As mentioned in earlier blogs, chemo treatments present many visceral side effects, most of which can be addressed with a plethora of drugs reccommended by the doctors. Not to knock the AMA, but there is a universe of knowledge in the thousands’ year old Eastern philosophies, practices, and treatments, as well as the rapidly accelerating holistic and spiritual practices blooming around the world, again! There is so much information, often conflicting or just downright confusing, to digest and process from all of these resources, not to mention all of the well meaning advice from friends and their friends’ friends, that it becomes truly overwhelming. Even debilitating. Of course I want to make the very best choices from all possible sources in order to maximize the very best treatment regimine and results for my own personal journey. My only advice to those on this path is to listen to your heart, do some limited google research, but only from reputable sites recommended by doctors and friends you trust. Most important is to ask a lot of questions, prepared in advance and written in order of priority, every time you talk to your treating physician. Be bold and even aggressive for you and/or your loved one.
Today I really wanted to focus on the beauty challenges (mostly for women, but men – listen up!) encountered from chemo. Not a topic that is given a lot of time or thought from my experience so far. So, I am going to share my experiences in this mostly ignored part of the journey that, if nothing else, is important to my own personal self esteem. I am not an aesthetician nor a beautician, just an A-list consumer of beauty products for over 40+ years. I’ve tried it all, at one time or another depending on my geographical location (not much selection on the Pine Ridge Reservation) and financial resources (when cash flow slowed to a trickle thanks to the economic crash). I have purchased almost every product at one time or another, from the ridiculously expensive products found in Needless Markup type stores, to the corner drugstore offerings. So, here is the daily regimen I have designed for my issues after much trial and error, which is of course a work in progress. Who knows what will work well or not at all in the long term? Only time will tell.
HAIR/SCALP: I have been a WEN by Chas Dean girl for 2 years before chemo, with amazing results. As soon as my hair started to thin out, I switched to his 6/13 Cleansing and Conditiong formula. I continue to wash my bald scalp with the formula as well, slathering one pump on my bald head, massaging it in, and leaving on until the final rinse. But I don’t stop there! Every morning and evening, I rub pure Argan Oil (mine’s from Josie Maran) into my scalp. Will these steps increase volume, shine and luxurious growth when my hair eventually, finally, starts to grow?! Only time will tell, but I am setting my intentions, reinforced with the best tools I have. Stay tuned if you are absolutely riveted to find out what happens!?!
FACE AND SKIN: Can you say dry, patchy, flaky, even cracking skin all over, with even MORE brown spots than before?! Getting old is bad encough without having to deal with these added indiganties that magically appear with no warning. So, for the face, I cleanse with a Clarisonic and Purity face wash, then I use Algenist Concentrated Recontructing Serum (aewome new product) followed by my tried and true fave Dr. Denese Hydroshield Face Serum (also awesome serum). I then follow with Algenist Moisturizing face and eye cream. I exfoliate at least once or twice a week with a Micrdermabrasion machine (really effective) and Dr. Denese Light Surfacing Peel. Exfoliation is an extremely important step! For the rest of the dried out, flaking skin on body and cracking feet, slather on your favorite body butter (Josie Maran Whipped Argan Old is great), body balms and cremes every day. Pile a thick layer on your feet and wear socks to accelerate results. Step up to the heavier, remedial balms and cremes for best results on the body.
TEETH AND GUMS: The best remedy I have found so far is the old fashion warm water and salt solution, used at least twice a day. It stings going in, but the results are great.
I hope some of you ladies (and men?) found at least a kernal of truth and/or insight in this posting as you journey on. Sent with Love and Light, j
Feb. 7, 2013
Judy Richter 