PAULETTE'S STORY
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, my life was suddenly changed. While in treatment and recovery you go through many physical and emotional experiences. I kept a journal during this time and have decided to share this experience through t-shirt designs. Since I create t-shirt designs and screen print for a living, it was a natural way to express these feelings.
The first shirt that I created was "The F Word." Shortly after my mastectomy, friends and family were calling to see how I was doing. When one friend asked, my answer was "I think this cancer is going to make me start using the F word." Since I'd never used that word, the phone line suddenly went very quiet. I laughed and added "yes - the F word, family, faith and friends." Each of these designs is based on an experience like that.
I had a great support system from everyone, yet there were still times that I was scared and felt very alone. It has amazed me how many people have said to me: "You felt that way too? I thought it was just me."
So by sharing this, I hope others will realize that they are not alone. We all have fears. We all hesitate to ask for help. We all hide our sadness and concerns because we don't want to burden our families.
I have laughed lot, cried some, been angry at my body, scared of the treatments and worried about the future. Through it all I have came out a stronger person. One that appreciates life, friendship and time more than I ever did. My motto has been, "Smile on the bad days and the good ones will be great."
To see all of my cancer designs, visit The Cancer Shirts Project page under the shop tab. Please feel free to email me with any questions, comments or you just need to talk to someone who can relate to what you’re going through. My email address is: paulette@supremetshirts.com
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, my life was suddenly changed. While in treatment and recovery you go through many physical and emotional experiences. I kept a journal during this time and have decided to share this experience through t-shirt designs. Since I create t-shirt designs and screen print for a living, it was a natural way to express these feelings.
The first shirt that I created was "The F Word." Shortly after my mastectomy, friends and family were calling to see how I was doing. When one friend asked, my answer was "I think this cancer is going to make me start using the F word." Since I'd never used that word, the phone line suddenly went very quiet. I laughed and added "yes - the F word, family, faith and friends." Each of these designs is based on an experience like that.
I had a great support system from everyone, yet there were still times that I was scared and felt very alone. It has amazed me how many people have said to me: "You felt that way too? I thought it was just me."
So by sharing this, I hope others will realize that they are not alone. We all have fears. We all hesitate to ask for help. We all hide our sadness and concerns because we don't want to burden our families.
I have laughed lot, cried some, been angry at my body, scared of the treatments and worried about the future. Through it all I have came out a stronger person. One that appreciates life, friendship and time more than I ever did. My motto has been, "Smile on the bad days and the good ones will be great."
To see all of my cancer designs, visit The Cancer Shirts Project page under the shop tab. Please feel free to email me with any questions, comments or you just need to talk to someone who can relate to what you’re going through. My email address is: paulette@supremetshirts.com