A young mum who had her breasts and womb removed after being diagnosed with cancer has told how her surgery scars helped her embrace life again. Cheryl Scott began to experience fatigue and night sweats in 2019 but initially dismissed it as her being overly tired.
The 38-year-old, who has a strong history of breast and ovarian cancer in her family, regularly checked herself but discovered a lump while away on holiday. She went under the knife in December that year and was left struggling to come to terms with the changes to her body as a result.
The Runcorn mum told the Liverpool Echo : "That was a little rough because during covid you're kind of isolated on your own. We had to do a gene check and I found out I had the BRCA-1 gene which meant I had to go for another mastectomy and a full hysterectomy for preventative measures.
"That itself was quite difficult. I really wanted another baby and that was taken away but my self confidence had taken a knock. Being young, no-one explains what a mastectomy will bring to you mentally.
"Everyone assumes you've got fake boobs but it's not the case. Mentally, it's a rough ride. I couldn't look at myself in the mirror, especially when people say at least you're alive.
"You're grateful you're alive but it's still a huge hit. I still don't have any nipples."
With her confidence at an all time low, Cheryl posted on Instagram asking if someone would be willing to paint her in the hopes of bringing back some self-confidence. That's when local artist John Charles - dubbed the 'Scouse Van Gogh' by his fans - got in touch.
Cheryl said: "He's a local artist from Liverpool, a recovering addict who turned his life around. He shares his life stories to help others and is always supporting charities, raising money and awareness, especially for the Owen McVay foundation."
Cheryl said herself and ten other women were invited for a special photoshoot, which was funded by John himself, with plans to hold an exhibition scheduled for July 30.
She added: "I wanted to feel great and try to fall in love with my body and learn to accept it. John got in touch and he fully funded the photoshoot for all of the women, of all shapes and sizes.
"It was incredible. It was the scariest thing I've ever done in my life but it was so empowering. I've seen one of the paintings and it's well better than I expected. John is just amazing."
Cheryl said her self-confidence has returned and she has shared an all-important message with others. She explained: "Knowledge is definitely power. Your scars don't define you. If anything, it woke me up to life, now I embrace it.
"My self-confidence has definitely improved. I think everyone in life should get to experience something like the photoshoot at least once. My sister has just rang the bell for her cancer, she got diagnosed just after me.
'She only has one breast after an infection but there's also a chance my daughters have the gene so they may need their breasts removed. Doing this, I wanted them to know that it's not all bad and you can still love yourself."
You can see John Charles' exhibit called 'Women' on July 30 between 2-4pm at the Baltic Hotel.
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