Body image concerns and cancer treatment can go hand in hand.  Breast cancer treatment makes it nearly impossible for your treatment to go unnoticed. And, Body image can play a role in how you cope emotionally. When a cancer patient leaves her house they must be prepared for the comments.  Feelings good about yourself is essential.  However, dealing with body image is a small task in comparison to removing cancer from your body.  Body image issues will be present every day when you are deciding if you want to go out, go to treatment, grocery shop, play outside with your kids, etc. Breast cancer treatment can change the looks of your hands, feet, hair, eyes, skin texture and tone. So many changes can create a large amount of fragility. Wearing your bald head and surgery scares out in the open can cause people to make comments and ask questions. Some of the comments and questions were hurtful for me. I formulated a generic response I would give everyone.  I would say something to let them know that I am to fragile to discuss the subject in public. I would let them know, in a nice way, that I don’t need or want to hear anything negative! Most of all, I don’t kneed a story about someone you know who died a long painful death with cancer.  Also, be mindful that everyone isn’t trying to be mean. I truly believe that people don’t know what to say.

Treatment can change you forever. Some physical changes are temporary, and some are permanent. Staying positive about your appearance can be easier said than done. Loosing your hair can be an overwhelming experience. It brings home the fact that you have cancer! Being bald is often that tell tell sign that you have cancer. We live in a society that places value on physical beauty. With that being said, wear your bald head with make up and jewelry. This does not make you superficial it makes you hopeful. If you can rock your bald head with no reservation-then do so! But if you need a little help, then get help! Get your nails done, massage your skin, take long baths and be good to yourself.

The many surgeries can alter your physical appearance greatly. Lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstructive, node dissections, port installation and removal, etc. Each of these will leave scars and body changes. Unanticipated changes were the effect of chemotherapy on my walk and the appearance of lymphedema. My neuropathy caused so much nerve damage in my feet, toes and fingers that most of the time I walk with a limp.  I was previously a fan of 3-4 inches glamazon heels. I am no longer able to wear them, they serve as decorations in my closet. As I have stated before, the treatment can change you forever. However, This is really a great time to work on your spirituality and inner beauty. Feeling good will translate into looking good.  You may be surprised at how often you will be called beautiful or someone will think your bald head is a fashion statement. You don’t have to tell them that you have cancer. Just say “thanks”.  Take the changes in stride! Loosing your hair doesn’t change who you are.

I have a tremendous amount of scaring on my body. Everyday I am reminded of my battle with cancer. There are days that I don’t mind showing my battle wounds. Other times I don’t want people to recognize my breasts and all the scars. Relationships can be difficult. It can be more difficult to be intimate if you are concerned about the scars. In many places on my body I have nerve damage/NO feeling. There are several areas on my body that are completely numb.  First, my breasts and under arms are completely numb. I also have areas on my abdomen, hips and chest that have no feeling.  I do not know my breasts are being touched unless I am watching. But, the right man can enjoy them just the same.

You may  not feel very beautiful or sexy but you can act as if you do. Tell yourself, you are beautiful, you are healthy and you are going to beat cancer! Get your spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend to rub your feet or hold you. You may not be feeling up to sex but other intimate acts might be less overwhelming. Hair comes back, your nails will recover, and reconstructive surgery can help with outwards appearance of breasts. Your journey will become a part of your story. Use your story to help and inspire other as often as you can.

My recommendation:  Cover the black fingers and toes with nail art and dark polish. Condition and oil your scalp with good smelling products. Massage your scalp to stimulate new hair growth and help relax. Drink tons of water and use lotions to keep skin moisturized. This is especially important for those who are getting radiation. The doctor will say don’t use anything. But your skin will take a beating if you don’t. Eat healthy and exercise as much as you can. Most importantly, find something to smile about everyday. Always be thankful.

BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF!

There is no rule that you cannot do your normal beauty routine while your bald.  I actually think its an awesome idea to go and get fake lashes. Use really good skin cream on your face and body. Practice some affirmations that will help you to deal with the side effects.