Scars, Smiles, and Strength💕
A meaningful, new partnership! Follow along as we document Ranae's journey through breast cancer treatment post a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in late August. Those who know me, know my own mom is a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor so when I saw Ranae ask if a photographer would like to partner with her to document this time in her life, I immediately said YES!!
- Her personal blog is, as well as, her Amazon Store Front are underneath her photo. She set up the Store Front to help guide those going through their own journey with the must-haves she feels are necessary to have. This is also a great guide for those wondering how they can help or what they gift to their loved ones going through this, as well.
Hi, I’m Renae — just a 42-year-old woman trying to navigate breast cancer with honesty, a bit of humor, and whatever love and hope I can hold onto along the way. Life shifted fast in 2025, and now I’m figuring things out one real moment at a time — the messy ones, the quiet ones, and the ones that remind me I’m still me underneath it all.
At home, I’m surrounded by my little world: Mark, my boyfriend of five and a half years, who’s doing his best to walk through this with me even when we’re both figuring it out day by day; two cats who seem to know exactly when to curl up beside me; and a dog who loves me endlessly… unless Dad is home, in which case my ranking drops immediately. I can’t blame her — Dad’s pretty great.
I have an amazing family, including my loving parents; my brother and sister; two nieces who love their Auntie NaeNae so much; and all of my wonderful out-of-state family who constantly check in on me. Plus Mark’s mom, who has been with me through weekly appointments, some unexpected scares and always makes sure I have a chemo buddy sitting next to me every time.
When I’m not at appointments or sorting through my thoughts, you’ll probably find me doing the things that make me feel most like myself: cooking something comforting, staying active in ways that keep me grounded, reading anything sciencey because nerd life is the best life, admiring old cars at summer shows — those rolling pieces of history, artifacts of automobile greatness, spending time with the nieces who light up my world, digging in the yard and getting dirt under my nails (and loving it), and watching old TV shows. No one can beat Dick Van Dyke’s humor and dance style, and his effortless physical comedy. He is the master of slapstick comedy.
This blog is my cozy corner of honesty and heart. It’s a place where I share the pieces of this journey with anyone who needs connection, comfort, or simply to know they’re not alone. If you’re here, thank you — truly. I hope you find warmth, understanding, and maybe even a little hope tucked between the words.
Thursday, December 11th @ 8:00 a.m.
This morning I joined Ranae at the Cancer Center for treatment. Within 15 minutes of her treatment last week, she had quite a scare! Her breathing started to feel off, she could feel her airway closing up and her hands broke out in hives. You'll see towards the end of the photos, once treatment was complete, they were checking her hands to make sure there wasn't another allergic reaction.
I've chosen not to edit these photos. I knew I didn't want to edit them much but then as I started applying slight edits, it felt wrong. Her body is going through more changes than many of us will ever understand. She asked me to document her journey so she could see and share those changes therefore, I'm not going to make any changes to the images that could affect how her skin looks because that would defeat the whole purpose of this journey we are now on together.
It was wonderful sitting there, hearing more of her story and building this new relationship. I can't wait to watch her kick cancer's ass!!!
The photos below are what she went through, step-by-step, this morning during treatment from start to finish. You'll see first they're hydrating her body with the Sodium Chloride then they added Benadryl. Finally, they proceeded with the chemo drugs.
I was not able to be with my mom while she was going through treatment due to me living out-of-state so for me this is a chance to better connect and understand what she went through so I definitely appreciate and do not take lightly, Ranae allowing me to document this journey she's now, unfortunately on.
Thursday, March 12th @ 10:00 a.m.
This morning I joined Ranae at the Cancer Center for her FINAL chemo treatment! Phase two was the "Red Devil" phase and it is INTENSE! I remember when my mom went through this. Here body could only handle three treatments, she was hospitalized a couple of times due her white blood cell count getting dangerously low. My mom was unable to receive her fourth and final Red Devil treatment.
The Red Devil definitely kicked Ranae's booty, as well! When I arrived, Ranae shared that she was very glad this was her final treatment, she wasn't sure her body could handle for than four of these. Most days she rarely ate anything, her appetite was very low and she definitely had no energy. Throughout this whole process she has seen her weight fluctuate.
Today is Friday the 20th. She just mentioned to me that this last week has been a rough one. She's experienced falling asleep while standing up, fortunately not falling over due to her wonderful partner. On Monday she almost passed out just carrying bedding down the stairs to be washed. She still has her some of her hair, not all of it fell out but she did lose her eyebrows and eyelashes. Her eyelash stubs that are growing back are constantly poking her in the eye. Haha! Fortunately, she's able to eat a little more and drinking a lot. Hydration is definitely needed especially with this insanely warm, abnormal weather we've been experiencing!
Ranae is hoping find the energy to update her blog this weekend so stay tuned and check back next week to read about her experience from her own words!
Around the beginning of April we will be getting her here IN the studio to celebrate the end of her treatment before radiation begins!
Tuesday, April 28th @ 12:00 p.m.
Renae finally made it to the studio! We had to reschedule a few times due to her exhaustion. 100% understandable! She's such a trooper and is GLOWING!! She's not used to being in front of the camera but she rocked it! I'm so honored she felt comfortable enough for me to document the rawness of her journey.
I'm happy to report that Renae is entering her final weeks of radiation! Radiation has been 5 day a week and soon she will be RINGING THAT BELL!!! She requested I be present for that amazing moment and I can't wait to watch her do it!!
