Chemotherapy - Tips and Tricks

[Sue_H-S]

Keeping your nails

 

Retaining your nails throughout chemotherapy may well depend on your specific regime as well as age and general state of health.

There is anecdotal evidence out there telling us that painting our nails dark is going to be helpful. However, there is also anecdotal evidence to the contrary.

Certainly - having your nails varnished dark is going to protect them from UV - which we are much more suspetible to, as well as any ridges or discolouration, which may be due to treatment.

Here is a link for general recommedations

breastcancer.org/tips/hair_skin_nails/nails

 

For quick reference here is an excerpt

QUOTE:

• f you’d like to wear nail polish, consider using a water-based polish. Conventional nail polishes may contain chemicals to harden and stabilize them that are considered toxic. If your nails are very dry or falling off, you might want to consider a nail moisturizer instead of polish.
• Dry nails can become weaker or more brittle during chemotherapy treatment. To take off polish, use a remover that doesn’t contain acetone, ethylacetate, or other harsh solvents. There are gentle removers specifically for water-based nail polish.
• Don’t use acrylics or other nail wraps. Fake nails can trap bacteria that may cause infection.
• If you have a professional manicure, bring your own instruments, regardless of how the salon cleans theirs. Remember, your nails can look great with no polish at all. Ask the salon technician to buff them (bring your own buffer) to a beautiful shine. END QOTE

Hope it is of help

 

S xx

 

 

 

 

 

[Sue_H-S]

Still more on nails…

 

Keeping them natural, rather than using nail varnish - which I intend to do, as I cannot be bothered with the faffing about having to deal with chipped varnish…

 

Being very aware that we have to look after them, avoiding metal or harsh tools, to ensure we do not injure our cuticles, etc - I have today worked with these -

 

Kaeso Manicure Nail Buffing Cream (Paraben free - I checked, most are not) and my favourite chamois covered nail buffer. If you google Nail Buffer Chamois you should be able to find one and it should be between £3 - £4

                                                       

This buffer has no sharp edges, which is great - and it slides cross the cuticles and therefore massages them, too. The buffing surface being made of natural material - so much gentler…

 

Natural looking shiny and healthy nails!

 

Sue x

 

 

[Belle]

While rummaging throught the t’interweb, I found this site which seems to have a mass of information on all things related to chemo and hair:

cancerhaircare.com

Hope it’s useful

 

B x

[Belle]

This looks like it could be a great find for this thread:

 

youtube.com/channel/UCSh7toEk1ZUMO989HLBsuog

 

It’s a youtube channel called Baldly Beautiful by Andrea Pellegrini.  She’s a make up artist being treated for breast cancer and she’s done a series of video demonstrations.  I’ve not watched them all yet but the ones I have look brilliant.

 

B x

[Belle]

OK first up, I apologise, but this post is going to have several pictures in.  My hair began falling out properly yesterday (Day 11 first FEC) so I got it shaved off.  Actually found it quite liberating in the end.  My reason for posting is that up until this happened I’d been in a quandry about what to do re head coverings.  I think I just couldn’t envisage it.  So, I got a wig, collected some scarves and played about yesterday and today.  I am generally pretty rubbish at all things girly and really dislike fuss so basically if I can manage the following after minimal effort and nil practise, anyone can.  Hope it helps.

 

B x

 

ps, Honestly, all these selfies - I feel like a teenager!!!

[Sue_H-S]

The Wig…

 

As many of of you are in the market for one of these amazing things it may be an idea to give you a ‘heads up’

on this subject. If you already have one, there will be a handy tip at the end.

Not to make the post too long I am just posting the links to various information -

Types of wig construction - for us it is monofilament and or lace front, depening on the hairstyle. More expensive, but much, much more comfortanble.

headcovers.com/wig-construction/

You can buy wigs on line - BTW - VAT FREE!!! For us ladies…, but you would need to know your size

To measure your head for a wig, use a cloth tape measure that has not been stretched for accuracy.

1. Forehead to Nape. Start the tape from the center of the front of your hairline, to the hairline at the nape of the neck. …
2. Ear to Ear. …
3. Circumference. …
4. Temple to Temple

This is a great site for wigs - it is were I found mine, but I had bought it via a wig fitter to ensure the colour was as close as possible to my own and then had my hairdresser adjust it a little bit.

naturalimagewigs.co.uk/

So here is what a monofillament wig looks like, which has a lace front -

 

 

Now to the other stuff. I noticed and became concious about the bits just above my ears sort of sticking out a bit, plus some minor movement. It made me fiddle with the wig - and in front of strangers, that may just be a givaway.

So I found these, asnd cut them down to stick where the wig is lifting  little. No more fiddling - safe as houses.

amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KPRSKJ6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Although this one is currently not available - you can search for them.

