“I have had a run with cancer for 12 years now. I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1994, followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Five years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction. Then I had a malignant thyroglossal cyst that was treated with surgery and this year, at the age of 50, I have had a relapse of the Hodgkin’s.
The diagnosis came after my haematologist ordered a series of tests for severe abdominal pain. My initial reaction was along the lines of ‘well that’s a shame, but lets just get on with sorting this one out.’
As a senior lecturer in midwifery, I was worried about how my work-life and colleagues would cope without me being around for a while whilst I had treatment. And I was particularly sad for Michael, my husband, and Rosie and Oliver, my kids who yet again had to see me through another round of cancer.
Since my diagnosis I have been very aware of my body’s needs and what I feel comfortable eating, drinking and doing. While I’m in treatment, I’m not working, which is very strange, as that was always a really big part of my life.
Michael and I live in the Illawarra, so when we are not working in Sydney, we like to walk, garden and support live music and the arts in our community. We have a number of chickens and a rather large property to look after, so our weekend home-life is precious to us.
Friends and family have been massively supportive; I have a freezer full of lovely donated food, and many I can call on to help or whinge to whenever I want. I feel so grateful to them and also grateful to be living in a developed country where I have access to first class healthcare.
I attended the Look Good Feel Better workshop to do just that – look good and feel better! I had been scared to put on make-up, especially mascara as I felt it would hasten the loss of my eyelashes but realized at the workshop that I felt better after applying some – and that I was imagining that they would fall out sooner!
I also wanted to meet other women in a similar situation to me. A friend of mine who had also gone through cancer and had been to one of the workshops told me it was a fun thing to do – and it certainly was.
I learnt little things about applying make-up and preparing the face. Things like the importance of sunscreen, eye-cream and the best way to match your foundation and powder to your skin. I also picked up some great ways to tie scarves and all about the latest wig technology!
The best thing about the workshop was meeting other women going through similar experiences. Seeing that some of them had also lost their hair and were transformed by the wonderful make-up artists and headwear experts was inspiring.
When I tried on a wig with a full face of make-up and looked in the mirror, I felt like it was me looking back; not the pale face with a badly tied scarf I’ve been looking at for the past few months. It made me feel better, just as the workshop promised!
I came home with colour on my cheeks and eye make-up so I looked less tired and sad! I have been making more of an effort with my appearance since the workshop, so I imagine my family and friends might have noticed that. But it’s how I feel that matters, and I feel good putting on a bit of eye make-up now!
I would definitely recommend a Look Good Feel Better workshop to other women going through treatment. It was a lovely sized group, with very supportive and experienced volunteers. It was lovely to focus on your hair and make-up (and to be given a bag of cosmetics!) which is something that can fall by the wayside when you are so focused on the medical side of treatment.”
“Earlier this year, life as I knew it changed completely. I was diagnosed with cancer. I actually found the lump myself late at night on a weekend so I had to wait until Monday to see my GP. He reassured me that it would be OK, but sent me off to do some tests as a precaution. I was feeling increasingly nervous as the day went on. I was sent for further tests and people were telling me less at each step of the way. It was another eight days before I was told it was cancer.
I am a 54-year-old mother of three adult children and grandmother to three grandchildren. Before my diagnosis, my life revolved around family but I also worked as a full-time Human Resources Manager which kept me very busy. We live on a five-acre block in Dubbo with a beautiful garden which takes up many pleasurable hours of work.
My initial reaction worried my doctor because I really just sat there silently trying to absorb my new reality, while my head was racing in turmoil. He kept asking if I had any questions, but I didn’t know what I wanted or needed to know. I really just wanted the time to take it in and think on my own.
My husband, Mark, had been with me the whole time and as we drove home we started to talk it through. He is a very logical person who could start to put together a list of what would happen next, whereas I’m usually the one worrying about what everyone else will need. I didn’t know how or what I would tell the kids, my mum and my sister. I didn’t know how to help Mark to cope.
Before long I came out of my fog enough and organised to see a specialist surgeon and my breast care nurse mentioned the Look Good Feel Better workshop to me. I had also heard about it through friends in the community. My sister encouraged me to go along and have some fun with it.
Prior to being ill I used to do a full hair and make-up routine daily, even on weekends! My appearance had changed so much, I felt that attending the workshop might give me some tips to cope with this. I also thought it might be good to have some fun with other ladies who would be feeling the same way.
