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?

I created this brand specifically for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea. Now I want to help you figure out how to make these products work for you.

Do you struggle with skin traumatized by chemotherapy treatments? Are you pregnant and concerned about safe skin care? Following are eight questions and answers to help you find solutions to these issues and more. If you have other questions, please add them below in our comment section!

1. I have psoriasis, and so far not much is helping. Do you have any tips?

• Be sure to avoid products that dry out your skin, or that have potentially drying ingredients like sulfates and mineral oil. You do want, however, to exfoliate a little bit—enough to slough off dead skin cells—and get rid of any bacteria that may exacerbate your psoriasis.
• Try a non-toxic cleanser, pat dry, then apply Calming Moisture for Face, Neck, & Scalp on the face, or Repair Body Lotion on the body. These products nourish skin with goodies like aloe vera, oat extract, St. John’s wort, calendula, and more, and contain no harsh chemicals or preservatives.
• For extra dry patches, try nourishing Restorative Skin Balm, which has a trio of plant antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins to help soften severely dry, rough areas.

2. I’m going through chemotherapy and my skin is breaking out in an acne-like rash. What should I do?

• First of all, don’t use harsh acne products on your skin. Though your rash may look like acne, most likely it’s a reaction to the chemo drugs, which means acne products will only make it worse and could put you at risk of permanent scarring.
• Instead, start with Rescue and Relief Spray on freshly cleansed skin. Its unique Tri-Rescue Complex has anti-inflammatory properties that will help soothe and calm your skin without potentially harmful chemicals.
• Follow with Calming Moisture for Face, Neck, & Scalp, which has cooling aloe and redness-reducing oat extract.
• Oatmeal baths and masks can also help soothe the rash and reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Don’t forget to use a safe, non-toxic sunscreen every day!

3. I’m going through chemotherapy treatments and my doctor says I have hand and foot syndrome. My hands and feet are red and sore. Is there anything that will help?

• First of all, avoid hot water. Wash your skin in lukewarm or cool water, then apply Rescue + Relief Spray for instant cooling and calming effects. This product has no fragrances, parabens, or other toxic ingredients to worry about, but it does have water lily and comfrey to help tone down inflammation. Tip: If you keep it in the refrigerator, it will be even more cooling on hot hands and feet.
• Hand and foot syndrome can also create cracking and peeling, so make sure you’re moisturizing regularly. Try Body Repair Lotion, which is deeply hydrating, and then use the Restorative Skin Balm for extra dry, rough areas like on the heels, knuckles, and palms

4. I’m a cancer survivor and I have scars from the incisions made during surgery. Any recommendations that will help soften them up?

• Scars from surgery are often full of fibrous tissue that makes them tough and stiff. Some can even interfere with movement.
• Try Restorative Skin Balm. This deep-penetrating salve helps soften scars, but it’s completely safe to use—no synthetic fragrances, parabens, or other potentially harmful ingredients. Calendula and sea buckthorn oil help skin regenerate itself, and vitamin E encourages wound healing.

5. I’m a teacher so I’m constantly washing my hands all day to avoid all the germs. Unfortunately, that makes them really dry and now they’re starting to chap and flake. I’m putting moisturizer on whenever I can—do you have other tips?

• Your skin needs some deeply nourishing therapy at night. Try Restorative Skin Balm before you go to bed. Apply this penetrating salve all over your hands before you go to sleep, then cover with some soft, cotton gloves. When you wake up in the morning, your skin will be soft and smooth—recovered and ready to face another day!

6. I have extremely sensitive skin. I can’t use a lot of products out there because they make me break out in a rash or they make my skin itch. Any suggestions?

• Most people with sensitive skin are actually sensitive to the harsh chemicals in most skin care products. The solution is to find products that avoid these chemicals and use safer ingredients instead.
• Try CV Skinlabs. This new line of safe skin care avoids potentially harmful ingredients like synthetic fragrances and dyes, parabens, phthalates, petroleum products, sulfates, and hormone-altering ingredients.
• Instead, the products contain aloe, chamomile, bee’s wax, vitamins, cucumber, and other natural goodies, and are formulated specifically for people with chemical sensitivities, or who have skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.

7. I wanted to get a tan, but I ended up staying out in the sun way too long. What’s the best way to cool down this burn?

• First, spritz Rescue + Relief Spray directly on the burned area. The chamomile and cucumber in this product helps to speed calming relief to your inflamed skin. Tip: Keep it in the refrigerator for extra cooling.
• Follow with Body Repair Lotion, which has calendula and aloe to calm and soothe inflamed skin.

8. I’m breastfeeding and I have to say, my nipples are sore! This is such a tender area, and I don’t want to use anything that may harm my baby. Is there anything I can use so it doesn’t hurt so much?

• First of all, realize that many things can cause nipple soreness, including using a breast pump improperly, friction or suction from a poor or shallow latch, a thrush infection, or contact dermatitis—a reaction to other nipple creams or medications. Be sure to check with your doctor or dermatologist right away so you can find the cause of the issue.
• Next, rinse the nipple after each feeding with water, then spray with Rescue + Relief Spray, which is 100% free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other potentially harmful chemicals and safe for your tender skin. This product also includes calming chamomile and cucumber to deliver cooling and softening benefits.
• Finally, apply Restorative Skin Balm at least once a day, which is an advanced therapy for wounded and irritated skin. It includes U.S. Pharmacopoeia lanolin—a recommended deep-moisturizer for breastfeeding mothers—as well as vitamin E, bee’s wax, and calendula to help heal and safeguard the skin.

Have you tried these SOS skin solutions? Let us know what you think! And let us know if you have other questions about how to use CV Skinlabs.

What is Dimethicone?

Dimethicone is what the chemists like to call a silicon-based polymer—”polymer” meaning it’s a large molecule made up of several smaller units bonded together. Simply put, it’s a silicon oil, man-made in the laboratory and used in personal care products as an anti-foaming agent, skin protectant, and skin and hair conditioner.

