Today is #worldcancerday. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer or indeed, have been affected ourselves. When cancer strikes there is a lot that is out of our control and that is a scary place to be. When we take control of some smaller, controllable things, it really can help to keep us grounded and feel a little more secure. Here are some examples of how patients might claim back some control:
– Gracefully accept support. This is so important for wellbeing; this is not the time to be a lone ranger. The love shown by friends and relatives can provide so much support. It is also important that friends don’t shy away from someone with cancer, they are still who they have always been and need to know friends are there for them. A quick text, a bunch of flowers, arranging a zoom call to catch up and have a laugh, to more practical solutions like giving lifts or help with the cleaning, can all be hugely appreciated. In accepting support, it not only helps the patient, but it also gives friends and family the opportunity to feel like they can do something that is really helping. By giving them the gift of giving emotional or practical support it can help them cope, too.
– Preparation. If (and only IF) wanted, patients could meal prep some simple, nutritious meals for their convalescence and recovery. However, this is also something friends and family will be happy to help with, too.
– Coping with hair loss. If a patient is expecting to lose their hair due to treatment, this can be a terrifying thought. They could be worried about how their children or partners will feel about it, they may also want to avoid looking ‘like an ill person’. However, many people boldly brave the bald and absolutely rock it, this can be very empowering in itself. If someone wants to take steps in order to ‘just feel a bit like their normal self’ there are lots of things that can be done:
– Eyebrows: find a clinic that does eyebrow tattoos (such as The Brow and Skin Studio local to me in Cockermouth, they are amazing!!), take note though that this will need to be done a good few weeks before starting chemotherapy to minimise infection risk.
– Eyelashes: there are amazing false eyelashes that attach using a magnetic eyeliner on the lid, such as Lola’s Lashes.
– Wigs: there are some unbelievable wigs out there and in the UK the NHS provides some financial contribution towards this. Friends could support by going with the patient to try them on, believe it or not, this can be quite good fun. Talk about making something unfun, fun!
– Brave the shave: Shaving hair off before it falls out may help a patient feel like they have more control over when that hair comes off. They could even do it to raise money for charity. And if they have amazing friends, they might join them in braving the shave, this will not only provide the most amazing support for the patient, but hopefully raise even more money for charity too.
– Make-up: there are wonderful charities who support patients with lessons in how to do their make-up to help with confidence during hair loss. as well as some useful YouTube videos.
– Plan something to look forward to: if possible, plan some small treats and rewards to look forward to, it can help to have a forward focus.
These are only suggestions for people who may decide they want to take action to regain some control. It is important to say this is not a list of must-do’s, just some tips I have picked up along the way. Everyone’s cancer journey is unique to them, they must go at their own pace and listen to their own needs.
Much love,
Lynne x