Sure enough I went along and there were a lot of positives about the workshop, the amount of information covered, the quality of products we used – and the fact we could take them home! But mostly, I appreciated the caring nature of the volunteers who ran the workshop – they were all very naturally gentle and kind people who made me feel very welcome and comfortable. They were honest and funny, relaxed and helpful.
The workshop renewed my interest in putting on make-up and that made me feel better and more confident when I went out in public. I became less worried about my bald head and have become more accepting of my appearance through seeing so many other ladies going through what I was on the day. It was actually the very first time I had allowed anyone else to see me in my bald state.
I was surprised to find out that Look Good Feel Better provides this service for free and can only do this because of people like you who donate and support the program. I would recommend Look Good Feel Better to others going through treatment for cancer. It’s an opportunity to have fun, but it also reminds you that you are not alone and gave me something besides the words “cancer” to focus on. I would encourage you to please make a donation today and ensure Look Good Feel Better can continue its work right around Australia.
Since my diagnosis, I really can’t believe how much time and effort goes into just handling things each day. Right from dealing with surgery, waiting on test results, trying to remain positive and healthy, to starting chemotherapy and dealing with so many side-effects and challenges that this treatment has hit me with.
My structured days are long gone. Now I prefer spending time with family. I set smaller goals for myself, celebrate my achievements and go easy on myself if I don’t succeed. I accept help more readily from others. Overall, my life has become quieter with no work pressure and not much of a social life. I spend my days alone rather than dealing with a revolving door of staff, and I spend a lot of time just healing and trying to deal with the ongoing physical and emotional challenges. Look Good Feel Better helped me find the confidence I had lost and I urge you to please make a donation today and help make a difference to women like me.”
“In 2001, I found a lump in my left breast around the same time my scheduled mammogram was due, so I went along and everything came back as normal. Thinking that the lump was just a blocked milk duct and feeling fit and healthy I just forgot about it. But the lump continued to grow.
I mentioned it to my doctor early in 2002 who sent me for a biopsy straight away. The results came back positive and my initial reaction was: What does this mean for my children? What does this mean for me? Although I am not usually one to react too quickly and I am generally a very positive person.
So I did what I had to do. I underwent a lumpectomy of the left breast followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I came out of the diagnosis with positive results.
However, in January 2015 I discovered another lump. This time it was in the right breast and so I had another lumpectomy with six weeks of radiotherapy to follow. I also had a mastectomy and underwent chemotherapy yet again.
The second diagnosis made things a little more intense. I struggled to stay positive especially on those down days when I was feeling most ill. But when you start to look good and feel better again you realise, YES life can still be good and there is more to come – places to go – people to see.
I first attended the Look Good Feel Better program during my first diagnosis in Wollongong with another cancer patient and remembered the experience as one that I had enjoyed. This time, the breast care nurse at Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre gave me a folder with information for cancer patients, which included the LGFB program. I didn’t feel like I needed to go again.
However, after the mastectomy and the recent bout of chemotherapy, the nurse again hinted that maybe I should go, and I am so glad I did. I went into the workshop hiding behind a scarf and walked out 10 feet taller. I paraded around town hoping to bump into someone I knew as I felt so good. This lifted my morale so much that I am sure my whole body has reacted to help me get through the rest of my treatment. How grateful I was. I did not think that this could be possible.
I learnt so many things at the workshop but learning how to shape my eyebrows was a big bonus. I had not used tinted moisturizer before and this was just a great tip given my skin is so fair. Plus, I learnt many ways I could dress up a scarf or wear a hat.
Realising the opportunity to look good really does make you feel better was just the best thing. More confident, bigger smiles, more to give back to yourself and I am sure the ability to heal your inner self more quickly both physically and mentally.
When your children and friends see you happy and looking very healthy their perception of your illness changes. They see you as more positive and then they become positive, which reflects back the full circle to you – the patient helping you to cope better with the trauma of the disease.
Sometimes we do things, or go somewhere that we do not feel we want to do which turns out to be a gem in our life that we don’t. This workshop was one of those times. Life is all about opportunity, grab it will both hands!”
Chantelle had just settled into her new hometown of Melbourne from Perth having accepted a rewarding role in Corporate Affairs for a multi-national company. The 29-year-old took the plunge, knowing nothing was unattainable having lived and travelled extensively in her twenties. But a shock cancer diagnosis changed all that…
“I had gone in for my regular two-year pap smear and unfortunately it was all downhill from there. I was initially in a lot of shock when I was told it was cancer. I remember thinking, ‘no, this can’t be right, people my age just don’t get cancer!’
