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Look Good Feel Better Workshops

If you're going through cancer treatment in the UK, there's a charity you should know about. Look Good Feel Better runs free workshops that help people manage the visible side effects of treatment, and they've been doing it here since 1994. Ask anyone who's been to one and you'll get the same two responses. First, that they nearly didn't go. Second, that it was one of the best afternoons of their whole treatment. What they actually do Look Good Feel Better runs group workshops led by trained beauty and wellbeing professionals who volunteer their time. The sessions cover the practical things that fall through the cracks in cancer care; How to look after skin that's changed, what to do about eyebrows that have vanished, and how to feel like yourself again. What's more, they're completely free. The charity works hard to keep it that way, funded by the beauty industry and by donations. The sessions on offer There's a decent range of sessions available, so it's worth looking at what suits you: •      Skincare and make-up, the flagship workshop, covering how to care for changed skin and create a natural look •      Wigs, brows and lashes, which is the one to book if you're dealing with hair loss •      Hair loss and scalp care •      Hand and nail care, since nails take a real battering during treatment •      Styling for confidence, led by style experts, covering colour, shape and dressing a body that's changed •      Gentle exercise and mindfulness •      Men's wellbeing sessions, hosted by barbering experts, covering shaving, sore skin and scarring •      Young adult sessions, aimed at a younger crowd who often feel out of place elsewhere The goody bag Let's talk about the bag, because it's genuinely lovely and it's the thing everyone remembers. Go to an in-person workshop and you'll be given a bag of full-size skincare and make-up products to use during the session and take home. Not samples. Proper products, donated by the beauty brands that support the charity. The bags are pre-packed, so you can't choose what's in yours, and supply depends on what's been donated. If you have allergies or you're particular about what goes on your skin, you can bring your own products to use in the session, nobody will mind. The bag isn't really the point, mind. It's just a very nice extra on top of an afternoon where someone treats you like a person rather than a patient. What actually happens on the day The workshops run for up to two hours. In-person groups are small, usually eight to fifteen people. Online groups are bigger, and the hair sessions and exercise classes can run to eighty or so. You do your own make-up. The volunteers are there to guide you, show you techniques and step in if you're struggling, but nobody is going to give you a full makeover while you sit there. That's deliberate. You're learning skills you can use at home on a Tuesday morning when nobody's watching. Most people arrive nervous and almost nobody stays that way. The thing everyone says afterwards is that it was the first time in weeks they'd been in a room where nobody talked about cancer. You're allowed to leave it at the door. Who can go Anyone with a cancer diagnosis. Women, men and young adults, and the workshops are open to everyone regardless of gender identity. The skincare and make-up, hand and nail care and styling workshops are a one-off, one per person per diagnosis. That does mean you can't book a refresher a few months later, though the charity has a library of free tutorials on their website you can use any time. If your cancer returns, get in touch with them directly rather than assuming you can't come back. In person or online Both. In-person workshops run in hospitals, cancer care centres and partner venues across the UK. Virtual workshops run over Zoom, so you can join from your sofa on a day you don't fancy leaving the house. The trade-off is the goody bag, which comes with the in-person sessions. If you're well enough to travel, the in-person version is worth the effort for the room full of people as much as the products. A few practical things to know •      Book in advance through the Look Good Feel Better website, and you can also ring them on 01372 747 500 •      Turn up on time, as sessions start promptly and there's only a short grace period before the door closes •      Everything is provided, though you can bring your own foundation and concealer if you have shades you love, plus your own brushes if they're clean •      Bring a pen and paper if you like taking notes, and you'll be given a leaflet covering what was taught •      You can't bring a friend or family member, since the space is kept for people with a diagnosis, so ring ahead if you need a chaperone for a specific reason like translation •      Tell them about any accessibility needs when you book and they'll do their best What they can't help with They're upfront about this, and it's worth knowing. Look Good Feel Better aren't medically trained, so they can't tell you which products are safe for your particular treatment. That's a question for your oncologist or cancer nurse specialist, who can look at your history and advise on anything you should avoid. They also can't recommend wig shops, hairdressers or microblading artists. For hair specifically, they point people towards Cancer Hair Care, who offer one-to-one support. Where we fit in We're not connected to the charity in any way. We just think more people should know they exist, because the number of customers who tell us they'd never heard of Look Good Feel Better until someone mentioned it in passing is frankly too high. If you go to a brows and lashes session and come away wanting to practise what you learned, we stock false eyelashes and eyebrow pencils chosen for people going through treatment.  Go, if you can The most common thing we hear is some version of "I almost didn't bother". People talk themselves out of it because they feel too rough, or too self-conscious, or because putting on make-up feels frivolous when you're seriously ill. It isn't frivolous. Recognising yourself in the mirror does something for you that no amount of good advice can. And a couple of hours in a room full of people who understand exactly where you are turns out to be worth a great deal. Look Good Feel Better is a registered charity, number 1031728. Find workshops and book at lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk.   Frequently asked questions Is Look Good Feel Better free? Yes. All workshops and classes are free for anyone with a cancer diagnosis, funded by the beauty industry and donations. Who can attend a Look Good Feel Better workshop? Anyone with a cancer diagnosis. There are dedicated sessions for women, men and young adults, and the workshops are open to everyone. What's in the Look Good Feel Better goody bag? A selection of full-size skincare and make-up products donated by the charity's partner brands. Bags are pre-packed and given out at in-person workshops, so the contents vary depending on what's been donated. How do I book a Look Good Feel Better workshop? Book through their website at lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk, or ring 01372 747 500. Your cancer nurse or treatment centre may also be able to point you to a local session. Can I go to more than one workshop? The skincare and make-up, hand and nail care and styling for confidence workshops are a one-off per person per diagnosis. Free tutorials on their website are available any time.

