When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease at 16 years old, my doctor told me I would lose my hair, and I was devastated. I got it cut short, and I remember feeling like I was losing a part of myself. In fact, losing my long, brown hair seemed worse than the disease itself.

In Chapter 9 of my book, When Cancer Hits, I talk about all the aspects of losing your hair, what you can do about it, and most importantly, how to help yourself feel better and more confident about the whole thing.

The Emotional Side of Losing Your Hair

For this chapter, I talked with hair loss expert Susan Beausang, who surveyed women about the emotional effects of losing their hair. Susan explains that hair loss can affect women down to their very core. She provides examples of how women felt about hair loss, and how absolutely normal it is to feel however you’re feeling. This is not about vanity, but about who we are as mothers, daughters, wives and girlfriends.

Straight away, I give you five things to do when you first learn that you’re going to lose your hair, plus help you create a plan—based on your personality—for how you can best deal with it. And though men may have more bald role models than women, many are just as devastated by hair loss, and can benefit from the steps outlined in this chapter.

How to Find a Wig

Finding a wig is about a lot more than just taking a trip to the wig shop. When is it best to start looking? What kind of wig should you get—synthetic or real hair? Do you have to pay for it, or will your insurance plan help? What if you can’t afford it? I answer all these questions and more, so you know exactly what you need to do to find a wig you feel comfortable with.

I also tell you exactly how to care for your wig once you have it. Even if you go with a real-hair wig, you have to follow certain steps in washing and drying it. If you don’t, you risk damaging it, and unlike your hair, it won’t grow back!

Oh, and in case you were wondering, there’s a whole section on wigs for guys. Yes, they look very natural!

Scalp Care

If you’ve ever worn a wig before, you know that sometimes it can feel hot, uncomfortable, and itchy. I tell you what kind of steps you can take to make sure your wig is comfortable, and what you can do throughout the day to care for the tender skin on your scalp. Most likely you’ve never had to worry about your scalp before, so you’ll need some help, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Scarves and Hats

Not sure you want to wear a wig? I help you decide whether or not a wig is for you, then show you some of your other options, such as scarves and hats. These can be extremely stylish, and I help you find those that are specifically made for cancer patients, which means they’re warmer, easier to wear, and more comfortable than standard types.

Finally, if you’re considering going “all natural,” I help you examine the pros and cons to see if this is the right option for you.

Losing your hair doesn’t have to be a traumatic and depressing experience. Once I had my wig and started experimenting with hats and other styles, I actually had a lot of fun with it. Remember that your hair is going to grow back. With the tips in Chapter 9, you’ll make it through your temporary hair loss feeling confident and in control—and that’s exactly how you need to feel to give your body the strength it needs to heal.

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

How did you cope with hair loss during cancer? Have you read Britta’s chapter on the subject? Please share your story.

In Chapter 8 of my book, When Cancer Hits, I tell you why it’s important to be proactive during this time to keep yourself feeling as good as possible. Complementary therapies can go a long way toward helping you to ease side effects and maintain your energy and positive mood.

Make An Appointment for You

You may find it difficult to make an appointment for a massage or acupuncture treatment, telling yourself you don’t have time or you don’t really need it. In chapter 8, I explain to you why it’s critical to set aside time at least once a week to focus on something that makes you feel good. A hint: this isn’t about luxury, but about helping your body to recover.

Massage During Cancer Treatments?

You may have been worried about massage during cancer treatments. Maybe you heard that massage encourages the spread of cancer. Well, now we know better. Studies have found that massage can help ease the side effects of treatment—but, it is important to know what kinds of massage are best. Some are too rough for your fragile body. I’ll tell you which types are best, and what kind of therapist you need to look for.

Reflexology, Reiki, and Acupuncture

Do you know that some cancer centers offer these therapies for free to cancer patients? Do you know that each one has shown in studies to help ease the side effects of chemotherapy? Read Chapter 8 to find out more about how these three treatments can help ease muscle pain, soothe anxiety, help you sleep better, reduce headaches, and restore energy. Plus you’ll learn how to spot those practitioners who are knowledgeable about working specifically with those living with cancer.

Yoga, Tai Chi, and Walking

It’s sometimes hard to exercise when you’re going through cancer treatments, yet exercise is extremely important to keep your body strong and able to heal itself. Controlled movements that are gentler on your body can help you achieve your exercise goals while not overtaxing yourself. These three exercises are also great for helping you to calm down and feel good about your body.

Complementary treatments aren’t just “nice to haves.” They’re scientifically proven to help you feel less pain, more energy, and less stress and anxiety—all extremely important in your battle against cancer.

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

Have you tried some of these complementary treatments? What did you think?