Then the terror of the unknown set in and before I knew it I was catapulted into treatment, cycles of sickness, hospitals and everything else that comes along with the rollercoaster of the big C.
While going through chemo I lost all my hair and became quite ill and naturally my self-esteem plummeted. I couldn’t go out or see my friends and became very reliant on my parents and partner. That in itself was hard to come to terms with as I had been fiercely independent my whole life.
But along with the bad came the good. I developed some wonderful relationships with people I wouldn’t have ever imagined talking to at work. I look at life differently; I don’t judge people the way I used to as I have learnt all too well that everyone is fighting their own battle even if it doesn’t look like it from the outside.
A colleague who went through breast cancer two years ago, reached out to me as soon as I was diagnosed. She had attended a Look Good Feel Better workshop while she was going through treatment and recommended it to me. To be honest I probably wouldn’t have gone if she hadn’t mentioned how much it helped her.
Although I already wear make-up every day, it was great to learn a few tricks during the workshop, especially how to pencil in my eyebrows properly given I had lost them! I also learnt about wigs, which was very handy.
The absolute best thing about the workshop were the volunteers and the other participants. It was really great to spend time with people who were going through the same thing. The volunteers were so understanding and gentle and provided such a lovely and welcoming environment.
After the workshop I had a real sense of comfort knowing I wasn’t alone. There were lots of women feeling the same way that I did. To know you are not alone and to have that support during the Look Good Feel Better workshop is so powerful. I would recommend it to anyone going through cancer treatment, even if you think you don’t need it!”
For 44-year-old cancer patient Helen the Look Good Feel Better workshop offered a sense of calm amidst a shock diagnosis of breast cancer. This is Helen’s story…
“I was breastfeeding and noticed that one breast produced less milk than the other. There was a mass of tissue which I assumed was a blocked milk duct which would explain the lack of supply. My doctor examined it wasn’t too concerned. I went back a year later, after my aunt had passed away from breast cancer, and expressed my concern. It intuitively didn’t feel right. I was back in her office two weeks later diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. I felt numb. It was a very surreal situation. She said my reaction was very stoic. I heard her words, but couldn’t process what it meant.
Little things have changed, not those grand sweeping concepts that I’ve read about. Taking a walk in the sunshine during chemo treatment was just lovely. Being present and patient to my now two-year-old as she discovers her independence.
I hesitated to attend the Look Good Feel Better workshop at first, because I was the kind of woman that would leave the house with just a bit of moisturizer on my skin. On the surface, I thought that was just about a bit of make-up and styling.
But I realized it was much more than that after I attended. The best thing about the Look Good Feel Better workshop was that it reignited my need for self-care, self-love and self-respect. I was starting to feel comfortable in my own skin at the age of 40 something, but lost a large part of that during the initial stages of treatment. I came out of the program more positive about little things I could do to make myself feel better. I continue to wear blush every time I walk out of the house, and sometimes even a little eyeliner. The small pieces of me that I lost during treatment are starting to find their way back.”
“Towards the end of June, I found a lump in my left breast. I went to my GP and the following day I was sent for an ultrasound and mammogram. There were four small areas of concern and so I had to have fine needle and core biopsies done.
Waiting for the results was the most gruelling time. My breast was growing larger and firmer by the day and finally on the first of July, I took a phone call from my GP saying I needed to go see her: “Oh, and bring Saul with you,” she said.
As soon as we sat down she said it was cancer and that I would definitely need chemotherapy. Saul and I both burst into tears. All I can remember is saying “oh shit!” over and over. We had already been through gruelling times with the loss of one of our children – and now I was diagnosed with cancer.
Our life since diagnosis has changed considerably. For starters, childcare is not the ideal workplace for someone on chemotherapy as the risks of infection are too great, so I have had to stop working. Getting by on one income has proven difficult but thankfully there are support services out there. Our children are able to stay at their day-care and keep their normal routine. Saul is taking days off work to care for me, and my mum is around to take me to some of my chemo appointments.
