Lisa's Mastectomy Journey

It was such an honour to welcome Lisa for her Boudoir Session last month. We chatted on the phone beforehand and I knew we'd be a good fit for each other. I hope that by Lisa sharing her story she is able to empower fellow survivors to embrace the changes in their bodies too. Thank you for being so wonderful, Lisa.

"What an amazing experience!  Doing a boudoir photoshoot is one of those things I’ve always fancied doing but never actually had the courage to go for it and I’m so glad I have!
In September 2019 I felt like my whole world fell apart when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Suddenly it felt like someone had pressed pause on my life as I entered 6 months of chemotherapy.  I could actually cope with losing my hair thanks to an amazing wig, but once you lose your eyebrows your whole face changes and that’s when my confidence took a hit.
My treatment was going to plan and I was nearing the end of my chemo when lockdown happened.  My last round of chemo was cancelled and my surgery was put on hold. My confidence hit rock bottom – being told you can’t get close to your own children or husband in your own home was really hard.
I had a mastectomy in the summer of 2020, however due to COVID, reconstruction at that time was not an option for me.  I finished 2020 with radiotherapy and since then I have been getting used to my new body.  My hair is now long again and my confidence has improved, however I felt I needed to give it a boost and do something totally out of my comfort zone – and that’s where Rachel came in.
 
I’m quite a shy person and did look at a few photographers offering boudoir photography, but none of them really hit the bill, I wanted something classy and that’s exactly what I got with Rachel.
 
I had a nude baby bump photograph done elsewhere when I was pregnant with my first son 16 years ago and I’ve always hated how it turned out as I look really awkward and uncomfortable.
This photo shoot and the results were totally different – from the minute I walked through the door Rachel and Sasha put me at ease (I was extremely nervous).  I’d never had my makeup done, not even on my wedding day, so that was a real treat and I felt amazing.  Rachel was so friendly, helpful and encouraging, yet so professional.  She was so careful with positioning the camera so not to draw attention to my mastectomy side, which is exactly what I wanted, and was very clear in giving instructions to get me in some wonderful poses.  The results were fabulous, better than I could have wished for, she is so talented and has an impressive eye for detail!
 
 I really did feel amazing after the shoot and I would recommend anyone to do this, there really is no better way to boost your confidence! I will definitely go back to Rachel in the future"

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