Story: CBC Butterflies' from my cancer series illustrates a child's perspective on getting a Complete Blood Count (CBC). I depict how young me imagined butterfly needles when the nurse said, 'they help the blood come out.' The butterflies symbolize my body's transformation as chemo drugs (Calamondin lemons) destroy cancer cells, giving me life (Calamondin blossom). They also draw blood to monitor treatment progress. The Calamondin lemons and flowers (Filipino) and Black Swallowtail butterflies (Florida) reference my mixed heritage, being half Filipino and half Caucasian.

During my treatment, I had to get my blood drawn multiple times for a Complete Blood Count (CBC) to monitor the quantity of my blood cells. I depict how child me would have imagined butterfly needles when her nurse explained that “they help the blood come out.” The butterflies are the transformation my body is undergoing as the chemo drugs (Calamondin lemons) destroy the cancer cells to give me life (Calamondin blossom). They also draw the blood to examine the progress of the treatment within my blood.

Symbols: Butterflies, dress, Calamansi flower and lemons, blood, gloves, leaves, needles, tubing.

Media: Acrylic, watercolor, cardstock, yarn, alcohol inks, vinyl on canvas

Some gathered posts and vids during various stages of progress online: