You can still look beautiful while on cancer treatment

A number of female breast cancer patients undergo mastectomy, a surgical procedure that involves removal of one or both breasts as a way of either treating or preventing the cancer.
Then, there is the chemotherapy treatment, which cancer patients continuously say has a number of side effects including skin darkening and hair loss.
How can cancer patients best take care of themselves during and after treatment. In addition to this, where can they find the best body and skin care products during and after the course of their treatment?

Mastectomy bras
A few years back, one breast cancer patient revealed that her biggest fear was having a mastectomy. At that time, cancer had been detected inside her left breast and the doctors had concluded that the best option was to have it removed.
“The first time the doctor hinted on the idea of having my breast removed, I objected. For any woman, breasts are part of her feminine identity and I wondered how exactly I was going to cope without them,” the patient said.
But with a little bit of more convincing from the doctors, she agreed to the mastectomy. Thank God, she also eventually beat the cancer. But, with only one breast remaining, putting on clothes became a little complicated process for her.

“The dilemma came on deciding what to wear for my remaining breast. I could not wear bras because of the imbalance. For this reason, I opted to only wear clothes without any inner garment for my upper body. The trouble was that I would often feel uncomfortable and some people would probably notice the unevenness in my chest and would throw uncomfortable stares towards my direction,” the woman narrates.
It was until a friend directed her to a lingerie shop in town where she found a bra fitted with a breast prosthesis. She bought one bra at Shs200,000.

The problem is that it is very few lingerie shops in this country selling these types of bras, and, at a high cost. But there are breast cancer support groups are known to provide mastectomy bras and handmade prosthesis to breast cancer patients. One of such organisations is Uganda Women’s Cancer Support Organisation (UWOCASO).
“The demand for them is too high, yet, we have a limited number throughout the year,” says Ms Eunice Sebikaari, a breast cancer survivor, who also serves as the general secretary of UWOCASO.
It is for this reason that the organisation is planning on initiating a project next year where they can train breast cancer survivors to modify their ordinary bras.

Probably having noticed the difficulty in getting mastectomy bras, some breast cancer survivors are today making knitted knockers, which are handmade prosthesis. These are soft in nature, and, are fitted in any kind of regular bra to take the shape of a real breast.
One of the survivors says she sells her knitted knockers at Shs5,000 each. Normally, she sells them directly to survivors or to cancer support groups.

Wigs
For cancer patients who have lost hair during the course of treatment, but are interested in covering up their scalps, the option can be a wig.
A number of beauty shops and salons sell these wigs. However, for those interested in variety, I would recommend you visit Gazaland, next to the Old Taxi Park in Kampala.
Here, you will find a number of shops selling all kinds of different wigs such as braided wigs costing between Shs50,000 to Shs100,000. The human hair wigs are more expensive one can cost up to about Shs800,000. There are other wigs that cost as low as Shs25,000.

Skincare products
Skin problems may occur either due to the cancer one has or as a result of the effects of the treatment, says Dr Robert Asaba, a dermatologist at Kisubi hospital and Advanced Skin Clinic in Kampala.
Regardless, Dr Asaba emphasises that it is important to take care of one’s skin during this period.
“One of the best ways to do this is by observing good hygiene. Ensure you always observe proper sanitation,” he says.
For those with dry skin, a body moisture can help deal.
“Some of the good body moistures include petroleum jelly, cocoa or shea butter,” Dr Asaba says.

And for those whose skin colour is darkened after chemotherapy, Dr Asaba recommends the use of sunscreens including lotions, gels, or sprays to prevent tendencies of intense skin darkening after the treatment. Besides the sunscreens, there is the option of using body moistures as well as other skin products that have antioxidants known for having ingredients that slow damage to cells. Some antioxidants contain vitamins C and E.

And, where to find them?
“I advise that you visit either a professional pharmacist or dermatologist who can recommend the best products for your skin,” he says.

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