This is a watercolor I created to depict what its like initially to learn you have Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, and how you begin to adapt your life to do the things you love and to live each day as fully as you can. See the accompanying poem below: The Cancer Dome I

I had never painted nor drawn anything. Diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer at age 71 some friends brought me canvas and acrylics. In what seems a miracle to me I have now painted over 100 abstract paintings that deal with my cancer&#39;s affects on my life. Themes of fear, confusion, joy, love just flow from my soul. In this painting done about six months after I had had prostatectomy, chemotherapy and radiation I reflect on the state of confusion in my heart. You&#39;ll be happy to know if you look at my other work that while still not out of the woods I have been able to find enormous joy in doing and expressing many other positive feelings about my recovery.

Confusion

I have had 4 incidences of breast cancer over the past 20 years. I have been extremely fortunate to have been able to treat the cancer each time but it is a whirlwind. I find I have cancer and then there are consultations and research to figure out the best way to attack it, all as quickly as possible. I feel like I set flight with treatments, hoping for the best but never knowing where things will land. I do try to think of cancer and treatments as part of my journey and I try to find joy in the journey. This is what this artwork means to me.

Life in the Cancer Dome

By Carol Miele

August 18th, 2019

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