What to Take to Your First Chemo Appointment: Checklist

Nobody tells you how long chemotherapy actually takes. You picture something quick and clinical, and then you find out you'll be sitting in a chair for four hours with a drip in your arm and nothing but a two-year-old magazine. Packing a bag is one of the few parts of this you get to control. It's worth doing properly, because a good bag turns a long, cold, boring day into something much more bearable. Here's what people who've done it tell us they were glad they brought. How long will you be there? Ask your unit before the day, because it varies enormously. Some treatments take an hour. Others take six or seven, once you add in blood tests, waiting for pharmacy and the drip itself. Assume it'll be longer than you were told. Pack for that and you'll never be caught out. Keeping warm This is the one thing everyone mentions. Chemo units are cold, the drugs go in cold, and sitting still for hours makes it worse. A light blanket or a big soft scarf, and there are plenty of people who take one from home purely because it smells right Warm socks, ideally a pair you can pull on over tights or with slippers Layers you can add and take off, because you may swing between freezing and boiling in the same hour A soft hat, which matters more than you'd think Your scalp loses a surprising amount of heat, and if your hair has started to go, a cold room feels very different. A bamboo or cotton chemo hat is breathable enough that you won't overheat and soft enough to sit against a tender scalp for hours. If you'd rather have a scarf, a pre-tied head scarf pulls straight on with no mirror and no fiddling in a hospital toilet. What to wear Think about where the line goes in. If you're having treatment through your arm, wear short sleeves or something with sleeves that push up easily. If you have a PICC line, a port or a Hickman line, you want a wide neckline or a button-front top so the nurses can reach it without you having to undress. Beyond that, comfort wins. Soft waistbands, nothing tight, nothing scratchy, and layers. Food and drink Most units offer tea, coffee and biscuits, but the choice is limited and the timings won't suit you. Bring your own water bottle, because staying hydrated genuinely helps and you'll drink more if it's sitting there. Pack a few snacks you actually like, plus something plain like crackers in case your stomach turns. Sugar-free boiled sweets or mints are worth a mention. Some drugs leave a metallic taste in your mouth, and something to suck on helps. Passing the time Four hours is a long time. Plan for it. A tablet or phone loaded up before you go, since hospital wifi is unreliable and you don't want to be fighting it Headphones, ideally with a long cable or good battery life A phone charger and a power bank, and this is the item people forget and regret most A book, a magazine or a puzzle book for when your eyes are tired of screens Something to do with your hands, like knitting or a crossword Audiobooks and podcasts suit people who feel too woolly to concentrate on reading. Comfort watching works too. This isn't the day for anything that demands your full brain. Comfort for skin and mouth Hospital air is dry, and some treatments make things drier still. Lip balm, which is the small item people are most grateful for Hand cream, fragrance-free if you can Tissues A little bottle of water spray or a fan if you get hot flushes The practical bits Your appointment letter and hospital number A list of any medicines you take, including anything you buy over the counter Your chemo helpline number, saved in your phone and written on paper A notebook and pen, because you'll be told a lot and you might not remember it Any anti-sickness tablets you've already been given Parking money or a card, and check whether your hospital offers free or reduced parking for cancer patients, as many do The notebook is worth taking seriously. Write your questions down before you go, and write the answers down while you're there. Nobody takes information in properly on day one. Can someone come with you? Usually yes, though space varies and some units limit numbers, so ring and check. If you can bring someone, bring them. Having a second pair of ears is genuinely useful, and the journey home is easier with company. You may also not be allowed to drive yourself home, depending on your treatment.  What to leave at home Anything valuable Strong perfume, on you or on anyone coming with you, because smells can be a real trigger Big meals with a strong smell, out of courtesy to everyone else in the room A packed schedule for the rest of the day Keep the day itself clear. Even if you feel fine afterwards, and plenty of people do, you don't want to be rushing anywhere. The bag you'll want by the end Once you've done one session you'll know exactly what you need, and most people end up with a permanent chemo bag that lives by the door. It gets refined every cycle. The blanket stays, the ambitious novel gets swapped for a puzzle book, and the snacks change completely. If someone you love is starting treatment and you want to help, putting this bag together for them is one of the kindest things you can do. There are gift ideas here if you're not sure where to begin. One last thought The first appointment is almost always the worst one, and not because of the treatment. It's the fear of the unknown that makes it hard. By the second session you'll know where to park, which chair you like, which nurse makes the good tea, and how long you've really got. Frequently asked questions How long does a first chemotherapy session take? It depends on your treatment. Some take an hour, others take six or more once blood tests and pharmacy waits are included. Your unit can give you a realistic estimate, and it's worth packing for longer. What should I wear to chemotherapy? Loose, comfortable layers. If you have a port or a line in your chest, choose a wide neckline or a button-front top. If treatment goes into your arm, wear sleeves that push up easily. Can I eat during chemo? In most units, yes. Bring your own snacks and a water bottle, because the choice on offer is usually limited and you'll want things you actually fancy. Should I wear a hat to chemotherapy? Many people do. Chemo units run cold, and a soft hat keeps your head warm without irritating a sensitive scalp. It's a personal choice rather than a rule.