 

Sue xxx

 

 

 

 

[Sue_H-S]

Inspiring ! 

met this lady today whilst waiting to go into my oncologist appointment.

Glitter body make up in her new regrowing hair and semi permanent eyebrow tattoos.

She is a triple- and has just finished her active treatment. She gave me permission to photograph her and to publish her photograph on this forum - as encouragement to others.

You can find her on @FizzySnood on Twitter. Really worth having a look!!! 

 

 

Sue xxx

[LynnW]

Hi lightfootpatricia

I am doing cold cap I am assuming u had it On for 1st chemo ? I am away to have my 3rd on Monday & I have lost little or no hair? I wld stress that make sure it’s touching every part of ur head or u will get bald patches, it has to be tight. Also invest in a wet brush (£5 Amazon) also once a week b4 u wash it massage Argan oil into scalp & brush thru yr hair leave on all night & wash in Argan shampoo & conditioner again Amazon. . During chemo yr scalp doesn’t produce oil so yr hair will become very dry, lifeless, dull & brittle doing this regime keeps yr hair soft shiny & manageable & a must or it can mat & snap off … If u haven’t cold capped for 1st chemo it’s too late to start now unfortunately. If u need anymore info just give me a shout

Good luck love Lynn xxx

[Belle]

Hi all,

 

I decided to get a wig fringe to give myself another option in the head covering department.  I was a bit sceptical at first but I have to say, having had a bit of a play, I think I’m a convert!  It may be down to my head scarf phase in my teens but this look feels very familiar to me.  Lots of companies do fringe wigs.  I got mine from Wigs 4 U wigs4u.co.uk/pages/headwear/details.asp?inventory_id=1020&origUrl=/pages/headwear/index.asp?cat2%3DFringes and the hardest thing was picking out an appropriate colour online.  The one I ended up with is darker than my natural hair but not a bad match.  It comes with a velcro band that can be stuck into place with velcro tape (which I’ve just ordered online).  That would certainly give more security but I found by tying my scarf tightly, I was quite happy to just tuck the fringe into place.  On the whole, it’s probably not something I’d bother with everyday, but I like it as an option and I’d be happier wearing this than my proper wig.  Definitely gives an illusion of hair.

 

 

Hope that helps,

 

B x

[Alex2016]

Belle, it was me who had asked you the other night about the fringes and you said you would post a pic when you got sorted. I love that look. I’m definitely ordering one tonight! I was having a look around a few sitesfor scarves, bandanas etc, but hadn’t ordered, as had had a rubbish few days with pain after ANC last week, so will get on it tonight. Where did you order Velcro tape? Would it be double sided then, so it sticks to fringe and then headscarf?
Thanks so much for posting pic. X

[Alex2016]

Gosh, you are so organised and seem to know so much about the headwear. I feel I won’t have a clue when it comes to tying/ wearing correctly. But I suppose once I order and receive them, I can start playing about with them. I was a wee but concerned they would make my head really small as I have quite a bit of hair. I see you can buy headbands to maybe put on first and then scarf/ bandana on top. I’m going to get ordering here, as starting to feel a bit nervous about not being prepared.
You look great in all the pics you’ve posted after your hair loss. How do you feel about it all? I’m hoping the fear of the Unknown is worse than the reality. X

[Belle]

During my first FEC I struggled with awful nausea which I found eating little and often helped to keep it to bearable levels.  Ginger became my best friend so in order to be prepared for my second dose, I’ve been looking out ginger recipes.  These two look like they’re going to be hits:

 

Pear & Ginger Muffins

75g Butter

75g Light Muscovado sugar

2 eggs, beaten

2 pears, peeled, cored & diced

2.5cm stem ginger, finely chopped

zest 1 lemon

4 tbsp milk

175g natural yogurt

175g self-raising flour

1tbsp ground ginger

 

1. Heat oven to 200c/gas 6.  Oil/line a 12 hole deep muffin tin.  
2. Place butter & sugar in a bowl.  Beat until light & fluffy.  Gradually beat in eggs.  Stir in pears, stem ginger and lemon zest.  
3. Mix the milk into the yogurt.  Mix the flour with the ginger.  Stir a little of the milk mix into the butter mix, then stir a little of the flour mix into the butter mix.  Repeat until all the ingredients are used up.  Be careful not to over mix.  
4. Spoon into muffin tin.  Bake for 40mins till golden.  Serve warm.