In chapter 7 of my book, When Cancer Hits, I help you understand how these treatments affect different parts of your body, and what you can do to help soothe and comfort those areas.

Create Loving Energy

One thing most people are not used to doing is being slow and gentle with themselves. During cancer treatments, your body is crying out for your loving attention. I show you how to deal with fear and replace it with love instead.

Change Bathing and Showering Habits

If you continue to hurry through your morning shower, your skin and nails will suffer. Instead, I give you tips for creating a new bathing and showering routine that will be kinder to your skin, and may help you avoid itching and scratching all day long.

Dealing with Side Effects

Nausea, radiation burns, bruising, dermatitis, injection site wounds, metal taste, dry mouth, mouth sores, itchy eyes, night sweats, fatigue, joint pain, and more—this chapter covers them all. For example, did you know that your regular toothpaste could be making your mouth sores worse? Or that your eyes could benefit from hydrating goggles you can wear at night? Find more tips like these in this chapter. There’s always something you can do to help yourself feel better!

Redirecting Your Thoughts

Do you find yourself overwhelmed sometimes with uncomfortable side effects? Does it seem as if it all is never going to end? I share with you some ways to deal with the emotions that come up as your body struggles to heal itself. You may feel like treatments will never end, but they will, and in the meantime, it helps to set goals for yourself that refocus your mind and help you keep the faith.

Caring for your body while you’re going through cancer is one of the best things you can do for yourself. In chapter 7, I help you find ways to soothe the hurts at home, while giving you tools to help handle the emotional challenges as well. The more you can ease the pain and encourage yourself, the more you’re helping your body to get well.

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

Have you experienced difficult side effects because of cancer treatments? Please share your tips for recovery.

In chapter 6 of my book, When Cancer Hits, I cover everything you need to know about makeup and concealing the facial effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

First of All: Avoid Health Dangers

The most important thing is to avoid any products that may put you at risk for reactions, burning, or other health concerns. In this chapter, I answer questions like:

• Is mineral makeup really better for you?
• What’s the safest type of mascara?
• How do I find out if my lipstick has lead in it?
• Which sunscreens are safest?

Best Makeup During Treatment

Should you still use the same makeup products you’ve always used while you’re going through treatment? Maybe, maybe not. Depends on what you were using before. While going through treatment, your skin is likely to be much dryer, so you may need to change the types of foundations, concealers, eyeshadows, and blushes you use. I help you determine what products you may need to replace.

Avoiding Infection

Cancer treatments can lower your white blood cell count, putting you at a higher risk of infection. That’s why it’s very important to take steps to avoid contamination around your face, lips, and eyes. In this chapter, I’ll show you:

• The best makeup brushes to use during treatment.
• When to toss old makeup products.
• How to create your own safe makeup tool set.
• The key items you need in your new tender-care makeup bag.

Troubleshooting and Application Tips

Once you have all the general things down, it’s time to talk about targeting particular problems that pop up during cancer treatments. I’ll help you to conceal and transform:

• Facial swelling
• Scars and pimples
• Under-eye circles
• Loss of lashes
• Loss of eyebrows
• Dry lips
• Pale, ashy skin
• Dull appearance

I’ll also give you some tips for how to prepare for those emotional days that come more frequently during treatments, so you don’t have mascara running down your cheeks.

There’s no shame in wanting to look good even while you’re battling cancer. If you can help yourself to feel more confident, you’re more likely to spend time with friends, continue your work, and get out for a needed complementary massage or facial—all critical for your healing process!

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

Have you struggled with makeup challenges during your cancer treatments? Please share any tips you may have.

You may have people around you encouraging you to “be positive,” or you may believe you have to squelch any negative emotions you may feel in order to put on a brave face.

In Chapter 4 of my book, When Cancer Hits, I tell you why “being positive” by itself could actually harm you on your way to recovery, and give you some real, practical tools you can use to deal with all the emotions cancer and cancer treatment may create.

Guilt Has No Room in Your Survival Plan

Did you find yourself feeling guilty after your diagnosis? Did you think that maybe if you had only eaten a healthier diet, or exercised more often, or reduced more stress, you wouldn’t have ended up with the disease? I help you face the guilt monster, stare it down, and cast it aside.

Faking Your Emotions Never Works

Do you find yourself trying to smile when you least feel like it? Do you feel pressured by family and friends to “be brave,” and “stay positive?” I felt some of these emotions when I went through Hodgkin’s disease at 16 years old, and I can tell you—squashing your emotions is bad for you. Not only do those emotions stay with you, they can actually reduce your body’s ability to fight off the cancer. (Studies have shown that repressing emotions makes you feel more physical pain and can affect your immune system.) I show you how to approach negative emotions in a healthy way, so you can more easily return to real positive emotions.