Manufacturers like it because it makes products easily spreadable, so you get that feeling of the lotion or cream gliding over your skin. Dimethicone also helps form a protective barrier on the skin, and can fill in the fine lines and wrinkles on the face, which is why it’s often used in makeup primers.

Is Dimethicone Safe?

The FDA has approved the use of dimethicone as a skin protectant ingredient in over-the-counter products, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has assessed it as safe to use in personal care products. Some studies have found it to soothe and help improve chronic hand dermatitis, and to help reduce inflammation and irritation. The Skin Deep Database also lists it has have a low hazard risk.

For me, though, this is not a good ingredient to be using in your daily skin care. Like petroleum products, silicone oils can actually make dry skin worse over time. Instead of sinking into your skin and nourishing it from the inside out, like healthy ingredients do, it forms a sort of plastic-like barrier on the outside of skin.

Why Dimethicone is Bad for Your Skin

That artificial coating on the outside of skin causes several issues:

• It traps everything under it—including bacteria, sebum, and impurities—which could lead to increased breakouts and blackheads
• The coating action actually prevents the skin from performing its normal activities—like sweating, temperature regulating, sloughing off dead skin cells, etc.
• Prolonged exposure to dimethicone can actually increase skin irritation, due to the coating property and because dimethicone is listed as a possible skin and eye irritant
• Those with sensitive or reactive skin are at risk of an allergic reaction to dimethicone
• On top of all this, dimethicone is a non-biodegradable chemical—bad for the environment

I also believe that using these types of ingredients on your skin can actually exacerbate skin aging. Why?

• You’re inhibiting skin’s natural processes
• You’re creating a dependency on the coating product, disrupting the skin’s own hydrating processes, which in the end increases dryness, making fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable
• The coating properties may increase breakouts, particularly if you’re susceptible to acne, which will lead to scars and older-looking skin
• You’re doing nothing to boost the health and vitality of the skin, thus letting aging take its toll

Much better to use nourishing ingredients that help keep your skin hydrated naturally! (Speaking of, check out my new skin care line here!)

To avoid this ingredient, stay away from all dimethicone and similar ingredients like cyclomethicone, dimethiconol, and phenyl trimethicone.

What do you think of dimethicone? Has it caused you to break out? Please share.

Source

Fowler JF Jr., “Efficacy of a skin-protective foam in the treatment of chronic hand dermatitis,” Am J Contact Derm 2000 Sep; 11(3):165-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11012005?dopt=Abstract.

Dimethicone. Truth in Aging. January 1, 2006. http://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/dimethicone.

Material Safety Data Sheet, Poly(dimethylsiloxane), May 14, 1999. http://fscimage.fishersci.com/msds/95130.htm.

Photo courtesy kisluvkis via Flickr.com.

Review from EcoKaren

This is a long review…just warning you. Because this Rescue + Relief spray by CVSkinlabs is just so magical and amazing that I have to tell you everything about it! So grab some coffee and read on.

My kids suffer from moderate to severe Eczema, all year around. I accidentally discovered how foods might play a role in exacerbating their symptoms a few years ago but since then, we discovered, through allergy testing, that there are environmental factors that aggravate their symptoms, BIG time. And sometimes their skin flares up for no reason, it seems. I mean, I’m sure there are r.e.a.s.o.n.s – it’s just that, we don’t know what they are sometimes….

Well, their “flare ups” seem almost daily, especially in the winter & spring, and when they play sports. And, unfortunately, the Northesast is the WORST for Eczema. Milder and not too humid temperate areas, like the Southeast, is the best. Stress does cause flare ups too but environmental issues play a bigger role, in my kids. Ask a college kid and a High School Junior. They know s.t.r.e.s.s….but it’s seasonal allergies that wreak havoc on their skin more than the stress.

I am always on the look out for some magical lotions, soaps, shampoos and creams that will either calm their skin when they are inflamed, or prevent flare ups.

So, when I read that Britta Aragon, the author of When Cancer Hits, a book I just reviewed on Monday (there is still time to enter the giveaway!), created this magical potion for inflamed and irritated skin called Rescue+Relief Spray, I was th.rill.ed! I was going to review her book anyway so I asked her about the spray. She was generous enough to send me a bottle try. Yahoo!!

Trying Rescue + Relief

What is “Rescue + Relief” and does it work?

This refreshing, milk-like emulsion coats the skin with moisture while calming and soothing flushed, sensitive skin. The relief is almost immediate when applied to hot inflamed areas. When my kids skin get this red and angry, they are too tender and delicate to touch. The R+R spray brought instant relief from itching and burning skin. I can imagine how it can help soothe skin from sun burns and even from cooking mishaps.

Here are the photos to prove what I mean.

Day 1, Rescue + Relief

Day 2, Rescue + Relief

Day 3, Rescue + Relief

Now, do you believe how magical this spray is? I wondered, “What is in this thing????“, since it worked like a miracle in just two days.

I know what you are thinking. How could all these plant based natural ingredients work so well on something only steroid cream can calm?

My thoughts are exactly but I am NOT surprised. Mother nature has great resources for everything we need. You just have to know the right combination of ingredients to use on the right condition.

Oh, and her spray was featured on April issue of Real Simple magazine! I trust that magazine and I was so happy to see it featured on one of my favorite magazines!

What Do I think or Rescue + Relief?

I LOVE Rescue + Relief spray!! Like I said, it is magical. I couldn’t believe the red and angry inflamed areas started to disappear within hours. The thin milky spray has a pleasant odor and it has a very refreshing natural scent. Not chemically induced or artificial smell. It dries quickly and it seemed to get absorbed rather quickly, without dripping down to a waste. It left the skin very soft and smooth and my kids said it felt cool almost immediately.

When I took my kids to an acupuncturist, he told me to give them foods that are cooling to reduce internal heat. It only makes sense to apply something that will cool their outside too when their skin is inflamed.

Have you tried Rescue + Relief, or any of the other CV Skinlabs products? What did you think?

My father struggled with an acne-like rash while he was going through cancer, and I have to say it was one of the most difficult side effects he had to deal with. He didn’t want to leave the house! Realizing how devastating these effects can be, I dedicated chapter 5 of my book, When Cancer Hits, to caring for the face during cancer treatments.

