Anna, a Brooklyn-based photographer originally from Prague, Czech Republic, shares her personal journey through triple positive breast cancer. On her 37th birthday, Anna discovered a lump in her breast, which led to a breast cancer diagnosis. At the time, her son was 2 and a half years old, and she and her husband, Jordan, were contemplating having a second child. Her experience became a photo-documentation project, capturing her emotional and physical journey.

After discovering the lump, Anna immediately sought medical advice. Despite her gynecologist dismissing the need for immediate concern, Anna pushed for further tests. She learned that 40% of women have dense breast tissue, making mammograms less effective. An ultrasound revealed the tumor, and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis: triple positive breast cancer. The news was delivered over the phone while Anna was at work, a moment that profoundly affected her. She recounts how Jordan’s mother, who had also survived breast cancer, helped them navigate the situation.

Anna underwent a lumpectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. She describes the physical and emotional toll of the treatments, including the onset of menopause at 37 due to hormone therapy and the devastating impact on her fertility. The prospect of not having a second child was deeply painful for Anna, who felt grief and resentment over the situation. While people often told her to be grateful for her existing child, Anna explains that it’s possible to experience both immense love for one child while grieving the loss of the possibility of another.

Mentally, the experience was overwhelming. After her surgery and treatments, Anna found herself struggling with depression and even suicidal thoughts. She vividly remembers an intense moment, and how this experience convinced her to seek therapy and antidepressants. Jordan also played a crucial role in helping her recognize her mental health struggles, encouraging her to seek help.

Anna found solace in photography, using her camera to document her cancer journey. This project, initially personal, helped her process the trauma and provided a way to visually articulate her experience. She and Jordan collaborated on this project, which eventually turned into a book. The process of creating the book was both therapeutic and challenging, as it forced Anna to confront painful memories. However, the feedback from others who connected with her story through the photographs was incredibly healing.

Anna’s story also highlights the importance of survivorship. She discusses how society often overlooks the ongoing struggles of cancer survivors, assuming that once physical recovery is evident, the person is fully healed. For Anna, the emotional and psychological healing continues long after the treatments have ended, and her photography serves as a powerful tool in that journey.