Tools to Help Accentuate the Positive

Have you ever made plans to make yourself feel good? If you haven’t, now is the time to start. Making plans to spend time with friends, enjoy a funny movie, get a nice massage, listen to your favorite music, and more are all extremely necessary while you’re going through cancer. You’ll be so busy with doctor appointments and medical records and insurance paperwork and the like that you’ll find things like just enjoying yourself can quickly slip out the window—yet they’re so necessary to your healing process! In Chapter 4, I give you all kinds of ideas for activities that help you process difficult emotions and find your way to feeling even just a little bit better.

Don’t be Afraid to Seek Help

Often we feel we have to be the brave soldiers and go through cancer alone. This decision is bad for your health, however, and dangerous to your recovery. You need support, and not just someone to help clean the house and make the meals. You need someone to talk to, someone who understands, and you need activities that really go to the core of what you’re experiencing. I show you how support groups can actually speed your healing; how music, art, and pet therapy can all be valuable tools in your recovery; and how counseling can be a lifesaver.

Learning the tools and skills you need to process and manage difficult emotions will not only help you navigate your cancer experience, but could be useful to you long after the cancer is in remission. I share with you some quotes from other survivors who learned a lot, emotionally, from their experiences, and help encourage you that with patience, you can get through whatever it is with courage and grace.

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

Have you experienced difficult emotions because of cancer or cancer treatments? Have you tried some of the tips in my book? Let me know what you think!

Here are my top ten New Year’s resolutions. Let me know what you think, and please share how you plan to improve your life this year!

1. Reduce toxic exposure. In today’s world, this is an ongoing goal for me. I’m always learning about how we’re exposed to chemicals, and making changes to help reduce my overall lifetime exposure. If you’d like to do the same, please review some of my other posts on the issue (“Toxic Talk“), and in general, shop for organic and safe products from companies who are conscious of chemical exposure.
2. Change my thinking to “safe.” Something I realized over the last year is that “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean “safe.” Some products that have synthetic ingredients may be safer than those with natural ingredients, depending on how the product is manufactured and processed, and depending on who is using it. Someone who is allergic to lavender, for example, would not find a “natural” lavender skin lotion to be safe. This year’s resolution: think “safe” when thinking about my health!
3. Watch what I eat. I’ve always been careful with my food choices, as I know what we eat not only affects our health, but the appearance of our skin and hair as well. But this year I realized that we all need to be even more careful. We witnessed many food recalls because of bacterial contamination, and then we had the recent revelation that many apple juices and chicken contain levels of arsenic that could be unsafe. My takeaway? Buy whole foods whenever possible, and shop only from brands I trust.
4. Get enough sleep. Researchers have given us a lot more information this past year on how important sleep is to our health. Those of us who get less than five hours a night are at a much higher risk of diseases and even early death. I tend to be a busy person, so my resolution this year—try to get 8 hours on most nights! Sleep is also tied to feeling emotionally balanced, which leads me to my next resolution…
5. Maintain emotional balance. I’m a very passionate person, which is a good thing when it comes to going after the things I care about, but not so good when it comes to maintaining emotional balance. My goal for this year—take time out each day to breathe, meditate, and process any negative energy so I can maintain an emotional even keel.
6. Let go of the need to be perfect. Many of us women feel we have to be perfect at everything all the time—work, personal lives, health, community service, you name it. This year, I’m going to continue to work at letting go of this need. Some things are just out of my control!
7. Find more ways to be of service. Over the years, I’ve become convinced that when we give back to other people, we ourselves reap many rewards. Even researchers tell us that volunteering or finding ways to give is good for our health. I’m already engaged in various charitable activities, but this year, I’m seeking out more.
8. Have more fun! I think that when you’ve survived cancer, you tend to take on a sort of serious outlook. You realize how short life is, and living your purpose may seem more important than ever. I know it affected me this way, anyway, so my resolution this year is to break up the seriousness a bit and let loose a little more. Having fun is definitely good for your health!
9. Accept life on it’s own terms. The longer I live, the more I realize there are some realities about life we just have to accept. We will always be faced with challenges, for example—life will never be stress-free. We will always have choices to make, and risks to take. We will always experience both happiness and unhappiness, pleasure and pain. I think learning to accept these realities helps us to stop struggling against them, so that we can relax, put things in perspective, and feel more comfortable with life.
10. Do something every day to lift my spirits. I know that taking care of myself helps me to be the best person I can be, so I’m re-committing to doing something every day that will lift my spirits. It may be as simple as finding a new beautiful scent for my aromatherapy, taking a nice hot bath, listening to some of my favorite music, or getting away for the weekend. I urge you to do the same!

What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2012? Please share with our readers.

Photo courtesy Delairen via Flickr.com.

