Seeing the Beautiful You by Jackie Clark

Today's post is going to be something different, more personal, and hopefully eye-opening. I am happy to introduce my first guest blogger ever, Jackie Clark. Jackie does outreach for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, an online resource for mesothelioma cancer. She contacted me to discuss a serious issue, one that has unfortunately touched many of us in this world. Some of you may silently be caretakers, loved ones, or cancer warriors/survivors. Jackie's knowledge of the disease and advice on living a full life despite the diagnosis can give us empowerment through knowing. I might emphasize that physical appearance is important in self-esteem but hair is just hair. Having a strong inner strength powered by loved ones and hope shines through to the outside. If you have any questions or want to talk, don't hesitate to email me. Thank you Jackie for writing this article. You can read her latest post here.

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Seeing the Beautiful You

By: Jackie Clark

According to medical researchers, emotions play an important part in our physical health and well being. While it is always traumatic to deal with a physically debilitating illness, scientific studies support the theory that a healthy state of mind and self-image can help promote healing and faster recovery times. Likewise, even if the disease is a recurrent or chronic one, a high level of self-confidence can help a patient deal with chronic illness and live a better quality of life.

Women diagnosed with illnesses such as cancer have a particularly challenging road ahead of them. For example, women who are diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer due to asbestos exposure know that one of the most effective mesothelioma cancer treatments is chemotherapy. This treatment, however, often causes physical side effects such as hair loss. Likewise, cancer treatments also cause weight loss or gain, and the disease itself can sometimes change a patient’s physical appearance, particularly if radical surgeries are involved.

This is why it’s so important for women with mesothelioma cancer and other cancers to find a way to look as good as they can on a regular basis. Pursuing a consistent regimen of outer beauty can give cancer patients a healthy dose of self- confidence, which in turn will empower them to take control of their disease. This empowerment is crucial for women who are trying to maintain a high quality of life while battling cancer.

Clothes, scarves, hats, wigs and shoes can help cancer patients to attain their optimum physical attractiveness. While going out to shop may be difficult for some patients, most clothing retailers have online catalogs offering a wide variety of colors, sizes and styles. In addition, some specialty sites feature wigs, hats and scarves made especially for cancer patients. These are not only flattering but also fashionable, so a woman need not be afraid to be seen because of the hair loss she may have suffered due to radiation treatments.

Makeup is also important to a woman’s appearance, and makeup kits can be a fun way to experiment and try a new look. In addition, many makeup stylists are also willing to make house calls for those patients who aren’t yet able to get out and about.

While clothing and makeup may seem the last thing a person with cancer wants to think about, doctors advise that the most important thing a cancer patient can do is to try and return to as normal a life as possible. This means taking the time and effort to do all the things one would ordinarily do in order to look good.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and are contemplating or undergoing treatments, remember that it’s crucial not to lose sight of yourself in the fight. This means that you may have to dig deep inside in order to find the part of yourself that existed before cancer. By holding on to that part of yourself, you’ll be better equipped for your cancer journey. Finding your own inner and outer beauty serves as a reminder that after all, you’re still you.

Image credit: webclipart.about.com