Help post breast cancer

[Confusedmeanderings]

I badly need some style and beauty advice. I've spent the past year being treated for breast cancer and am now cancer free. I didn't like the hair loss during chemo, but I got on with things and got through it. I was so happy when it started growing again. Unfortunately I am at high risk of the cancer returning so I have to have immunotherapy and hormone therapy, which has halted hair growth and caused thinning hair. You can see my scalp showing through in places and its still very short which I hate. Add in dull and lifeless skin from the stress its been under, barely there eyelashes because they fell out during chemo and haven't grown back fully, gappy teeth which I did have before, but they are worse now. I just feel terrible about my looks. I wasn't really attractive before the cancer, but I was OK and I was comfortable in my skin. Now I just want to cry when I catch sight of myself in the mirror. I don't know what advice I need, but I definitely need some! So wise women of the internet, please can you help?

There is a breast cancer support charity that specifically helps women with hair and nails and makeup, I’ll look it up in the morning and come back to you.
I was lucky(?) and didn’t have chemo, just a bi-lateral mastectomy and radiotherapy, so no loss of hair, just a body that looks like Edward scissor hands made love to me 😂.
The radiotherapy people recommended the charity to me on the last day of treatment but I can’t use it as I got off really lightly. I have a card somewhere il look for for you.
You sound amazing.
You’ve been through a lot. Be kind to yourself.

I’m also sure you were beautiful before treatment, and you’ll be beautiful after it.

My make up routine has completely changed. From a bit of foundation and mascara to full contour/ blush / highlighter / Botox (two weeks after Mastectomy and Diep reconstruction- I’d not recommend that 🤣). I just don’t want to look so cancer-y.

What are your thoughts on a make-up over hall in make up counter?

Congratulations on being cancer free !! I always find the dove light gradual tan helps me feel better about myself as it adds just a soft tan and a glow

@Endofdaysarehere is that the Looking Good Feeling Good charity? I had a session with them during chemo and did enjoy it. I don't suppose I'd qualify for a second session. Sadly they were only doing zoom sessions, but it was still really good.. Going to a make up counter is a good idea though. In fact, I'm thinking I might go up to the Mall in Bristol. They have an outpost of Harrods there, very posh and swanky, complimentary champagne, the works! I think I might enjoy that. I tend to prefer shopping by myself, but perhaps I'll ask a friend to come with me and have a bit of a girly day. Thank you!
@lightandshade The Dove light gradual tan sounds an affordable way of getting a lift. I'll give it a go. Thank you.

It was the Looking good charity.
You can have my go! See if you can book back in.

They are still online when I looked, which is disappointing. I guess it saves them hassle of face to face, but it’s not as good.

@Confusedmeanderings I am in the same boat as you and could also do with some help!

I feel like I’ve really aged in the last year. I’m on a second lot of (targeted) chemo & thankfully this one hasn’t made my hair fall out but I’m supposed to be starting tamoxifen soon and that can cause hair thinning.😫

My hair is growing but it’s still too short to colour and is dull and grey in patches. I’m getting married in a couple of months and really want to be able to do something with it.

@GettingMarriedAgain congratulations on the upcoming wedding! If you want to colour your hair, it might be worth chatting to your hairdresser. Mine went out of her way to find dyes with no nasty chemicals and that were gentle enough to use on my new hair.
@Endofdaysarehere spurred on by your suggestions, I've booked 3 workshops. I've booked a style and colour advice session, a nail and hands session and a dealing with hair loss session. I've got the style and colour session next week and after I've had that I'm going to hit the Mall and the beauty counters. @lightandshade I'm going to invest in the Dove next time I go to town. Thank you both for your advice. I felt so sad when I originally posted, but now I have a bit of a plan, I do feel a little better.

Hi op, wonder if you are near Bristol? Have you come across this?www.pennybrohn.org.uk/find-help/centre/activities/
Or this?movecharity.org
macmillan may be able to signpost to other local organisations.
also, boots have staff on their beauty counters trained by Macmillan. A lovely lady helped me with eyebrows.

@thesandwich oh my word! I so wish I had heard about Penny Brohn UK when I was at the beginning of my treatment! I would have used it for sure. Even now I think it would be really helpful, so thank you so much for the link. You are right I am not that far from Bristol, about 40 miles. My treatment was all in Taunton and they didn't mention it at all. Thank you!

This made me chuckle. Beautiful sense if humour.

Op, I hope you get the support you need. Am so sorry you experienced this terrible disease but glad you are on a healing path

@Confusedmeanderings glad to be of service😉. I’ve learnt so much from the long running cancer thread.
do everything you can to feel better. Whatever it takes.