Losing my hair was my biggest worry. As a woman, I’m conscious of how much my hair defines me. I turned to social media seeking help. I put out a message asking if any photographers would donate their time for a family photoshoot before my losing my hair. I had one photographer contact me and we arranged a photoshoot at our local park. A week later, once my long brown locks were falling out, I again turned to social media, this time for a hairdresser who came to our home and shaved my head so my girls could be involved and see the transformation. Through my tears I could see my three-year-old smiling and encouraging me through it.
Once I was over the shock of having cancer, I began looking into the different services and support I could access. Counselling, group support, alternative therapies, some took my interest, some didn’t. Then I came across Look Good Feel Better. I was a bit unsure as I don’t usually wear make-up, but every week my lovely nurses, while administering my chemo, would say they had only heard good things about the workshops. So I called and registered.
I attended alone as I wanted this time to be about me. It was so great seeing other ladies bald or fuzzy, like me. It was the first time I had gone bald in public, and gave me a little more confidence. Going through skin care, then onto the make-up was simple and easy to follow so much so I have been wearing make-up more often and looking after my skin better! Also having the scarves, turbans, hats and wigs to have a look at too was great. Even having my own wig, it was nice to try some others.
I would definitely recommend anyone with cancer to attend one of these workshops, men too! And if you don’t want to go alone you can bring a friend! It is a great morning meeting new people in similar situations and learning new skills to help me cope and feel better about myself.”
“I had noticed a sharp, hot pain, like a hot knitting needle poking into one spot of my left breast around 24 weeks into my pregnancy. I spoke to my obstetrician about it and he suggested I speak with my GP. My doctor examined the area and when no lump could be found she advised me to return in a month if my symptoms worsened.
I didn’t enquire again until my 37-week appointment and received a referral for an ultrasound. My pain had gotten stronger and I had noticed it keeping me awake at night. When I went for the ultrasound I already knew something was wrong, despite the sonographer’s best attempts to chat to me normally. He took so many more images of my left side compared with my right. When the radiologist came in, he was very frank and told me ‘it looked suspicious’ and he went ahead with a fine needle biopsy.
I don’t think I cried, I just remember leaving the imaging centre and getting things done that I had to do before Ben, my husband, got home from work. I was keeping myself busy to take my mind off things. I cried when I told him what the radiologist had said although we still didn’t have a diagnosis.
The next day, my husband rang to say the obstetrician had contacted him and wanted to see us together that afternoon. Obviously I knew that meant the worst and when we arrived, we were told of my diagnosis.
The obstetrician had already made me an appointment to see a breast surgeon. He offered to induce my labour that weekend but we weren’t quite ready. He also told us that it was likely I wouldn’t be able to breastfeed and this news probably upset me more than anything else.
That weekend we had to just get it to together and make sure we had everything perfectly ready for the baby’s arrival. I was induced early and Autumn was born on 19 August, 2015.
Two days after giving birth I underwent a CT scan of my chest, abdomen and pelvis, a bone scan and a mammogram. They explained the contrast used in the bone scan would make me radioactive for a day and whilst I could be in the same room as Autumn, it was best not to cuddle her too close. This wasn’t good enough for me so I told Ben to sit with her in the nursery, while I sat in the room alone waiting for the radiation to disappear. That was quite a sad day for me.
The surgeon identified three sites of cancer in the left breast. I was told that the treatment plan included six months of chemo followed by surgery and a full mastectomy. There were many tears as I had thought I wasn’t going to need chemotherapy. That was also the day I found out I would definitely lose my hair from treatment which was quite a shock as getting my hair styled and coloured was always my little treat to myself.
My life has definitely changed since diagnosis. I need to take things a bit more slowly now and I have to accept help when it’s offered to me. I am still going through all the things a new mother goes through and having breast cancer doesn’t change that. It’s still such a special and exciting time, despite the sleep deprivation and steep learning curve.
I look for silver linings all the time now, such as Ben being able to bond with her as he can feed her as well! Now that I have lost my hair (Ben shaved off the rest with an electric clipper) my wig looks really good and it’s very easy to look well-groomed as it is already styled.
When I was diagnosed and given the BCNA pack I had already started looking online for any support networks as I wanted to be as prepared as possible. Look Good Feel Better sounded like a great way to meet other people going through cancer while learning how to look my best, and care for my skin, during a time when my body was struggling with the medication that was doing the exact opposite to me!
I learnt how to apply make-up and where to start and finish my eyebrows if I need to draw them on- they’re clinging on at present! I didn’t wear a lot of make-up prior to my diagnosis but now, if I do go out to socialise with friends I tend to put more on and it really does give me the confidence to see other people.