1. A wired or wireless earpiece for their cell phone. If your friend or loved one is still talking directly on his or her cell phone, this makes the perfect gift. Though studies are still inconclusive, there is some evidence that placing the cell phone itself next to your head might slightly increase your risk of rare types of brain cancer. Play it safe by using a device that gets the phone itself away from your head, as that reduces your exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

2. Meditation CDs. I recommend those created by Belleruth Napersteck. She has a lovely voice. I usually get into a nice warm tub and listen to either her lower stress or general wellness CDs because they’re so relaxing. You don’t necessarily have to “meditate” per se while you’re listening—you can use them just to help you de-stress and relax—which helps reduce stress hormones and keep you healthier this season.

3. Beauty Sprinkles Mask. This is so easy and so safe, yet my face just glows after I use it. It rejuvenates, gives radiance to the skin, and refines, and it’s all non-toxic, made with powdered vitamins, flowers, fruits, and plants. All you do is add Greek Yogurt. The perfect pick-me-up!

4. Essence of Vali Sleep Ritual. I underestimated the power of aromatherapy until I tried this sleep ritual. I put a couple drops on the corner of my pillow and immediately I felt the calming effects. If I’m extra stressed out, I’ll take a hot bath before bed with the sleep massage oil. I love these products so much I don’t go anywhere without them!

5. Stainless Steel Water Bottle. Friends don’t let friends drink from plastic bottles, I say! (grin) I love this bottle. It really drives home the message and it’s a great practical gift that reduces exposure to BPA and the other chemicals in plastics. You may also want to get your friend the Brita water filter to help reduce the toxins in tap water like chromium VI.

6. Microcurrent Facial. We may live in a Botox world, but I’ve found something safer with microcurrent facials. I’m currently getting them from the Joanna Vargas salon here in New York City and I can’t believe the results! There are no toxins involved, and nothing injected into your skin. The esthetician simply uses a microcurrent machine that provides gentle electrical stimulation to trigger the body’s natural healing properties. Skin looks younger, smoother, and more toned immediately (continuous treatments are recommended to maintain results). You may also want to try LED/red-light treatments, which are similar in that there are no toxins involved and no side effects. Instead, estheticians use LED light to deliver energy to the skin which is anti-inflammatory and it boosts collagen and elastin production. Great before a big event or a special night out!

7. Safe candles. Toxic substances like astoluene and benzene may be emitted by paraffin-based candles. Other chemicals from candles with synthetic fragrances can also pollute a happy home. Use soybean-based candles with 100% essential oils, or try Neom candles, made with all natural vegetable wax and essential oils. If you’re purchasing for a family with kids, cut down on fire danger with my new obsession, flameless candles.

8. LaVanila Healthy Deodorant. Want to help your friend get away from the aluminum in most antiperspirants? I love LaVanila Healthy deodorant in the vanilla lavender scent—it smells lovely and really works! Best of all it’s made with essential oils and aloe, without parabens, aluminum, or propylene glycol.

9. Bach Flower Remedy. Want to help your loved ones reduce stress this holiday season? This Original RESCUE Remedy really saved my life the last few months while I’ve been working on my book launch and my new skincare line all at the same time! Spray it twice in your tongue if you feel yourself getting worked up—it provides instant relief and you can use it throughout the day. It’s like yoga in a bottle.

10. Safe, Perfume. Perfume can be especially toxic because it’s made with so many unknown chemicals mixed together. This is a great time to encourage your loved ones to make the shift. I love these—A Perfume Organic and Give, both made with herbs, fruits, and pure oils.

11. Crazy, Sexy Diet. Know someone who wants to make a shift into a healthier lifestyle? Maybe they’re ready to learn more about how to reduce the risk of disease, lose weight and feel great? I loved Crazy, Sexy Diet. I read it cover to cover and found it to have extremely practical tips on how to switch to a more natural and raw diet and how to start incorporate juicing. It’s a must for anyone who wants to feel better!

12. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway. This is one of my favorite books ever (Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway). It’s the first one my dad bought me when I was in my late teens, and I still pick it up when I’m taking on new challenges. Other great books include Are You Tired and Wired (great for friends who are overworked), and my new book, When Cancer Hits (great for anyone who’s lived with cancer, including fighters, survivors, and caregivers), and No More Dirty Looks (great for those learning to reduce toxic exposure).

Finally, whatever you get, try to avoid these dangerous four:

1. Regular perfumes and colognes (full of toxic and harsh chemicals—read more)
2. Baby gifts with BPA (read more here)
3. Clothing full of GMOs, dyes, and pesticides
4. Regular personal care products full of chemicals (read my Ingredients to Avoid)

Do you have recommendations for safe holiday gifts? Please share!

Photos courtesy of their respective brands and annavignet via Flickr.com.