Courtesy of the American Cancer Society
One of the hardest things about receiving cancer treatment is how you look and feel. The nausea, hair loss and blotchy skin often are constant reminders that you’re sick. But cancer patients who’ve been through it say a little lip stick and eyebrows can go a long way towards helping you feel better. And the American Cancer Society continues to do its part to help with the little things.
I learned that the organization sponsors a “Look Good…Feel Better” program that teaches patients with cancer how to cope with appearance-related side effects caused by cancer treatment.
They even give participants who attend a free session a free makeup kit that includes more than $200 worth of products and instruction from a licensed cosmetologist on how to enhance your appearance. Because chemotherapy and radiation affect patients immune system, instructors also tell patients how to care for the applicators and how long they should keep their makeup.
Jennifer Kelley, a communications manager with the ACS’ health initiative said the skin undergoes major changes during cancer treatment.
“You can have dry flaky skin or dark or red blotchy skin. The session talks about things like enhancing your moisturizer and how to draw on eyebrows,” she said. “Some patients have said if I know I’m looking better I have a tendency to feel better.”
ACS’ next Look Good…Feel Better session in Wichita is Monday July 19 at the Via Christi Cancer Resource Center located at 817 N. Emporia. Participants have to be active chemotherapy or radiation patients and make-up kits are provided only if patients are able to attend a local session with two or more participants.
Sessions may not be available in every area, but to find one near you, visit lookgoodfeelbetter.org and type in your zip code for a list program locations. Kelley said patients who are unable to attend a session may schedule a one-on-one session with a licensed cosmetologist, but will have to provide their own makeup. Patients also may receive a self-help video by calling (800) 277-2645. Men with cancer also can receive information on how to better care for their skin, hair, body and stress by visiting lookgoodfeelbetterformen.org.
I'm a working wife and mom who takes care of an aging parent. Only I began doing it full-time, in my home, when I was in my mid-thirties, single and about to make a career change. Thirteen years later, mom is still living with me and I expect it to be that way until one of us leaves this earth. It hasn't always been easy managing her care. (I've helped my mother recover from surgery, and a major injury that required a nursing home stay, as well as the death of my younger brother after a long illness.) But caring for her has been worth it because I know that my assistance means she enjoys a better quality of life as she ages. I hope the experiences and information that I share will help you manage,with grace, the changes that take place in your life as you assume the responsibility of being your parent's caregiver. If you have a question you think I can answer, please contact me at Cynthia@motherskeeper.com
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