Boudoir Giveaway Winner Interview| Dallas Boudoir Photography

Brittany won our summer giveaway. Whenever we do big giveaways, we always choose a woman who has been through or is going through something significant in their life.  

Can you share a little bit about what you've been dealing with and how it has impacted you and your family?

In 2021, at 15 months postpartum from having my triplets, I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. A month later I had a bilateral mastectomy and started 4 rounds of chemotherapy. In December of 2023, I found out I had a reoccurrence of breast cancer which metastasized to my bones which means I am now diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I have been on multiple types of medications and chemotherapies which has caused a lot of side effects and made me lose my hair. Thinking back since my pregnancy with my triplets to breast cancer diagnosis my body has been through a lot. It has impacted my energy, my mobility and normal strength I normally have which makes raising 4 year old triplets hard. My husband has stepped up in every way possible. He makes sure I get my naps when needed even if he is still working and will make sure our children are well cared for. 

Now that you've had your photoshoot and your reveal appointment, how was the whole experience?

It was such a great experience. I do have a wig which was styled for the shoot but having my make-up professionally done was such a blessing. Not having eyebrows or eyelashes really changes your look and having them again for the photoshoot was something I needed for my confidence in the photoshoot. Michelle was very supportive and helped to make me not feel awkward with this being3 very out of the box for me to do. 

How do you think your husband will react when you give him the album?

He has been asking for something like this for a while. With cancer treatments, it really changes your energy, libido, and mobility with the amount of bone mets I currently have. He has been so good and understanding with everything so this will be such a sweet blessing for him. 

What would you say to other women who are going through similar experiences?  I know you've recently bonded with some other women who are also going through chemo and may have some tips on how they can deal with the physical or emotional challenges.

I was recently at a weekend getaway with 4 other women in their 30's with metastatic breast cancer. It was so nice to connect and not feel alone in so many of our feelings, how our body has changed due to this disease and relationships with our husbands have changed due to the side effects. I was really bad at accepting help at first during this disease. Being willing to say yes to the help, whether it be someone cooking meals or going out on a limb and applying for a boudoir session. Listen to your body, you know it best, rest when you need to and know going for a walk is perfect exercise for this present time. Don't be hard on yourself. 

Is there anything else you'd like to share? 

Since it is breast cancer awareness month, make sure you know your body, cancer does not discriminate, more people are being diagnosed with cancer at an earlier age, I was 32 years old when originally diagnosed. If you like to donate to the cause, make sure it is going towards a foundation that really helps us that are in a lifelong battle for a cure. Metavivor is a great organization that gives all its funds to finding a cure for stage 4 breast cancer since it is the only breast cancer that kills. A local foundation that has blessed my family is called Manda Strong Foundation, they send families with a mother who is battling cancer with minors in the home on a trip to make memories.