Changes to Your Regular Routine

How should you care for your skin when you’re going through treatments? What changes should you make? These are the questions answered in chapter five, where you’ll also discover:

• How to develop your new facial care routine
• Skin-saving solutions from your own kitchen
• Skin-care products you should not use during treatment
• Ingredients that are particularly helpful to fragile, dry skin
• How to adapt shaving habits
• How to keep your facial-care items bacteria free
• The best way to protect your newly sensitive skin from the sun

Dealing with Specific Concerns

In addition to adjusting your daily habits to care for tender, fragile skin, Chapter 5 also covers specific concerns that often come up during treatment. I’ll give you tips on how to deal with that acne-like rash like my father had, as well as flushing and burn-like pain; dry, chapped lips; and photosensitive skin.

Is it Still Safe to Go to the Spa?

If you enjoyed facials before treatment, you may be wondering now—are they safe? In Chapter 5, I’ll give you the guidelines you need to still enjoy your spa treatments, but to minimize your risk of dangerous reactions and injuries. Plus I’ll clue you in on some industry secrets—namely, some that will save you money at the spa cash register.

The key to a healthy, glowing complexion always starts with careful skin care. Cancer treatments will challenge you to change your old routine, but with a few adjustments, precautions, and new habits, you’re likely to be able to recognize your old self in the mirror again!

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

Have you read Britta’s book? Please let us know what 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.

Below is a quick summary of some of our most popular hormones, what they do, and how you can help better balance them out. If you want to read more, check out Brigid Sweeney’s article—listed in the sources below.

Cortisol—the Stress Hormone

Whenever your body perceives danger, whether you’re about to be eaten by a lion or walk into an interview, it releases the stress hormone cortisol. Your heart beats faster, you may feel sweaty palms, and your body harbors energy, ready to spring. Hundreds of years ago this reaction would help us escape danger, after which we would calm down and our body function would return to normal. Today, however, scientists say we’re under stress too often, and filling ourselves too full of cortisol.

To balance it out: Exercise! It reduces cortisol levels in the blood, especially if you do a half hour or so of interval training. Yoga, meditation, baths and deep breathing exercises will also start the relaxation response to help lower cortisol.

Melatonin—the Sleep Hormone

Having trouble sleeping? You may be experiencing an imbalance in your melatonin levels. The body releases it when you’re in the dark. If you’re using the computer before bedtime, however, you’re likely to reduce the production of melatonin and have trouble sleeping. Unfortunately, low melatonin levels have been linked to obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

To balance it out: Banish all light-emitting devices like televisions, phones, and laptops from your bedroom and sleep in the dark. Make sure not to wear restrictive clothing as that can also affect levels of melatonin.

Oxytocin—the Attachment Hormone

This is the hormone released when you feel close to that someone special, which helps heighten trust and lower blood pressure. If you’re fighting with your mate, your levels may be too low.

To balance it out: Reconnect with your loved one. Hug, snuggle, and get close, as oxytocin levels skyrocket after orgasm. Single? You can still get your oxytocin hit from hugging family members and good friends—anyone you care deeply about. Touch therapies like massage  also help increase oxytocin.

Thyroxine (T4) and Trilodothyronine (T3)—the Metabolism Hormones

Feeling overly tired lately? Constantly cold? Your thyroid may not be functioning correctly. It produces these two hormones, which help regulate the body’s metabolism and energy.

To balance it out: Stay away from plastics that contain BPA—it can disrupt thyroid function. If you still feel tired or extra cold, check with your doctor or check out this great website (one of my favorites for health related info) from Marcelle Pick, called “Women to Women.”

Leptin and Ghrelin—the Appetite Hormones

Have you gained weight lately? Most likely you can blame it on an imbalance in these hormones. Ghrelin tells you when your hungry, and leptin tells you when you’re full. Unfortunately, if you’re not getting enough sleep, or if you eat too much sugar, you can throw off levels of these hormones.

To balance it out: Get at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep a night, and cut back on refined high-sugar foods and sugary drinks.

Serotonin—the Mood Hormone

Feeling depressed lately? A low level of serotonin may be to blame. In addition to helping you to feel good, it also helps control the ability to multitask.

To balance it out: You need carbs to make serotonin, so if you’ve been on a low-carb diet lately, that may be part of the problem. Get more foods like yogurt, bananas, and healthy carbs like whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits, and beans.

Have you experienced an imbalance in your hormone levels? How did you balance it out? Please share your story.

Sources:

Brigid Sweeney, “Hormonal Much?” Women’s Health, http://health.msn.com/womens-health/hormonal-much.

Photo courtesy sean dreilinger via Flickr.com.

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.

Susan comes from a family with three generations of breast cancer survivors, and went through a double mastectomy because she carries the cancer gene. A victim of a disease called “Alopecia Universalis,” she lost all her hair years ago, and has experienced first-hand the difficulty of dealing with the “stares and hurtful comments” she received.

“After my initial period of adjustment,” she says, “I began to explore the options for women who experience medical hair loss.” Susan went on to design the unique “BeauBeau” scarf and establish her own business. 4women.com now helps women and young girls to cope with the emotional upheaval of medical hair loss by providing appearance solutions and by advocating for greater awareness of the issue.

Just how much can losing her hair affect a woman’s outlook? Studies have shown that feelings range from depression to embarrassment to a complete loss of self, with some of these effects lasting even after the hair grows back. I know that personally, my hair is part of who I am, and that it helps me feel confident and feminine. When I lost my hair during cancer treatments, it was extremely difficult for me, and to this day I baby it and care for it to be sure it sticks around!

Susan’s research appeared in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (Volume 15, Number 3), which details the difficulties facing patients who have to cope with hair loss. More specifically, the article talks about the fear surrounding upcoming hair loss, and how that can be even worse than the actual hair loss itself. Learning coping techniques before the changes occur in one’s appearance—called “anticipatory coping”—can go a long way in helping a woman to take control of her life and her survival.

