Photo Credit: Houston MethodistHealth
Houston Methodist The Woodlands hosts ScART to help breast cancer survivors find meaning in scars
Last weekend Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital hosted ScART, a healing arts and group painting program where breast cancer patients, survivors and caregivers transformed their scars into art.
The program allowed participants to look beyond the clinical aspects of recovery and explore the deeper meaning of their experiences on canvas.
For breast cancer survivor Nikki, the experience offered a new perspective on her cancer journey. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 46 through a routine mammogram, she said the physical aspects of treatment initially took priority as she focused on reaching remission for both herself and her family, but over time, she realized the emotional impact of her diagnosis and recovery was equally as significant.
“Participating in ScART has given me an opportunity to look at the positive side of my experience,” Nikki said. “It highlighted the meaning of courage, love, support and compassion, which are things that people often take for granted. This experience helped me recognize the strength I had all along and the importance of accepting support from others.”
Now in remission, Nikki hopes sharing her story will help others feel less alone and encourage more open conversations around women’s health and cancer recovery.
For Linda, ScART carried a different meaning the second time she attended. Two years ago, she participated as a caregiver supporting her sister through breast cancer treatment. This year, she returned as a patient after receiving her own diagnosis.
Linda said the continuity of care she witnessed at Houston Methodist while supporting her sister helped her enter her own treatment with confidence because she already knew and trusted her care team.
“ScART helps with the healing process – it gives you a chance to tell your story, connect with other patients and see the progress others have made along the way,” Linda said. “It is a very positive and meaningful experience.”
Linda said the event also helped her recognize the strength it takes to accept support from others.“You really don’t know your own strength until you need it,” said Linda. “Going through something like this showed me how much strength I had all along. This is my fighting year, and next year it’s game on again.”
The stories shared during ScART reflect the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of cancer recovery, said Dr. Steven Albright, plastic surgeon at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital.
“ScART highlights the connection between creativity and healing, giving patients an opportunity to reflect on their experiences in a different way,” Albright said. “Plastic and reconstructive surgery is an important part of many patients’ breast cancer journey, and our team works closely with oncology colleagues to support patients from diagnosis through reconstruction and survivorship.”
For more information how Houston Methodist can support you on your cancer journey, visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer.
Source: Houston Methodist
