Mind + Body Archives - Page 7 of 21 - Cactus Cancer Society

Dressing For Short Hair

The thing about short hair, is that it changes your entire look. it’s a domino effect as this great Vogue article explains. Changing your hair drastically has a large impact on your personal style. Many women rely heavily on their long hair for confidence and femininity. I found that once my hair was gone, the outfits that looked great before no longer looked great on me or brought me that same feeling of confidence. My long hair was very much a fashion statement, projecting the “girly’ and feminine style I embraced. Bald & short hair presented a new challenge. How to accent my body and my face in new ways. I had to find creative ways to represent my femininity.

As I went through treatment and now moving into survivorship, I have learned a lot about my own evolving style. The best lesson I have learned is to take risks. I have been continually surprised by new styles that look good on me as I go through this hair evolution. When you try new styles you will quickly find out what looks good and which looks you dislike. You may change your style routine up and come to love different aspects of your body. It’s all part of the process.

I have found a few key tips that have worked well for me. I am calling this my “Dressing for Short Hair Guide”. I hope you find these tips and pictures helpful. I would love to hear about how your style has evolved during and after cancer. How have you come to embrace your new look?

Particular hairstyles like a bob, pixie, or buzzcut can have a tomboy feel. Adding feminine touches to your outfit will help to soften the tomboy look. Lace, embellished tops, pastels, bright colors, florals, fitted skirts & ruffles are all good places to start.

Avoid clothing that is loose or baggy. Instead, stick with fitted clothing and layer flowing cardigans or kimonos. Stay clear of the “boyfriend” styles as these will only further add to masculine look. If you want to wear a baggy top balance it with skinny jeans or a tailored skirt. Blazers are another great way to layer and add dimension to your look.

Sweetheart, strapless, and off the shoulder tops and dresses look great with short hair. Wearing strapless lets the outfit flaunt your short hair, neck, and focus on the face.

Large earrings, statement necklaces, and headbands can add a feminine touch and balance out your look. Experiment with different jewelry until you find what works for you.

Makeup can help you play up your eyes and facial features which will be on display with a short haircut. A bright lip can be the perfect accessory.

I hope you find these tips and pictures helpful. I would love to hear about how your style has evolved during and after cancer. How have you come to embrace your new look?

The Thing About Cancer + Exercise Is…

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During the month of May, we’ll be bringing back some of your favorite posts in groups of 5!

Today, we’ve got 5 GREAT posts focused on getting to the nitty gritty of young adult cancer and exercise.

[/spb_text_block] [spb_single_image image=”14196″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/walking-for-exercise/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”first”][/spb_single_image] [spb_single_image image=”14194″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/partnering-with-friends-how-to-maintain-motivation/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”last”][/spb_single_image] [spb_single_image image=”14197″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/yoga-for-cancer-thrivers/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”first”][/spb_single_image] [spb_single_image image=”14193″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/inverted-yoga-pose-perspectives/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”last”][/spb_single_image] [spb_single_image image=”14192″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/beginners-look-yoga-for-cancer-survivors/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”first last”][/spb_single_image]

caregiver chronic illness exercise family and friends motivation patient survivor yoga

The Thing About Cancer + Healthy Eating Is…

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During the month of May, we’ll be bringing back some of your favorite posts in groups of 5!

Today, we’ve got 5 GREAT posts focused on getting to the nitty gritty of young adult cancer and healthy eating.

[/spb_text_block] [spb_single_image image=”14081″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/healthy-eating-healthy-snacking/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”first”][/spb_single_image] [spb_single_image image=”14083″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/healthy-eating-smoothie-recipes/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”last”][/spb_single_image] [spb_single_image image=”14082″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/deviled-egg-salad/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”first”][/spb_single_image] [spb_single_image image=”14086″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/ginger-recipes-for-chemo-patients/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”last”][/spb_single_image] [spb_single_image image=”14085″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/homemade-applesauce/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”first last”][/spb_single_image]

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The Thing About Cancer + Style Is…

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During the month of May, we’ll be bringing back some of your favorite posts in groups of 5!

Today, we’ve got 5 GREAT posts focused on getting to the nitty gritty of young adult cancer and style.

[/spb_text_block] [spb_single_image image=”14063″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/sign-me-up-for-a-buzz-cut/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”first”][/spb_single_image] [spb_single_image image=”14065″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/dressing-in-layers/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”last”][/spb_single_image] [spb_single_image image=”14066″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/easy-short-hair-updo/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”first”][/spb_single_image] [spb_single_image image=”14067″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/how-to-tie-a-headscarf/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”last”][/spb_single_image] [spb_single_image image=”14068″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” lightbox=”yes” image_link=”https://cactuscancer.wpengine.com/growing-out-your-hair/” link_target=”_blank” fullwidth=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”first last”][/spb_single_image]

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Post-Chemo Hair Growth + Styling Tips

