Looking (and Feeling) Your Best During Treatment

by Jan Ping

So you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer and you are in shock. When it happened to me, I felt surprised and confused. I never thought this was going to be one of my life experiences. I had no family history, no glaring symptoms. I wanted to ask my physician if he was sure he had the right results, if he was sure that was my name on the film.

As much as I wished it would be otherwise, the name was mine; I had breast cancer. I immediately thought about my young daughter, my family. How would they cope with this? Then I thought about the side effects of treatment. All I knew about at that time was the possibility of losing my hair.

My way of coping was to give myself a job. I became determined to be proactive about my survival and recovery. Almost immediately, I thought not only about my own journey but also about others who would be getting this same news.

For most of my adult life, I had worked in the entertainment industry as a makeup artist. I knew how to make people look their best, so I began to think about how I could draw upon my life experience to do something positive. I didn’t know exactly what was coming, but whatever it was, I wanted to find those answers that would help me look and feel the best I could while I fought my cancer.

Each person who finds themselves fighting cancer, either male or female, will have a unique path. But there are a few things anyone can do to have some control over how they look and feel while undergoing treatment.

Of course, everyone is familiar with the hair loss associated with chemotherapy, but you are going to notice your skin changing too.

First, nurture a positive outlook. Optimism and laughter carry great power. There is a mind-body connection that cannot be denied, so use it. Also, surround yourself with others who can respect your attitude. I’m not saying you’ll never be blue or frustrated, but don’t allow yourself to wallow in these emotions. After all, you certainly had these same negative emotions before your diagnosis.

Beyond having a good mental attitude, there are some simple steps you can take to feel like your best physically. Of course, everyone is familiar with the hair loss associated with chemotherapy, but you are going to notice your skin changing too. It may become dry and sensitive. At one point, I had a rash from head to toe! I later found out that this is common, but no one had prepared me for a side effect like that.

To care for your skin during treatment, make sure you moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Use skin care products made for sensitive skin. Every day, apply sunscreen that is gentle and unscented, and make sure you don’t neglect your ears and the top of your head. Protection from the sun is always important, but it becomes vital while undergoing cancer treatment.

If you have always had a good diet and exercise routine, keep it up. Exercise, eat healthy foods, and drink lots of water. Having a healthy and hydrated body on the inside will be reflected on the outside. Take soothing baths. Pamper your body; it is in the fight of its life.

If you wear makeup, choose an emollient-rich foundation. A cream foundation is more moisturizing, so if you are accustomed to using a powderbased foundation, try a cream instead.

Go natural with your nail care. Your hands and nails may experience drying and cracking. I advise clipping your nails short and pushing your cuticles back after a hot shower or warm bath rather than trimming them. Olive oil is great for softening cuticles. Buff your nails rather than use polish. Keep everything as natural as possible.

The human spirit is precious and deserves nourishment. Look in the mirror every day, think of one thing you like about your life and yourself, and voice it out loud. Ask yourself, Am I doing what I want with this life? Am I influencing others in a positive way? What small steps can I take that will lead me to be my best?

Take walks, take deep breaths, and smell the roses. Count your blessings, and don’t hesitate to be the most attractive, powerful, positive cancer fighter you can be.

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