Fatigue and changes in daily routine, in physical appearance, personal emotions and reactions from family, friends and colleagues can all weigh heavily on cancer patients.
If you are a woman undergoing cancer treatment, you may find that physical changes are especially hard to bear. Your personal appearance directly affects your self-image and your psychological well-being. And if you are experiencing some of the common side effects of radiation or chemotherapy , you may start to believe that you're in worse medical shape than you really are. The face you see in the mirror each morning is a harsh reminder of your disease. Every day you can't escape your loss of hair, eyelashes and eyebrows or the changes in your skin tone and texture.
Looking in that mirror, you may start thinking that you couldn't possibly lead a "normal" life. But in today's world, leading a normal life—with all the family relationships, work and social demands normal life involves—is essential while you are undergoing cancer treatments. What you need to get back to a good quality of life is help to overcome the changes in appearance that cancer treatments bring.
More and more medical professionals recognize the importance of treatment and support for the whole patient—not just the body, but the mind and spirit as well.
Makeup and skin care play an essential role in the healing process of an individual undergoing cancer therapy. At this time it is one of the few areas in your life where you can regain some control. As a result, the Look Good . . . Feel Better programs encourage a positive attitude and increase self-esteem—two important factors that can contribute to your recuperation.