“Anticipatory coping,” the authors state, “defined as the process of anticipation and preparation for an altered appearance…may play a key role in helping women to not just cope, but to rise above the assault to their self-image and self-esteem posed by sudden hair loss.”

The article goes on to detail the results of Susan’s online survey of over 1,300 women who were cancer survivors, were currently going through cancer treatments, or who had just been diagnosed. Susan wanted to find out how these women coped, and what they found to be helpful. Over three hundred women responded, and what they revealed was that having a sense of control over their changing appearance was extremely important.

“We survive by not just feeling in control, but by actually being in control,” one respondent wrote. “There are many choices out there, every woman needs access to and to know all their choices so they can choose for themselves.”

“During this period of uncertainty and fear, being able to grasp even the smallest sense of control is very empowering,” another added.

Susan also discovered that many cancer survivors were not getting the support they needed from their nurses, doctors, or cancer centers. “My surgeon knew no resources and yelled at me for bothering him…” one respondent wrote. Others said their healthcare professionals did help provide additional assistance, but that there still seemed to be a “disconnect” between “those treating the disease and those focused on healing the patient.”

What I gather from my experience and from Susan’s research is this—we must take control of our own cancer journeys. We just can’t expect the doctors, nurses, or even our stylists to do it for us. One of the best questions that Susan asked in her survey was how respondents would advise other women to take control of their appearance changes. Here are some tips from them, along with a few from me.

• Get a short haircut before you start chemo.
• Shave your head (or make an appointment to have it done) once you start losing your hair. (It’s much easier than picking up clumps off your pillow every morning—trust me! Plus this way, you decide when it happens.)
• Take care of your scalp. You’ll find it’s probably very sensitive once the hair is gone. I give you several tips for scalp care here.
• Take time to find your own post-hair-loss style. I recommend you get a wig before you lose your hair, so you can most closely match style and color, but you may also want to consider scarves (like Susan’s beaubeau), hats, and even going bald, if you feel like it.
• Never feel badly about your emotions surrounding hair loss. Many women feel just like you do. Accept your feelings and do what you need to do to help yourself feel more confident, feminine, and in control of your life. No excuses, no apologies!

Have you experienced hair loss as a result of cancer treatments? Please share your tips for coping.

For many people—women especially—hair loss as a result of chemotherapy can be particularly traumatic. Women have fewer bald role models than men, and can suffer difficult feelings of self-consciousness low self-esteem in response to losing their hair. Susan Beausang, an expert on the issue and founder of 4women.com, puts it well when she writes, “For a woman, a bald head is an announcement to the world—’I'm different,’ or ‘I’m sick.’” No one wants to feel that way. I remember the experience well—above all, I wanted to feel normal, and losing my hair made me feel anything but.

The good news is that there are people out there trying to make this part of treatment just a little bit better. Wake Forest Baptist University Medical Center and the University of California at San Francisco have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a device called the “DigniCap” made by a company called Dignitana of Lund in Sweden. It’s a silicone cap that you wear on your head, with an outer neoprene cap that insulates the inner one. The cap is connected to a cooling unit that delivers consistent cooling to all areas of the scalp. The idea is the cool temperatures make the hair roots and follicles contract, reducing the amount of toxins that affect them—which slows or completely halts hair loss.

There are some side effects to using it. It’s cold, after all, and some patients experience headaches, but so far, it looks like these are the only side effects reported—well worth it for most people who want to keep their hair on their heads. The company has taken precautions to make sure temperatures are carefully controlled—the unit is connected to a computer with a touch-screen and simple symbols. If something goes wrong, an alarm goes off.

What’s promising is that clinics in Canada, Europe, and Japan are already using this cap, and the Dignitana website says that more than 80 percent of patients have kept their hair during chemotherapy. Can you imagine? In addition, Susan Melin, M.D. and lead investigator for the study, says that data from several international studies show that the device is safe to use and does prevent hair loss.¹

As far as I know, there’s no way to get ahold of a DigniCap here in the U.S. at this time (although I’m not positive on that—you could contact the company directly from their site). There are other similar devices, but it seems they’re all made out of country. One is called a “Paxman Cooler,” looks very similar to the DigniCap, and is used throughout the U.K. There’s another one made in Israel called the SCS II—Scalp Cooling System. So I think it’s safe to say that this idea is catching on.

Ask the cancer centers near you if they have anything like this. If not, you may consider other ways to keep your head cool, such as frozen veggies or cold cloths dipped in ice water. They aren’t likely to work as well as the temperature won’t be consistent across the scalp, but it may be worth a try.

Have you tried any cooling methods to deter hair loss? Please share your story.

Source

1. “Scalp Cooling Study Starts in U.S.” Breast Cancer World News March 9, 2011. http://breastcancerworldnews.com/?p=188.

Photo courtesy Dignitana via dignitana.com.

Rashes and other skin conditions can be devastating to your confidence. I remember when my father went through chemotherapy and broke out in an acne-like rash all over his face. He seriously didn’t want to leave the house. It broke my heart, as isolating oneself from people doesn’t do any good, especially if you’re fighting an illness like cancer. I remember applying some concealer on his face and how that profoundly changed how he felt about his appearance. If you’ve got a rash causing you embarrassment, try some of my makeup tips to camouflage it so you can feel more like yourself again.

1. Clean & moisturize. First you need to prepare your skin. Gently clean skin in lukewarm water with a safe product (free of toxic ingredients), then pat dry and apply a hydrating but light moisturizer that will help your skin heal as you go about your day. Consider soothing ingredients like aloe, calendula, oat extract and licorice root to relieve itchiness so you won’t be tempted to rub and touch your makeup later in the day. Be sure to clean gently so you don’t further aggravate your rash, and no rubbing!

2. Make sure you don’t forget sunscreen. While your skin is trying to heal from a rash, sun exposure can be especially damaging. Make sure to apply your safe sunscreen before your makeup. Even if your foundation has SPF, it’s usually not enough. Look for formulas that are oil-free, chemical-free, and non-comedogenic.