 

Ginger Flapjacks

250g butter

200g light muscovado sugar

5 tbsp golden syrup

300g oats

140g plain flour

50g desiccated coconut

For the icing:

175g butter

200g icing sugar

4tbsp golden syrup

2tbsp groung ginger

few chunks of crystalised ginger

 

1. Heat oven to 200c/gas 6.  Butter & line a 20-21cm baking tin with baking parchment.  Gently melt together the butter sugar & syrup in a large pan.  Tip in the oats, flour & coconut and mix well.  Press mixture into the tin evenly.  Bake for 30mins until golden and crisping.  
2. To make the icing, put the butter, icing, syrup & ground ginger in a small pan and heat gently, stirring till all melted together.  Pour straight over the flapjacks, scatter with crystalised ginger and cool in the tin.

Enjoy!

 

B x

 

[Sue_H-S]

Hi ladies,

hoping everyone is doing as well, as they can do!.

The sun is out, down here in the south east anyway - and I am just recovering from the cumulation of fatigue after third FEC treatment. Day 6, lol - back upwards again.

The cumulation of fatigue really hit meyesterday - a 95 year old would have beaten me walking - easily!

Initially distressing, as I felt so helpless and my limbs, let alone my brain - were not my own, lol. But when accepting that the body and fatigue have simly taken over the day - it actually felt quite relaxing in the end. I did not have to make up any excuse to myself, why I could not do something.

Preparation of food - and making sure you have everything close by - might be a really good idea, as you approach this point. It may affect everyone a little different though.

I keep having the oddest cravings - I made up some of these as a treat, just before all went ‘pear shaped’ - and they keep well in the fridge - 

                                                  

No-bake gingery mixed berry cheesecake

makes about 4

400g frozen mixed berries -  you could use any summer fruit fresh, macerated with a bit of sugar
4 tbs cassis liqueur - or ginger drink, such as Rochester (Holland & Barratt) if you prefer
1 packet of Ginger biscuits
250 g Quark (Tesco)
100 g Greek Yogurt (Total)
4 tbs clear honey
4 tbs Rochester Dark Ginger
4 large tumbler glasses

Put the frozen fruit into a bowl and add the cassis. Mix and leave to thaw.
Crush the biscuits, add the Rochester Dark Ginger, add more, if necessary to moist all of the crumb and divide equally between the tumblers.
Stir together Greek yogurt and Quark and sweeten with the honey.
Spoon into glasses, cover with cling film and store in fridge for 1 hour or until serving.
Stir the thawed fruit, drain off juice (delicious to drink) and spoon over the top of the cheesecake just before serving.

This recipe can easily be adjusted for different fruit/liqueurs, etc. You might even like to add some lemon zest to the cheese cake mixture - why not have some fun trying out?

Bon appétit !

 

 

 

[Sue_H-S]

Hi again,

yes I am an ‘older’ person - here is how I go from chemo patient to style statement in about 10 minutes.

It is simply done with a tinted BB cream, liquid airbrush concealer for the eye area, warm rose coloured blusher, neutral matt (taupe) eye shadows/2 complimentary colours, brown eye liner, brown/black lash multiplying mascara and lip liner - that is all…

the chemo patient  covered in BB cream

and airbrush concealer applied all over the eye area

the difference just eye liner can make

rose coloured blusher in the hollow of your cheek - or where it would be

 two tones of eye shadow - one all over and one in the socket

brown eyeshadow applied to brow

hey presto - mascara going on

and here is my non chemo face

 no longer a chemo patient!!!

 

hoping it helps you to see and believe - you are still beautiful - chemo will never change that - you might just have to help nature in a very simple way.

 

Hugs,

Sue xx

 

[LynnW]

Hi Alex go on u tube there is great ideas for trying headscarfs in all different ways & Google look good feel great it’s a site showing make up tips tying scarfs lots of things & if u have a maggies close by they do classes & give away freebies worth a look. Lots of love Lynn xxx

[Alex2016]

Thanks Lynn, I will have a look. Still have all my hair as the moment, as chemo was postponed due to problems after my ANC. I’m due at hospital tomorrow, so fingers crossed I’m good to go with it!
I have your Unblocker juice at the ready lol. Have already tried it and it definitely worked. x

[LynnW]

Hi Alex unblocker works a treat ? Have u considered cold cap I have done it & on 4th chemo out of 6 & lost little or no hair so if u can get it it’s worth some thought (depends how determined you are ?) but I feel it’s helped my state of mind as I don’t look any different & no-one wld know there was anything wrong with me plus I didn’t want to worry my 13yr old daughter too much.

If u want any info please feel free to ask as many questions as you like lots of love Lynn Xxxxx

[Alex2016]

Lynn, I would loved to cold cap, but my Chemo Unit does not offer this. In fact the Dr was really dismissive of it and said it did not work. I felt like slapping her lol.

[LynnW]

What a load of utter rubbish !!! How do I upload a picture I’ll prove it to you & take it to the her blooming show her ? That makes me SO MAD !!! Xxx

[LynnW]

Sue how do I upload a pic ?