I learnt how to best take care of my skin and now I routinely cleanse and moisturise my face and scalp twice a day – as well as using body lotion to keep my skin looking it’s best and preventing it from getting too dry. I didn’t know at the time that I should continue to lightly shampoo and condition the scalp as it stimulates and encourages blood flow.
Although I was one of the younger women who attended the workshop I think, once you get a diagnosis like cancer, you bond with those going through what you’re going through. We all did have a good chat and it was really great to see their faces light up when they had applied their make-up and also tried on a wig or headscarf. The transformation was really beautiful to watch as I suspected some of the ladies didn’t wear much make-up before. Looking back, that was the best thing about the workshop for me; seeing a group of women, all going through a similar experience and all looking their best after applying some make-up and trying on a wig.
We also got an enormous amount of free products that I am still using! These are donated by the cosmetic companies and I was really impressed with the brands we were given- another silver lining!
I would definitely recommend this workshop to others going through treatment for cancer- and the sooner the better to go. You’ll learn new things while meeting people that make you realise you’re not alone. It also stops you from getting too ‘down in the dumps’ about it as you realise there are so many people going through this, have gone through it, and come out the other side.”
“I’m a 44-year-old mum, happily married with two amazing boys aged 12 and 13. I worked as an office administrator for an engineering company with a wonderful boss who had been supportive and understanding during my journey with cancer. Unfortunately, I had to give up my position due to the symptoms of chemotherapy.
I enjoy picking up a good book to read, seeing a good movie, getting outdoors especially the beach and spending time with my family. I am passionate about singing and I’m a member of a reggae band as the lead singer with 7 other musicians. I have always loved singing, writing songs and performing – I find it’s a great way to let my hair down and express myself.
In May, 2015 I found a hard lump in my left breast which at the time didn’t concern me. I did the usual check-ups, from a mammogram to a needle biopsy and then an ultrasound. The tests came back fine and I thought I was in the clear until the lump began to grow in size.
I went back to my doctor and she advised me to get a second needle biopsy and referred me to a breast surgeon. Once again the needle biopsy came back clear. My surgeon was concerned even though the tests didn’t show anything and advised me to get a lumpectomy. It took a good three weeks before I decided to go ahead with the surgery still thinking in my mind it was all OK. I went through with the lumpectomy and waited for the results.
Two weeks later I took a call from my surgeon asking me to come see her that afternoon. I somehow knew it was bad news because she was supposed to be on holidays and she told me to bring my husband. We arrived at the clinic and my surgeon called me into her office.
I prepared myself for the bad news. The doctor wasted no time: “I’m so sorry you have HER2 positive breast cancer and you need to book in for a mastectomy on your left breast along with an ancillary clearance. We also need to organise for you to see an oncologist and start you on chemotherapy, radiotherapy and eventually hormone treatment.” I just blanked out!
I tried to hold back the tears, and I don’t really know why I held the tears back in front of the surgeon, maybe I just wanted to show I was strong, but it wasn’t until I walked out of her office the tears began to fall, and my husband cried with me. I was in disbelief; how could I have breast cancer when no one else in my family had ever had it? I kept going over reasons in my head: Maybe it was my diet? Maybe I wasn’t active enough when I was younger? Was it from too much stress? How can this be?
It took me a good two weeks for it to sink in that I had breast cancer and it’s been an emotional roller-coaster since. The hardest thing is not knowing how you will react to the chemotherapy and the side-effects. You are not the same person you were before diagnosis. I used to be very active, I exercised just about every day, I was always on the go keeping my family and the house organised and I used to love my food (eating that is). It puts your life on hold. I have no appetite, I no longer work which has had a financial impact on my family and not to mention all the side effects of chemo: fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, mood swings, no hair and the list goes on!
In saying that not all days are bad and I still have a good laugh every now and then and I have a great support network with my family, friends and my church. I try and make the most of the good days and I appreciate life a whole lot more. I get to spend a lot more quality time with my family and I let go of the little things that used to annoy me. I have a new found respect for other cancer patients and what they go through. Now I just try to take each day one day at a time and try to help others I come across whether they’re going through cancer or just doing it tough in any way.