3. Use light and hypoallergenic makeup. Sometimes your makeup may be the cause of your rash—or at the very least, it may make it worse. Make sure your makeup is non-comedogenic (free of clogging ingredients like mineral oil), fragrance-free, and is made without toxic ingredients (use my Ingredients to Avoid list). Make sure it feels light and comfortable on your face (not like a mask). It’s up to you whether you choose liquid formulas or powder ones. However, liquids will be more hydrating. Also consider whether or not it can be easily removed, as you don’t want to have to rub and pull at your irritated skin just to get it clean.

Step 1: Start with concealer. Choose a color that matches your skin tone (or a little lighter—don’t go darker), then apply with a small concealer brush over red and raised areas or over broken capillaries. For areas that are really red, you may want to try a green concealer, as it will help neutralize the redness. Test the color by applying some to the red areas and see if it helps them disappear. Use concealer only on the areas you want to cover—using too much can make your skin look cakey, which will make the rash more obvious. If you have acne-like pustules, a yellow-based concealer is best, applied from the center out and blended will at the edges.

Step 2: Choose foundation based on coverage you need. If you have just a mild rash, a light foundation may be enough, but if yours is more severe, feel free to experiment with cream foundations that provide more coverage. Match your natural skin tone as closely as possible, and use a brush or sponge rather than your fingers to avoid adding oil or bacteria to your already sensitive skin. Many rosacea sufferers love mineral powder foundations because they’re oil-free and feel less irritating to skin rashes.

Step 3: Skip the blush. Your skin is already red, so most likely you don’t need blush. If you do want a little color on your cheeks, use a sheer color.

Step 4: Dab of powder. Using a loose face powder lightly over the red areas can help to further camouflage them. Just be careful not to use too much so it doesn’t look cakey and dry.

Step 5: Less is more. Keep your eye makeup light so that you don’t look over done. Also, choose a neutral lip color. A bright red lipstick can bring attention to the redness of your skin. Choose instead a softer, neutral color or light gloss.

Have you had to camouflage a rash? Let us know if you have any tips.

Photo courtesy Brixton Street via Flickr.com.

A clinical trial examined the effects on nails from “docetaxel,” a particular type of chemotherapy drug that is known to cause nails to become brittle or discolored in about 40 percent of patients, and to become infected in about 3 percent. Researchers gave over 40 cancer patients an “Elasto-Gel” flexible glove (made by Southwest Technologies, Inc.) to wear while they were getting treated, to see if it would have any effect on their nails. The glove contained glycerin to retain the cold, like a hand-shaped ice pack. Patients wore the glove on one hand for 90 minutes, before, during, and after intravenous infusion of docetaxel. Halfway through, the gloves were swapped for new ones to be sure they stayed cold enough. The other hand was left unprotected.

Here’s the exciting news: two-thirds of the gloved hands were free of skin problems! I’m not talking just nails here, but other common side effects too, like hand/foot syndrome and dry, oozing skin. Yet minor problems occurred in over 40 percent of the unprotected hands. Ann O’Mara of the National Cancer Institute’s Community Clinical Oncology Program said the results were “striking,” and over 80 percent of the patients said they were satisfied with the treatment.

I know your next question—can I get ahold of one of these gloves? The answer is yes. You can get one as easily as ordering it from Amazon. The bad news? It will cost you about $100. You can try the ice and frozen veggies instead, and they may work just as well—we just don’t know because there are no studies behind those methods. My guess is that what really matters is keeping your hands cold enough during the entire infusion. Ice melts, and veggies thaw. The researchers even swapped out gloves to keep the study participants’ hands cold enough.

If you want to protect your skin during treatment—and why wouldn’t you?—try this method, however you decide to do it. Have someone go with you and help you to keep replacing your ice, veggies, or gloves, so you keep them cool enough. It’s a small price to pay to escape the suffering caused by dark and infected nails, dry skin, and open sores on your hands.

Have you tried something like this to escape side effects on your hands? Please share your story.

Sources

1. Florian Scotté, et al. “Multicenter Study of a Frozen Glove to Prevent Docetaxel-Induced Onycholysis and Cutaneous Toxicity of the Hand.” Journal of Clinical Oncology 23 (19): 4424-4429 (July 1, 2005).

Photo courtesy eldercarelinkCare via Flickr.com.

“Has anyone else had trouble with fluid retention/swelling?” writes survivor ColleenN. “All of a sudden in the past week I put on over 7 pounds with lots of swelling in my ankles, and some in my knees, stomach, and hands. My ankles weren’t even this puffy when I was pregnant.”

Fluid retention occurs when your body can’t remove fluid from the tissues as easily as usual, so it remains longer than it should, building up in certain areas like the hands and feet. The lymphatic system, hormones, and your diet can all play a part in swelling, as these are the key players in fluid buildup and removal.

Cancer and cancer treatments can cause fluid retention for several reasons, including: 1) hormonal changes from your therapy; 2) the effects of the drugs themselves (many drugs can cause fluid retention); 3) related heart disease, liver disease, or kidney failure; 4) a blockage in the veins or lymph system; 5) malnutrition; or 6) other effects of the cancer itself. Usually the swelling will occur in the hands, feet, ankles, face, and abdomen, though it can occur anywhere. Swelling may also occur as part of an allergic reaction to medications or other substances.

How can you be sure you have this sort of swelling? If your hands, legs, face, or stomach have swollen up, you can probably recognize it visually, or you may have noticed the weight gain. You can also check for these signs:

• When you press on the skin over the swollen area, it leaves an indentation for a few seconds.
• Your hands feel tight when you try to grasp something or make a fist.
• Your rings, socks, belts, or other pieces of clothing feel tight.
• You feel bloated a lot.
• You feel a shortness of breath, particularly when you lay down.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, be sure to check with your doctor right away, especially if you’re short of breath, the swelling seems to move up your arms or legs, it built up really quickly, or your hands or feet feel cold to the touch. Your doctor may prescribe medications that can help your body release the fluid. Otherwise, try some of these remedies at home:

• Cut down on your salt intake—try not to eat salt at all. Be especially careful of canned soups, lunch meats, bacon and ham, soy sauce, potato chips, and the like.
• If your feet or legs are swollen, elevate them as often as possible by sitting in a reclining chair or on a couch with your feet up on pillows. Try not to stand for long periods at a time.
• Avoid tight clothing, and consider stockings and hose that are made for managing fluid retention (ask your doctor or nurse).
• Weigh yourself at the same time every day. Tell your doctor if you gain or lose five pounds or more in a week.
• Eat bananas and raisins. They’re high in potassium, which helps your body eliminate fluid.
• Use a bag of frozen veggies or a cold towel on swollen ankles and hands.
• Try natural diuretics like cabbage and cranberry juice.
• Drink water. May seem counterintuitive, but water helps flush your system of fluids.