The number one thought on most people’s mind post-chemo is how quickly will their hair grow back and what will it look like. Though I became quite fond of my bald head, the day chemo was over, I threw that love to the wind and put all my energy into regrowing my hair. After many nights of research, I settled on Biotin as my first plan of attack. I started taking the Biotin supplement the day my chemo ended (with my doctor’s approval) and I was so amazed by the results. My hair grew like weeds. Though I was thrilled to have hair on my head again, I was not so thrilled about the hair that quickly sprouted EVERYWHERE else. One day, I even found 2 long hairs coming out of my cheeks! It was also around that time that I experienced a horrible bout of cystic acne so I decided to take a break from the Biotin and exercise some patience. I have since gone back on a lower dose of Biotin and have had no side effects (2,000 mg/day).

Now I am about 13 weeks out from chemo and I am finding creative ways to style this odd little mess of hair on my head. As someone who has always had long hair, this is a new beast for me to tackle. As a beauty addict, I am taking this as just another beauty challenge. It’s a chance for me to try new styles, experiment with new products, and build my confidence along the way.

As I started looking for information on how to style post-chemo hair I found that Google was greatly lacking. There were lots of articles on the topic, but very few photos. I wanted photos, real photos of real women post-cancer. So after many unsuccessful searches, I finally stumbled upon Leo With Cancer. This blog was everything I was looking for, beauty, fashion, hair and Dena is a breast cancer survivor. Jackpot!

So in the spirit of growing the post-chemo hair inventory on Google, I figured I would dedicate a whole post to tips for hair regrowth, a hair growth timeline, and tips for styling your fresh new baby hair. And lucky for you, this post will be FILLED with tons of hair photos.

Set yourself up for success with a few key items as you move into the hair regrowth project. Having these items on hand will help you tame the mane each morning and feel more confident about your ever changing ‘do.

So now that you have set your expectations for the timeline and you have your key products on hand, we can dive into styling tips and inspiration. There are tons of celebrities rocking the pixie cut who we can turn to for inspiration.

There are also a few easy things you can do to “feminize” your look and take it from bald beauty to sassy seductress.

The Faux Hawk

As your hair is beginning to grow in it will still be patching and the middle may be longer at first. Using water or hair paste (more effective) mold the middle into a mohawk with your hands. This is a way to add a playful fun touch to this length.

Headbands

Headbands are fantastic during this time. Look for headbands with thin sparkly bands. This will add some dimension to your hair and dress it up.

The comb over

Using hair paste comb your hair over to the side and define a deep side part. This will be easier the longer your hair looks. When we hear “comb over” we generally think balding old men, but this look can actually be very feminine.

Fringe

The inclination when you are growing your hair out is to cut the hair around your ears, because it’s so dang annoying and somewhat unsightly. If you plan to grow your hair out longer, stay away from the scissor. Instead ask your hair stylist to feather that area. This will take away some of the weight and help the hair lay smoother, while still keeping the length.

Strong Eye Makeup + Brows

Strong eye makeup and brows can really balance out your face with a short hairdo. Strong brows in particular will bring definition to your face.

What tips and tricks have you used for styling your hair growth after chemo?

P.S. How to create natural brows after hair loss + Styling a pixie cut

Please remember to talk with your doctor before starting any sort of supplement.

#nohairdontcare #shorthairdontcare patient survivor

The Best Eyeliner For Your Eye Shape

Eyeliner is one of the easiest ways to make a tired person look awake, alert, and totally put-together. It is seriously a secret weapon against the cancer/caregiving/fatigue/stress-look when it comes to livening up your face!

There are so many different ways to do eyeliner though and it’s hard to decide what is best for your face and eye shape. I like to experiment depending on what the occasion calls for…sometimes I just want some touches around the corners of my eyes and sometimes I want a full on cat-eye liner look! Cosmo and Beauty Haven have excellent articles with great ideas on different eyeliner tips and tricks.

Which ones are your favorites?

P.S. an easy smokey eye tutorial + makeup during hair loss + how to create natural brows during hair loss

caregiver chronic illness patient survivor

How To Create Natural Brows During Hair Loss

Hair loss can be devastating and it is an unfortunate side effect of most chemotherapy cocktails. Luckily, there are wigs, head scarfs, and hats if you don’t feel comfortable rocking your bald head. You may become surprisingly comfortable with the bald head look like I did. Losing your eyebrows on the other hand can be a bit more challenging. I felt like I looked like ET — bald and brow-less. Don’t despair!!! There are wonderful products that can be used to create natural looking brows, even when you only have a few lonesome brow hairs left. Due to sparse brows and over plucking as a teen, I have been filling in my brows for years and I have learned a lot along the way. I hope you find the products and suggestions below helpful. I have also provided some links to my favorite YouTube brow gurus.