I was feeling pretty down after I lost my hair and I thought I would enjoy going along to the Look Good Feel Better workshop. It offered me some tips on make-up and a good opportunity to meet others going through the same journey. The best thing about it was the simple things I could do to feel better about myself – changing the way I see make-up, different scarf tying techniques and trying on wigs – all in a positive environment. Of course I would recommend anyone else going through cancer treatment to book themselves into a workshop.”
Things moved very quickly. The following week I had a mastectomy to remove my left breast and shortly after I began a course of intensive chemotherapy over four months. That’s when my life really changed, I went from being fit, energetic and independent to sick, weak and totally dependent. At times, I barely recognised myself. But I guess like anything in life, I had two choices – to let the situation swallow me or find a way to get through it.
As hard as it was, I was determined to maintain as much normality in my life as possible. I thought I could be like Samantha from Sex and the City, sipping cocktails in a wig and keeping it together. I quickly realised chemo was nothing like the way Samantha made it look. But I did my best.
With the constant exhaustion and endless side effects, physically things became difficult for me. But more than that, it’s also incredibly mentally exhausting dealing with cancer. The amount of mental energy it takes to get up each day and stay motivated can be really draining. But it was important for me to stay connected to my life and I think this desire to stay connected made me so much stronger in the end.
I work in the cosmetics industry as a training manager so my job is to present in front beauty advisors in a classroom. I continued to work through my treatment when I was able to. It may have seemed like business as usual but of course it wasn’t easy.
And then there’s the appearance-related side-effects. I’d volunteered at many Look Good Feel Better workshops over the years so I had witnessed the impact these workshops had on women undergoing treatment. But it really hit home when I was suddenly on the other side. Learning that I would lose my hair was frightening. Going bald meant losing some of my identity, it meant losing a bit of control and it meant I would actually look like a cancer patient. I made the most of my hair loss by experimenting with scarves and of course investing in a wig so I could continue to do my job with confidence. And thank God for make-up! The worse I felt, the brighter my lipstick became and the bigger my false lashes were.
Look Good Feel Better is such an amazing program because it equips women with those tips and tricks you need to feel like yourself again. And it’s so comforting to be able to attend a workshop and meet people you can relate to.
So here I am, one year later, on the other side of the most challenging time of my life. And I’m honored to be part of this great cause. I’m now in remission and looking forward to getting the all-clear. I have gained so much in the past year. Cancer has been my greatest teacher. One thing I’ve learnt is to just enjoy the present moment because you truly don’t know what’s around the corner.”
“Nine months ago I was sitting in a doctor’s office in a lovely floral cotton gown and hearing that I had breast cancer. Two lumps in my right breast, Stage 2, Grade 3 with 1 lymph node involved. The doctor who diagnosed me was wearing a Byron Bay style turban. She had just finished her chemo for cancer. There was someone in the waiting room behind a curtain and I could hear them crying. Another cancer diagnosis.
What a frightening and bewildering time. I was 46 years old, and hardly ever even caught a cold. My immune system was better than most, I thought. But there I was. The weeks and months that followed were filled with appointments with the surgeon, many nerve-wracking scans and tests, two surgeries – a double mastectomy and lymph node dissection – then oncologist appointments, prognosis information and four months of so-called dense dose chemo. I now know that dense dose does not mean you receive a treatment every fortnight. It means that the drugs will make you quite dense! When I look back at that time I see I was living in some kind of parallel universe where life feels very different. You are poisoned and drugged.
Right now I am having three-monthly checkups and my cancer is in remission. I am on a new drug, which has its own set of side effects and makes me cry a lot. All of the treatments have put me into meanopause. Yes I did spell that correctly. MEANopause. If I was on Big Brother I would have been voted off yesterday. Having said all that, I am so very grateful for all of the treatments that are available. I feel very grateful that I can be here to complain about every single one of them!
There is a lot of fear in a cancer diagnosis. You fear for your future and your health, fear for your family’s future and well-being, fear when someone at the shops sneezes near you when your white blood cell count is low. It happened!
When I was diagnosed I decided to tackle my cancer challenge the same way I tackled work challenges – I would work very hard, stay calm and focussed on my goals and do my research. I would keep working at it for a long time. Forever if I had to. As long as it took. I began an anti-cancer diet, exercise and meditation which I continue today.