Have you experienced this side effect? How did you cope with it?

Sources include:

• Swelling (Fluid Retention). National Cancer Institute. Cancer.gov. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/chemo-side-effects/swelling.
• Swelling. Chemocare.com. http://www.chemocare.com/managing/swelling.asp.
• The Editors of Consumer Guide. “8 Home Remedies for Water Retention.” Discovery Fit & Health. http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-water-retention.htm.

Photo courtesy bionerd via Flickr.com.

“I am about 8 months out of treatment for head and neck cancer,” says one survivor on Cancer Compass, “and along with other things, I cannot get warm! I’m freezing no matter what the temperature is. Has anyone else experienced this cold all the time after treatment?”

“I’m always cold too,” says another survivor on csn.cancer.org, “and it’s definitely been since treatments started.”

Is it possible that cancer treatments can affect how we experience temperature? A lot of survivors seem to think so, so I decided to look into it. Seems there are a lot of reasons a person can experience more cold than usual. Below are a few, along with some coping techniques. \

Iron deficiency: If you’re not getting enough iron, or if you’re body is unable to process it as well as usual, you could be experiencing an iron deficiency, which can make you feel cold. Iron plays a role in regulating body temperature and carries oxygen throughout the body. If you’re iron deficient, you may also tire easily. Colon cancer can cause the condition, but so can an unbalanced diet, insufficient vitamin C, peptic ulcers, and even vegetarianism. Your doctor can test for the condition, and then assist you with treatment.

Sweating: If you’re perspiring more than normal, that can also contribute to a colder feeling. Sometimes treatments or side effects can cause extra sweating, particularly if you’ve been thrown into early menopause. Some women experience “cold flashes” during treatment in a similar manner to the typical hot flashes. Other times, the sweating can be a separate reaction to the medications. Check with your doctor, then get used to taking an extra shirt around with you so you can change out of damp clothes and avoid getting too chilled.

Circulatory issues: Blood flow gives you that feeling of warmth throughout your body, so if you’re feeling cold, it could be that your blood isn’t circulating as efficiently as it should. Thyroid conditions can sometimes cause this—the thyroid is responsible for releasing a hormone that’s used in regulating the body’s use of energy and vitamins. If it’s not producing enough of that hormone, you may feel cold. (Other symptoms include weakness, depression, and dry, scaly skin.) According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some drugs used in chemotherapy, like Sunent or Gleevec, can cause or worsen hypothyroidism.

Raynaud’s disease also affects circulation, causing small blood vessels to narrow, particularly in the hands and feet. Certain drugs used in chemotherapy have also been linked with Raynaud’s.

Low blood platelets: If treatment has lowered your white blood cell count, that may explain why you feel cold. Platelets are one of the three kinds of blood cells that circulate oxygen throughout the body. If you don’t have enough of them, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, which means you can develop anemia—which causes you to feel cold, among other things.

Weight: Body size and shape affect how you respond to cold climates. If you’ve lost a lot of weight through treatment, that could be why you’re feeling colder. Larger body masses produce more heat. Particularly if you’ve lost both fat and muscle, you’ve given up a significant portion of your insulation, so to speak, and your body will respond by feeling colder.

Of course, these aren’t the only reasons you may be feeling colder than usual. Causes vary from person to person, depending on your treatment and your overall health condition. The point is that treatment can affect body temperature, and several survivors have experienced it. Talk with your doctor, and try these coping techniques:

• Get used to wearing layers. Try one of the many brands of light long underwear under your clothes, and take an extra sweater or jacket with you wherever you go. (Nothing beats wool for real warmth!) Consider also stocking up on hats, scarves, and gloves. Silk socks under your regular socks can help keep your feet warm during cold days.
• Wear socks and gloves to bed if it makes you more comfortable. You can also try a warm foot bath before bed.
• Take a personal heater with you to work.
• Exercise daily if you can. Exercise encourages blood circulation, which can help you feel warmer for hours afterward.
• Consider getting an electric blanket or electric throw for snuggling in your bed or living room.
• Preheat the car before you leave the house—start it up and let it run for about five minutes (make sure to open the garage door to air out the exhaust).
• Humidity holds heat, so if you live in a dry area, install a humidifier in your bedroom, or anywhere in your house that you want to feel more comfortable.
• Try a canopy bed. Having some sort of material enclosing you overnight will help hold in heat to keep you warmer.

Do you feel cold all the time after treatment? Please share any tips you may have.

Photo courtesy graur razvan ionut via freedigitalphotos.net.

My day goes so much better when I get a good night’s sleep. I just need my eight hours or I don’t function well!

Sleep is really important to your healing process—it’s when the immune system does most of its work—so if you’re walking around like a living zombie, get some advice from your doctor, try new coping techniques, and don’t give up until you’re nodding off on a more regular basis. Here are some tips to help!

