Illness and artistic life: art interrupted but always pulsing!

A bolt from the blue. Suddenly, in June 2026.

This is an important update that reflects my current reality, explaining my disappearance from social media, the website, and above all, the recently opened online store (and a little bit from the world too, haha). With a smile and awareness. Always.

•••

In June, I was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer, with an axillary lymph node affecting tissue and bone, and metastases to the bones of the pelvis, lung, and liver.

I will have to remain practically bedridden for a long time, severely limiting movement in order to avoid pelvic fractures in this already fragile situation. Currently, I am already undergoing treatment.

I apologize for the lack of newsletters, website updates, shipments, and everything else; currently, my inability to move does not allow me to manage any of this. I therefore recommend following me on social media (Facebook & Instagram: @illusorya), where I am able to post something about it.

•••

In less than three months, right after the recent opening, my life and daily work have literally collapsed. And it started in the stupidest way: a "pulled leg," and suddenly I cannot walk on both legs. Just when I was in the full swing of everything, from returning to painting and organizing all my artistic work to other beautiful things, I have to take an involuntary break again!

Speaking openly about it: I am taking it with a smile, with awareness, and with all the good will that is truly keeping me going.

Tears are for release, especially after finally finding out what was wrong with my body, starting from the first symptoms two years ago, when I was completely unaware. It wasn't endometriosis, it wasn't some chronic illness I had imagined. It is a fucking tumor, hidden until the very end, and its companions.

🎗️ At the end of all this... My thoughts? Prevention is important, but the important thing is: listen to your body and, above all, your instinct.

Stubbornness will be the best attack... Because those who tell you "It's impossible that you feel that particular pain," "You're just lazy, walk it off" or "No, don't worry, it's just a side effect," must be immediately put down.

Somewhere, there is someone who will listen to you. Always. First and foremost, you must do it yourself.

•••

Returning to my current professional status:

🔻 Until I can move without apocalyptic consequences for my body, orders from the atelier and online store are temporarily suspended.

🔺 Please also cancel all comic conventions and markets on the 2026 schedule (hoping not in 2027, but now my thoughts are focused on the Present).

The difficulties are many, the hope that Illusorya will soon be back on track is high, but currently the main focus is: Stefania.

•••

I take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the immense affection I have received, which has given me a strength I have never felt in my life. I struggle to reply, one by one, to all your touching messages... I am very sorry and I apologize, but believe me: I read and feel every single word, every one of your precious thoughts. They mean the world to me. Thank you! 🥰

See you soon! With darkettoso affection 🖤