From Breast Cancer Diagnosis to Thriving in Bikini Competitions | Blythewood, SC

The second recipient of my Breast Cancer Survivor Giveaway also has a great story. Meet Irene Scott who was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2014. She made her discovery while administering a self-exam. Irene resides in the Charlotte, NC area and drove down for her session. We met in Blythewood at Doko Meadows Park. She was so great to work with and had a lovely personality that you can see in her smile. I enjoyed getting to know her during her portrait session.

After being diagnosed with DCIS stage 1 breast cancer and having multiple surgeries Irene initially struggled with the disease. A one-time control freak is now dealing with something with she couldn’t control. “I was that mom that had everything in order and had everything in its place. I was a very neat, clean and highly organized person.“ said Irene. Since then she has began to enjoy the simplest of things such as having a morning cup of coffee and watering her plants.

Treatment & Chasing Dreams

During her treatments Irene endured a double mastectomy and two reconstruction surgeries. She was fortunate that chemotherapy or radiation wasn’t in her treatment plan. Radiation therapy is rarely given to women treated with mastectomy for DCIS.

Eventually, she decided to have her reconstructed breast removed. “I didn’t know any better and somehow felt so attached to my non-cancerous breast,” Irene said. At the end of 2017, Irene decided to shift her focus to her health and bodybuilding. She began pursuing a lifelong dream of becoming physically fit and having 6-pack abs. Irene decided to focus her energy on her workouts. After very intense training and giving 100% effort, she continued to endure some challenges. Her challenges couldn’t hold her back, it only made her more confident in her appearance and gave her an ‘I can do anything attitude .“

Transformation & Thriving

After six months of training twice a day & 7 days a week her body transformed. “I loved what I saw. I felt like a total bad girl. If I could get through cancer, 2 mastectomies, 2 breast reconstructions and numerous doctor’s appointments I could surely eat lean chicken, drink protein shakes, and drink over a gallon of water each day.” Since this physical change she felt so much stronger and healthier.

In April 2018, she competed in her first bikini fitness bodybuilding competition. She competed in several categories in the 2018 NPC Charlotte Cup. Irene’s hard work paid off and she finished in 2nd Place Masters 45 Plus category. Two months later Irene competed in the 2018 NPC Victory Classic she once again finished in 2nd Place Masters 45 Plus category.

After her first two competitions Irene kept training and eating right to get her body ready for her next competition. Almost a year since her last competition she participated in the NPC Lenda Murray Classic. This time she finished on top with first-place finishes in the Masters 45 Plus and Novice Class B categories.

However, Irene is not done yet and plans to continue to compete. Until her next competition she is continuing to keep in shape and continuing to live a grateful fulfilling life. She is a true example of beating cancer, surviving, thriving and living her best life.

Irene’s Competition Results

**NPC Charlotte Cup**
2nd Place Masters Over 45
8th Place Class E
**NPC Victory Classic**
2nd Place Masters Over 45
5th Place Class C
4th Place Masters Over 40
**NPC Border Klash**
*8th Place Masters Over 45*
**NPC Lenda Murray Classic**
*1st place Masters Over 45*
*1st place Novice Class B*
*4th place Class B*
© Photo by Dan Ray

Thank you for taking time out to read my blog post. Please like the blog post, comment and share it on your social media pages with your friends. If you want me to capture your story please email me at henry@henryjonesphotography.com so we can discuss documenting your life story.