Tips to Get More Zs:

1. Set a regular bedtime and wake-up time and stick with it! Your body tends to fall naturally into habits. If you disrupt your sleep schedule you throw off that rhythm, contributing to future sleep deprivation.
2. Try to fit in some sort of exercise in your day. If you’re feeling too wiped for lots of exertion, just take a walk around the block. Exercise always helps you sleep better.
3. If you need a nap, take it. You may have avoided naps before your diagnosis, but during cancer treatments, you need to take advantage of when you’re feeling naturally tired, especially if you’re having trouble getting in enough shut-eye. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, limit your naps to no more than 30 minutes each.
4. Keep a record of your sleep habits for a week—when you go to bed, when you get up, and how much sleep you’re getting. This will help you identify patterns that may be contributing to your sleep problems.
5. If you’re having trouble sleeping with your partner, consider separate sleeping arrangements. Particularly if you’re dealing with night sweats or other discomforts, you may find it easier to sleep by yourself, as then you won’t be concerned about waking your significant other.
6. Try to keep your bedroom a “sleep-only” zone. TVs, computers, phones, and even pets and children can disrupt your time to sleep, or contribute to a stimulating instead of relaxing atmosphere.
7. Create a bedtime routine you can work forward to. Consider a nice oatmeal bath with a candle before turning in, a good book, some soothing music, time spent meditating, or anything that will ease your mind and get you into a sleeping mood.
8. Avoid stimulating chemicals like nicotine and caffeine several hours before sleep, and stay away from alcohol as well. It may help you get to sleep, but then it often keeps you from entering the deeper stages of sleep, leaving you feeling tired.
9. I read not long ago that walnuts have goodies like melatonin and tryptophan in them—both ingredients that help promote sleep. Consider them as a nighttime snack.
10.  Make the room a temperature that will work for you. Most people sleep a little better in a cooler room. Consider silk sheets (they’re easier to move on—more comfortable for your skin) and use whatever you need to relax. Heater, fan, blankets, whatever works!
11. Are you finding your mind racing as you’re trying to close your eyes? This happens to me all the time, so I keep a notebook by my bed to write down my thoughts. Once they’re on paper, I know they’ll be there in the morning and I can rest more easily.
12. Finally, if you can’t get to sleep after 20 minutes or so, don’t just lie there and suffer. Get up and do something relaxing. Have some warm milk and honey, read a book, or write about your frustrations. Soon you’ll find yourself feeling naturally sleepy again and you can go back to bed.
13. If you have side effects that are interfering with your sleep, be sure to ask your doctor for a solution. Don’t give up until you find one!

Have you struggled with sleep during your cancer treatments? Do you have tips for our readers?

Photo courtesy Shutterstock.

“The link between oral health and overall health is now well documented,” he says. “Establishing optimum oral health is important for anyone at any age. After cancer treatment, it is imperative.”

Chemotherapy affects all fast-growing cells in the body, which includes those in the mouth. That’s why we get mouth sores during treatment. You are also more prone to an infection in the lining of your mouth, as your white blood cell count is down and your immune system is not as able to fight off bacteria and viruses. A common side effect is a fungal infection called “thrush” that appears as white patches over the mouth and tongue. If you suffer from this side effect, be sure to check with your doctor. He/she will have anti-fungal medicines you can use.

Chemotherapy can cause dry mouth as well, which can rob your mouth of the protective effect of saliva, and may lead to bleeding gums. Of course, all this sounds really unpleasant. Is there anything we can do to increase our odds of going through treatment with a healthy mouth?

Try these tips. There’s no guarantee you won’t still get some of the irritating mouth side effects, but you’ll be more likely to avoid them or at least lessen their severity a little.

• See your dentist before you start chemotherapy to make sure your mouth starts out as healthy as possible.
• Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol. Use non-alcohol brands like Oasis (made specifically for dry mouth), and PerioBrite.
• Avoid sodium laureth sulfate and use toothpastes with safer ingredients like Tom’s of Maine or Burt’s Bees.
• Even if your mouth is sore, don’t avoid cleaning your teeth. Your teeth are more susceptible to decay during chemotherapy so it’s important to protect them. If a brush feels too harsh, use a softer-bristle type, or ask your dentist for a foam brush. Replace your brush frequently to avoid germs. On your worst days, at least use your non-alcoholic mouthwash or warm water with a little salt.
• Check with your doctor before flossing. You are more at risk for bleeding, and if your blood platelets are low, you could make gums bleed even with gentle flossing. Floss when you can, and try a waterpik at a low setting with warm water when you can’t.
• Keep your lips moist with a non-toxic lip balm. Apply often. Dry lips make it easier for germs to get inside your mouth. Try Badger, Soft Lips Organic, or EOS Organic.
• Avoid things that will irritate your mouth or make it hard to clean. These include spices, garlic, onion, salty foods, crunchy foods, and sticky foods like caramel and other sugars.
• Drink water whenever you can. Avoid acidic drinks like orange and grapefruit juice. Try soothing teas instead.
• Suck on ice chips before eating to help numb the mouth.
• As soon as treatment is over, get to your dentist for a checkup. Together you can arrest any decay or gum damage that may have started from chemotherapy.

Do you have other advice for mouth care during chemotherapy? Please let us know.

Photo courtesy saralonde via Flickr.com.

If you have symptoms like these, you may have what is called “folliculitis,” an infection and inflammation of the hair follicles. The follicles can become red and irritated, and form pus-filled lesions that resemble pimples. And yes, cancer patients and other people with depressed immune systems (such as those with AIDS and organ transplants) are more at risk.

Folliculitis is actually caused by bacteria, such as staphylococcus aureus. Fungal and viral infections, or even chemical-based irritation, can also cause it. Cancer patients often experience it on the scalp, but it can also appear elsewhere on the body, like the legs and buttocks. It’s not particularly dangerous, just irritating and uncomfortable.

If you’re dealing with this side effect, first of all, check with your oncologist. He may have a prescription cream or other medication (antibiotics) that will help. Most patients find the doctor’s solutions heal the problem within a few days, so if whatever you try doesn’t work, go see the doctor again. You may also consider seeing a dermatologist, who may recommend topical antibiotics or antiseptic washes.

Next, try the following tips that we’ve gleaned from other survivors. Whatever you do, don’t just suffer in silence. If it is a bacterial or viral infection, it’s important to get it taken care of as quickly as you can.

