would not die but would need a single mastectomy. I was heartbroken. I loved my boobs and now I was losing one.
I had DIEP reconstruction in February 2020, and it has given me the confidence that cancer took away.
I now look at my scars as a badge of honour, and am thankful I have been able to survive this terrible illness that takes so many lives. It's very important to share my story to help bring awareness to breast cancer, which affects 1 in 8 women.
My journey is ongoing. I have been taking medication every day for 8 years, and I'm about to start new medication so I don't get a bone recurrence — I'll be on it for 3 years.
I feel this journey has made me a stronger person. Nothing can be more painful than thinking you may lose your life, so when you have been given a second chance, you have to grab it and enjoy it. That's how I'm living my new normal.
I started writing after my diagnosis, so it would be great to have my artwork displayed.
Michelle
Quiet grief of transformation,
One word changes it all,
Stitched in time, etched on the heart,
Laid bare for all to see,
Wall of pain creating an ever changing pattern of fear and doubt,
Broken, then slowly repaired through an inner strength,
Reworked, refashioned with a new thread,
Adjusting to a new version of myself,
Transformed.
Leonie
As I stand here, a canvas of experiences, I reflect on the journey that brought me to this moment. The threads of resilience, compassion, and curiosity weave through my story, a testament to the people and places that have shaped me.
With each step, I've learned to embrace the unknown, to listen to the whispers of my heart, and to let my voice be heard. This portrait is not just a reflection of my face, but a map of my soul, a reminder of where I've been and where I'm headed.
What advice would I give to someone going through breast cancer?
You are going to get through this!
Surround yourself with love: Lean on family, friends, and support groups.
Take it one day at a time: Focus on the present moment and don't worry too much about the future.
Be kind to yourself: Allow yourself to feel your emotions, rest when needed, and prioritise self-care, self-compassion and self-love.
Find your tribe: Connect with others who understand what you're going through.
Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge your inner strength and resilience, and believe in yourself.
Remember, you are not defined by your diagnosis. You are still the same person with the same passions, values, and dreams. You've got this - and if you need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. You are not alone.
Some additional tips:
Ask questions and advocate for yourself - no question is a silly one.
Take care of your mental health and find ways to manage stress and anxiety (go for a walk and get some fresh air).
Stay connected with loved ones.
Focus on what brings you joy!
Keep shining - your light will guide you through.
Not So Far Removed
there’s an alien look to us patients
on the chemo ward
you may think
that we must be living a sad life
waiting to die
but we’re not
here waiting to die
bald heads and red-rimmed eyes
intravenous poisonous drip
you may think
that we must feel sick and scared
waiting to die
but we’re not
just waiting to die
inside the outside we’re still here
still alive and still kicking
you may think
that we must be brave and strong
facing our mortality
but we’re not
we are just the same as you
Ann
“The trick IS to keep breathing………”
2.0 is an album by the band Garbage that has many lyrics that this
woman used as metaphors with the voice of the protagonist in many of
the songs as her “cancer”
This helped her get her through the various stages of her treatment.
I AM version 2.0
Dear Little Me,
Hang in there. Take one step at a time. Life is beautiful and remember that the
small things in life really are the big things.
You are going to have a beautiful life filled with adventures and love and family and
friends. Some of it will go how you think it will. Some of it will not – you will not
become a ballet dancer.
You will be diagnosed with breast cancer, have treatment and think that it has gone,
but it will return and it will have spread and one day it will kill you. But you will carry
on doing your best, making friends, creating work and grabbing life when you can.
Life is beautiful and the small things in life always will be the big things.