In a heartfelt tribute to her journey with breast cancer, Jenn Carbajal, 35, created a unique sculpture of her left breast before undergoing a mastectomy. By casting her breast and adorning it with hundreds of tiny mirrored tiles, she has managed to preserve a significant part of herself while navigating the profound changes brought about by her diagnosis.
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Carbajal’s journey began after she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Understanding that her body was about to undergo a dramatic transformation, she felt it was vital to create something that would help her honour her past self. “I wanted to honour my breast and ‘the girls’ who spent countless nights with me dancing under the disco balls,” she explained. The decision to create this artwork stemmed from her belief that failing to do so would lead to lifelong regret, as she aimed to memorialise a version of herself she felt she might never regain.
Prior to her surgery on June 30, Carbajal purchased a casting kit with a clear vision in mind: to transform this cast into a sparkling disco-inspired sculpture. The results were astonishing; after completing the casting, she meticulously glued hundreds of mirrored tiles to the sculpture. She later shared a video of the process on TikTok, captivating her audience with the emotional depth of her craftsmanship. Accompanying her visuals, she wrote, “Lost my left breast to breast cancer and I want to remember her forever,” emphasising the significance of having this tangible reminder of her former self.
The disco theme, deeply rooted in her identity, was not merely a random selection. Carbajal was an integral part of the rave scene long before her diagnosis and even performed as a DJ under the name DiscoJenn. “Disco balls have resonated with me for so long,” she remarked, adding that they symbolise resilience, as they reflect light even amidst darkness.
The symbolism of the disco ball took on even greater meaning as she faced the challenges of treatment and recovery. She described how hand-crafting her sculpture provided a comforting distraction during moments when facing her own reflection was emotionally overwhelming. “There were so many moments looking in my own mirror when I wanted to give up,” she shared. Yet, the love and support from her family, who helped her place the carefully selected tiles, provided her with strength.
As she engaged in this slow, painstaking process, each completed section of the sculpture served as a reminder of her determination. “It kept my mind busy and kept me occupied as I was struggling to be home with little motivation,” she said, elaborating on how the artwork became a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil of her diagnosis. The final result exceeded her expectations and has become more than just a decorative piece; it embodies her journey and newfound sense of self-love.
Carbajal candidly noted that while chemotherapy brought numerous physical changes to her body, including hair loss, the loss of her breast was the most significant challenge. “I loved them, and losing one has been the biggest battle of this whole journey,” she acknowledged. Nonetheless, she remained resolute in her commitment to appreciate her body and its remarkable ability to heal.
When she posted her completed artwork, she anticipated a wave of support from friends and family. To her surprise, her creation resonated with thousands of strangers. Many expressed that her work inspired them to reassess their own bodies and their experiences with breast cancer. “So many women going through cancer have told me they want to create their own version,” she said, illustrating the impact of her project beyond her initial intent.
The sculpture now occupies a prominent place in her home, having been carefully placed beside one of her beloved plants after testing various spots. What started as a deeply personal keepsake has evolved into a striking statement piece. Carbajal laughs as she describes her satisfaction with the end result, stating, “I honestly think it looks so freaking cool.”
In a further extension of her advocacy, Carbajal takes her disco sculpture to breast cancer awareness events hosted by The Breast Movement, an initiative she founded alongside her sisters. By blending fitness, music, and community, the movement encourages women to prioritise their health through self-exams and self-love. “My disco breast doesn’t just represent what I lost; it represents the purpose I’ve found through all of this,” she concluded passionately.
Through her art and advocacy, Jenn Carbajal’s journey has become a source of inspiration for many, encouraging open conversations about body image, resilience, and the importance of health awareness.