• Check your shampoo. If it’s not the most gentle, chemical-free you can find, switch! Many oncologists recommend baby shampoo. Always read labels, however, as not all baby shampoo is safe as you think. We suggest you go for organic, or at least those brands that stay away from parabens and sulfates. Avoid harsh shampoos like dandruff or anti-bacterial types. We like brands like California Baby, which don’t contain toxic chemicals.
• Try ice packs and frozen veggies to take away the sting, itch, and irritation.
• Resist scratching! Use an anti-allergy cream like Benadryl when needed, or try some mashed oatmeal and yogurt combined into a paste. Very soothing!
• Clean your scalp periodically with a hydrogen peroxide/water solution to kill bacteria and cleanse the infected areas.
• Some fighters have good luck with tea-tree oil, applied directly to the infected areas. Just be sure you’re not allergic to the oil, first.
• The Mayo Clinic recommends a wet compress made with white vinegar.
• Try to keep your scalp as dry as possible. If you can, abstain from wigs for a day or two, as they can trap heat and oils on the skin.
• Use warm compresses several times a day to soothe, cleanse, and help the area drain.
• Always wash your hands before and after touching your head to avoid spreading the infection. Use a clean washcloth and towel each time you wash your scalp.
• Take a break from oily creams and/or cosmetics as they can clog pores and leave more room for bacteria to grow and the infection to spread.

Have you experienced this side effect? Have any tips for our readers?

Photo courtesy giusma via Flickr.com.

“I see patients who are seriously under-medicated and do have pain,” says Colleen O’Neil, RN, breast cancer survivor, and peer counselor to cancer patients. “It makes me very frustrated. There are many approaches to pain control and they should all be considered in an effort to ease the suffering of cancer patients. People shouldn’t have to be in pain just because they have a cancer diagnosis.”

According to the survey, nearly half of patients suffering “breakthrough” cancer pain (severe pain that strikes without warning) say treatment doesn’t offer adequate relief. Patients ranked their pain from 8-10 on a scale from one to ten, but still many said their doctors told them the pain was a normal part of cancer or its treatment.

“Providers and patients should not accept breakthrough cancer pain as a normal side effect of cancer,” said Russel K. Portenoy, MD, chair of pain medication at Beth Israel Medical Center.

CancerPain.org describes “breakthrough” pain as pain that occurs despite the pain medications the patient is already taken: “These severe flares of pain are called breakthrough pain because the pain ‘breaks through’ the regular pain medication.”

They go on to say that if your doctor hasn’t offered you additional meds for this type of pain, something is wrong: “Almost all people experiencing chronic cancer pain should receive medications for around-the-clock pain control and a medication specifically for treatment of breakthrough pain. If this has not been offered to you, discuss this with your health care provider.”

Pain is something that some cancer patients feel they “have” to live with, but according to O’Neil, this thinking can actually delay healing. “Pain doesn’t contribute anything to the getting-well process,” she says. “It makes you feel vulnerable and frightened, not just because you’re hurting in the moment, but you fear it will continue or perhaps get worse. If your pain is well controlled, you feel more optimistic about your health and feel more resilient about your ability to recover.”

If you’re experiencing pain from cancer or cancer treatments, please don’t feel you have to suffer through it. There are a myriad of pain medications available, and getting yourself some relief will only help you to recover more quickly. To make sure you get exactly what you need, CancerPain.org recommends you communicate the following to your doctor or nurse:

• Tell them where it hurts, when it hurts, and how intense the pain is.
• Tell them what makes the pain worse and what makes it better.
• Tell them how fast it comes on, how long it lasts, and how often it comes back.
• If you’re taking medications, discuss how much relief they are giving (or not giving) you.
• Discuss how the pain is affecting your daily life—what activities can’t you perform because of the pain? Talk about your appetite, your sleeping habits, and whether you can perform your normal daily routine.

Then, ask about what other options are available to you—what other medications and alternative therapies may help. If your doctor tells you the pain is “normal” and fails to help you with it, make an appointment to see a pain specialist in your area.

Finally, don’t worry about medication addiction. Studies so far do not support the myth that cancer patients become addicted to pain medication. Take what you need to feel better!

Have you struggled with pain related to cancer? Please tell us anything helpful you may have learned.

Photo courtesy idhren via Flickr.com.

Since mouth sores can affect how much you eat, and in severe cases, even lead to malnutrition, we gathered some information to help you deal with them. Try these steps to lower your risk, avoid making them worse, and relieve the pain.

To prevent it:

• Go to your dentist for a thorough checkup before starting cancer treatment.
• Brush teeth, floss, and use a non-alcohol mouth rinse twice a day.
• Keep your mouth and lips moist and hydrated.

To treat it:

• Ask your dentist about pain-relieving mouth rinses.
• Try a numbing gel like Ora-Gel on the sore itself.
• “Prevention” magazine recommends making your own rinse by combining Maalox with Benadryl.
• Floss once a day. (If you’re gums are bleeding or you’re just bleeding easily in general, check with your doctor or dentist before flossing.)
• Try a water irrigator at a low level to get all the food out between teeth. You can also add salt or an anti-bacterial mouthwash to the water for extra cleaning.
• Use a soft toothbrush or ask your dentist for a foam one if your mouth is extra sensitive.
• Use lip balm regularly to keep lips moist—dry lips make it easier for germs to get inside your mouth.
• Drink plenty of water to keep the inside of the mouth hydrated. If you have dry mouth, consider chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candies—sugar-free if possible.
• Suck on ice cubes or popsicles to numb the painful area between meals and—if you’re having trouble eating—before meals.

To eat with it:

• Eat soft foods like pasta, cottage cheese, yogurt, ice cream or frozen yogurt (less sugar and fat), soft fruits, and shakes, and cook your veggies to soften them up.
• Stay away from alcohol as it irritates the inside lining of the mouth—purchase alcohol-free mouthwashes.
• Avoid acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, or rough-textured foods that will be harder to eat. Chips, popcorn, some dry cereals, and fried food will be difficult—choose pasta, food cooked in sauce, bananas, soft casseroles, eggs, gravy-covered items, soups, and custards.
• Cut food up into smaller pieces so you don’t have to chew so much.
• Use a straw to drink, and a small spoon to reduce the amount of each mouthful.

Do you have some tips for dealing with mouth sores? Please share.

Photo courtesy stuartpilbrow via Flickr.com.