For me, having cancer has meant coming to terms with a new body. I have a new body shape, but I like it better than the old one – even though it’s not all real – I’ve finally lost the few kilos I’d been trying to lose for years! I have a new appreciation for nose hair. I received eight free skin peels and hair removal treatments thanks to chemo. I have newfound respect for skin care, make-up, wigs and headwear.
I have had an amazing experience being involved with the Look Good Feel Better program. When I was diagnosed with cancer, make-up was the last thing on my mind. Look Good Feel Better and the wonderful volunteers reminded me what a difference some beautiful new skin products, make-up and a wig can make to how you look and how you feel. Before long these things became a lifeline to me, and they continue to be, nine months later.
I have worked as a Pharmacy Assistant for more than 35 years and in 2003, decided to start volunteering with Look Good Feel Better after seeing an ad in the paper calling for support.
Volunteering with the program adds a wonderful balance to my busy lifestyle – the bravery, tenacity and grace I see in the workshops make me want to be a better person and confirm why I volunteer. If I can help just one person feel happier and better about themselves during a challenging time, the flow on effect reaches so many more people in their lives.
Look Good Feel Better is special as it is an activity the participants can be a part of without a medical theme being paramount. At a time in their lives where doctors, hospitals, medicines, needles and various other medical procedures become the norm, it is a chance to meet and relate to potential new friends in an environment where they can relax, learn new make-up and skincare tip and tricks and best of all, have a laugh and boost their emotional wellbeing!
I love to see the ladies relax as the morning proceeds and they become more comfortable, and I continue to be amazed and inspired by the strength and courage shown by different people at various stages of their journey. Generally, participants start the morning quiet and unsure of what is ahead then within hours, the room is animated and full of laughs and jokes as they relax and indulge in some essential self-care and self-love.
I also enjoy spending time with my wonderful fellow volunteers – who have become great friends – and seeing women empowering other women. I hope that my fellow volunteers and I instill confidence in the participants by keeping the vibe light and informal and by helping them realise there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to do things. We are not expecting anyone to become professional makeup artists, just to feel confident trying something new or being inspired enough to put on some lippy to brighten not only their face, but their mood, and subsequently their day.
Volunteering with Look Good Feel Better is more than just makeup. It is an opportunity to share, cheer, uplift, inspire and encourage one another.
I retired my Podiatry private practice eight years ago and since that time, I have injected my energy into raising 3 sons and decided that any extra hours I had could best be used in a volunteering capacity.
I started volunteering with Look Good Feel Better in 2016 and the cause was close to my heart. A friend of mine was undergoing chemotherapy and told me of her experiences at one of the workshops. She said “the benefits were overwhelming” and I thought, that’s where I want to be. I love the idea of being involved in that sort of positivity. I enjoy knowing that we are making a significant difference to the participant’s lives, even if it is only for a matter of two and a half hours.
Look Good Feel Better is special because participants receive an unexpected bonus amidst the unpleasant array of medical appointments and side effects associated with this relentless disease. Having the workshops run by volunteers, and cosmetic companies committing to the program through the donation of product is very kind and special in itself. In this world the word ‘free’ is seldom used, but at Look Good Feel Better it is used all the time!
When we welcome a participant to a workshop, we notice the emotional and physical heaviness they often carry with them; it is almost palpable. Quite often you can see them using their hands to physically cover their hairless heads and faces, but throughout the workshop their demeanor changes. They start to experiment with the products. They learn techniques to cover the blemishes, changes to their skin tone, and dark under-eye circles. They are delighted to know how to draw eyebrows on. They see the benefits of accentuating eyes, brows and lips on a complexion that has been blanched and significantly altered by the side effects of treatment. At this point they appear relieved and have hope that they can feel almost normal going out in public again, without others staring and recognising they have cancer.
The participants are then completely overjoyed when they see the limitless headwear options available to them. I love to see them grab the bamboo hats and try them on, overwhelmed with their softness and comfort. And then there is the ‘fringe’ that can be worn under a bandana or hat. They say “who could imagine?” and “nobody would know!”. Finally, they are given the opportunity to interact with other kindred spirits. Only those who have experienced cancer could relate to the physical changes and challenges they face as a result of their treatment. They no longer feel alone in this journey and our participants leave the workshop very happy, confident and excited to try their treasure trove of ideas and products.
I encourage others to volunteer, as a commitment to Look Good Feel Better is an achievable voluntary position. To momentarily and selflessly contribute to something positive to someone else’s life at a time when those people are most vulnerable is truly rewarding.
