Guest Post: Look and Feel Beautiful Despite a Cancer Diagnosis

Cancer treatments are devastating to the body, but that does not mean a cancer patient cannot look and feel beautiful every day. In fact, it is very important for a woman suffering from breast cancer or undergoing treatment for mesothelioma to take care of her emotional well-being and the best way to do that is to start pampering.

Stay beautiful even with cancer.

Bath

Skin becomes very dry and may begin to peel when undergoing cancer treatments. Use a moisturizer or oil that contains no alcohol or other harsh chemicals. Apply a good moisturizer to the face that contains a sunscreen morning and night before going to bed.

Whether a cancer patient enjoys showers or bath, applying a good moisturizing lotion is the beginning of feeling wonderful. Just the act of applying moisturizer is rejuvenating. Add a moisturizing balm to the lips. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating fruits and vegetable for the anti-oxidant and hydrating properties.

Pampering beginning with a bath and shower routine that includes taking care of the skin allows a cancer patient to begin feeling normal and beautiful, an important ingredient in feeding the soul and lifting self-esteem.

Headwear

Bandannas are popular with many cancer patients who have hair loss and perfect for going to a sporting event or backyard barbeque. On the other hand, try a more daring type of headwear by wearing fashionable turbans. Many turbans have added loops that allow for adding a soft scarf that can flow down the back or shoulder. Beanies and modified baseball caps are another choice. A bucket hat is a versatile choice that allows added flounce with a scarf, hatpin or a well-placed flower design.

Makeup

Chemotherapy treatments may leave eyebrows and eyelashes looking scant. Deal with this by using an eyeliner or eyebrow pencil and pencil in eyebrows. Begin with taking the eyebrow pencil and holding it against the nose to the brow bone. This is where the start of the eyebrow should be. Create a diagonal line from the bottom corner of the nose to outside the corner of the eye.

Use a cream eye shadow as the skin may be dry and using a dry shadow may cause creases. Dotting the lash line with eye shadow using a brush or cotton swab will mimic eyelashes. Use a color concealer a bit lighter than normal skin tone to hide dark colorations.  Use a color-correcting concealer under foundation to correct skin tone. A green concealer neutralizes redness and lavender neutralizes yellowness.

Clothes

Comfort is a key for any fashionesta. Cargo pants is a great idea for cancer patients because the draw string helps to pull the pants snug and the pockets are very helpful in carrying hospital ID cards, cell phones and other necessities without having to carry a bag. Layer the top with a tee and a hoodie that is comfortable and warm.

For evening dinner or lunch, palazzo pants are still in style and look great with a soft A-line blouse. Maxi-dresses or long skirts look great anytime, summer or winter, and are comfortable and adds a feminine touch.

Self pampering using makeup, fashion and body care go a long way in improving emotional outlook, self-esteem and confidence for the cancer patient.

{This article was written by Jackie, who does outreach for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance in America. Check out the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance blog for more information on wellness.}

Image credits: Zave Smith Photography