A few months before my breast cancer diagnosis, I retired from my &ldquo;day job&rdquo; to pursue a second career in photography, taking on assignments photographing corporate and social events. Since my diagnosis and treatment (consisting of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation), I have continued to take on those assignments, but now I increasingly use my photographer&rsquo;s eye for subjects in nature, waiting for the right moment to capture birds, animals, and sunrises with my camera. This means finding new adventures outdoors, which has brought me considerable peace and has helped me heal.

My husband, Paul, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2011, and I&#39;ve been a caregiver for him. Then, last year, I was diagnosed with cancer, so Paul became my caregiver. 
&nbsp; 
During Paul&#39;s treatments at CCHC New Bern Cancer Center in North Carolina, we would look out the window at the waterfall and waterlilies while watching the koi swimming in the pond. This pond helped both of us -- Paul with his treatments and me with my worries about him and his cancer. During a rough time receiving chemotherapy or thinking about prognosis or test results, it was so relaxing and peaceful to look at the pond. 
&nbsp; 
More recently, CCHC New Bern moved to merge with CarolinaEast SECU Cancer Center, leaving the pond behind. I wanted to bring some of &quot;our peaceful place&quot; to the new hospital. Now, walking through the door, the first thing you see is my painting hanging on the wall. The koi pond may be gone, but some of its peace and tranquility are still there. It reminds me that we made it through hard times, and together we will make it through whatever life throws our way. It&#39;s been a journey and the ride is far from being over, but there is always hope. 
&nbsp;

Koi Pond 

This is an acrylic painting I just completed which was painted from a photograph I took shortly before my cancer diagnosis. I have discovered a love for painting; it provides moments of focus and calm, control and new feelings of accomplishment! This is spring emerging in the forest where life will begin anew.

Heron's Lunch

By Anne Weathersby

February 10th, 2020

Latest News