Product Links:

Brow Gel ~ Brow Pencil (fine tip) ~ Brow Pencil (thick angled tip, smudge proof, long lasting)~ Brow Pencil (cheaper version) ~ Concealer

YouTube Brow Gurus: Desi Perkins, Nikki Tutorials

*Coffee mug from Etsy

#nohairdontcare brows eyebrows hair loss no hair don't care patient survivor

Welcome Anna!

Lacuna Loft is excited to continue introducing more young adult voices! These great folks represent a variety of perspectives on the myriad of topics covered here at Lacuna Loft. Before everyone starts really getting into the nitty-gritty of all they have to say, we wanted to introduce them a bit. Without further ado, here is Anna!

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We were newlyweds, buying our second home, and planning to start a family. It was July 2015 right before my 28th birthday when I got that dreaded call and everything changed. Breast cancer had other plans for me. Since that terrifying moment, cancer has challenged me mentally, emotionally, and physically. After multiple surgeries, complications, and chemotherapy, I can look back as a survivor and say I am proud of the happiness I was able to find during that awful time. Cancer challenged me to change my outlook on life and I was able to reach a new level of personal growth and self love.

While going through my battle, I found that the young adult voice and the availability of resources tailored for young people in the cancer world were greatly lacking. I was inspired to share my story as a means to raise awareness. I created a blog called My Cancer Chic focused on positivity and strategies for maintaining style and confidence during cancer treatment. Young women diagnosed with cancer face a unique set of challenges and they deserve to have resources tailored to those needs.

Through My Cancer Chic I have been able to connect with women across the globe and give back to this amazing community through my writing. I hope that by sharing my story, I am able to impact the lives of other young women who may feel alone in their struggle and are looking for ways to maintain aspects of “normalcy”, beauty, and confidence during treatment and beyond. I continue to write about my experience as a survivor to help me work through my own challenges and to bring awareness to the young adult cancer experience in hopes that one day we will have a cure.

patient survivor

An Interactive Self-Care Guide

Ever struggled with self-care or even deciding what you needed in a given moment? Well now there is a website, just for that. This interactive self-care guide asks you a series of questions, even offering you time to work through suggestions based on your responses, helping you to take steps towards greater self-awareness and self-care.

The prompts invite you to take steps to assess your own state of being and to make any necessary adjustments to improve it.

Try the self-care guide out! Let us know what you think!

caregiver chronic illness patient self-care survivor

Rethinking Body Image: Remember To Love Yourself

This post is brought to us by Clarissa!

It was recently Valentine’s Day and while the day is meant to share love with others, I also think it’s a great time to remember to love yourself.

When I first started going on dates and had my first relationship (which wasn’t until sophomore year of college), I was incredibly nervous. Not only was I late in the game compared to many of my peers, but I was also incredibly self-conscious. Sure, I had the same questions running through my head that most girls consider – does he really like me, does he think I’m pretty, will he ask me out again? But, the nerves really came from the fact that I simultaneously contended with some more serious questions, ones that most girls don’t have to worry about – is he going to be grossed out if he sees my scars, does seeing my scars mean I should tell him I had cancer twice, and what should I do about the stretch marks (caused by all the steroids I took during treatment) that cover my lower abdomen and lower back?

Before I knew it, the normal questions had spiraled into this realization that I found fault with my body for things that could not be changed. I had not accepted those parts of me, so how could I expect someone else to?

Often, we think only of body image in relation to cancer treatment, considering how the impact of hair loss, weight gain, weight loss, surgery, etc. can all take a toll on the body. However, I think body image is equally as challenging after cancer treatment, when the rest of your life is back to “normal” but your body doesn’t catch up and is not what it once was. To some extent, you can work to restore your body’s health by eating well and exercising regularly. But, there are often things that you can’t do anything about.

How can you learn to accept those things you can’t change? I’ve learned that a lot of it has to do with perspective. You don’t have to think of scars, stretch marks, etc. as faults. Rather, think of those things as strengths. They are signs that your body got through things most other bodies don’t have to do. Find empowerment in them. I found this change in perspective gave me a big self-confidence boost and enabled me to view myself in a much more positive way. Maybe it can do the same for you 🙂

How do you conquer self-love and self-image? How have you dealt with body image after cancer?

Clarissa Schilstra is a two-time cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia for the first time when she was two and a half years old. She went through two and a half years of chemotherapy and survived. She led a happy and healthy life until June of 2007, when her cancer relapsed. So, she went through another two and a half years of chemotherapy, this time accompanied by radiation. She is now twenty-one years old and a senior at Duke University. Her passion is helping others cope with the ups and downs of life during and after cancer treatment. It is her goal to become a clinical psychologist after she graduates from Duke, and she would like to help improve the psychological care available to adolescents and young adults who have serious illnesses. You can read more about Clarissa on her website and blog at www.teen-cancer.com. You can also find her book, Riding the Cancer Coaster: Survival Guide for Teens, on Amazon.

Interested in contributing a one-time article to Lacuna Loft? Email info@lacunaloft.org with your submission!

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