When to get your hair cut after chemo

You've finished treatment. Somewhere around week three or four you run your hand over your head and feel something soft that wasn't there before. It's a genuinely lovely moment. Then comes the awkward bit. The fluff arrives at different speeds in different places, it may be a colour you've never had, and you have no idea whether to cut it, leave it, or hide it. Almost everyone asks the same question at this point. When can I get it cut? The short answer is that most people book their first proper haircut somewhere between three and six months after treatment ends. But the calendar in my view doesnt matter - what matters is how you feel. What regrowth usually looks like Everyone's timeline is different and depends on the drugs you have been given, your dose and your own hair. A rough guide, based on what most people tell us is: Weeks 3 to 6: soft fuzz starts to appear, patchy and often colourless Months 2 to 3: a proper covering, still very short and very soft Months 3 to 5: enough length for a short crop or a soft pixie, and this is where most first haircuts happen Month 6: roughly three inches for many people Month 12: often five or six inches, around chin length Hair grows about half an inch a month once it gets going. That's the same rate as anyone else's, which is why it feels so slow. You're just starting from a lower baseline. If you're months in and seeing very little, or your hair is coming back much thinner than expected, mention it to your team. It's worth raising rather than worrying about it alone. The fluffy stage, and why cutting too early can backfire There's a stage most people hit around two to three months where the hair is soft, wispy and standing up in all directions. It's the stage where you're most tempted to take scissors to it. Cutting into very fine regrowth usually makes it look thinner rather than tidier. Heavy layering or a sharply defined crop needs density to hold its shape, and at this point there isn't any yet. Most hairdressers who work with cancer patients will say the same thing. Wait a bit, and let it gain some weight. The exception is a genuine tidy-up. Cleaning up the neckline, softening round the ears and taking off a few fluffy tips is a small job that can make a big difference to how you feel. That's not really a haircut. It's a tidy-up, and you can have one much earlier. Signs you're ready Forget the number of months. Book your appointment when: You've got a reasonably even covering rather than patches The hair has some body to it and stays roughly where you put it Bits are starting to stick out or curl in directions you don't want The neckline or the area round your ears looks scruffy You want to, which is honestly reason enough What a good first cut actually involves Manage your expectations, because a good first haircut is subtle work. If you turn up at four months with a couple of centimetres, the appointment might take twenty minutes and look fairly subtle to everyone else. Your hairdresser will probably tidy the neckline, shape gently around the ears, take off any wispy ends and leave the top alone to build up. That's a proper haircut. It just respects where your hair is right now. If your hair has come back thicker and faster, there's more to work with and a soft pixie or a neat crop may be on the cards straight away. Finding a hairdresser you feel comfortable with This appointment carries more weight than a normal trim, and the right person makes an enormous difference. Ring ahead and say you've just finished chemotherapy. Ask whether they've cut regrowth before. A good salon will book you a quieter slot, give you a bit of privacy, and won't make a performance of it. If you'd rather not sit in a busy salon at all, plenty of stylists will come to your home. Your cancer centre or local support group can usually recommend someone who works with cancer patients regularly. Chemo curls, and why your hair looks like someone else's More than half of people find their hair comes back with a different texture. Straight hair returns curly, curly hair returns straight, and colour often shifts too. Lots of people get more grey than they had before, at least at first. This catches people off guard. You waited months for your hair and it belongs to a stranger. It usually settles. Texture and colour tend to drift back towards your old hair over the first year to eighteen months as the follicles recover. Some people find they keep a bit of the new wave, and a few decide they rather like it. While it's settling, a light leave-in conditioner and small trims every six to eight weeks will keep it looking intentional rather than in-between. Before you reach for the colour New hair is fragile. Cancer Research UK suggests holding off on permanent and semi-permanent dye, bleach, perms, chemical straightening and extensions for around six months after chemotherapy finishes. If your scalp has been sensitive or you're still recovering, check with your medical team first, and always do a skin sensitivity test even with natural products like henna. When you do colour, a trained hairdresser is a safer bet than a home kit. Covering up while you wait The months between finishing treatment and having a haircut you feel good about can be surprisingly hard. You're well again, and you still don't look like yourself. A soft chemo beanie sits neatly over short regrowth and works with a coat and a school run. A lightweight head scarf gives you a different option on the days you want a bit more. Both are seam-free and gentle on a scalp that's still tender. Plenty of our customers keep wearing theirs long after their hair's back, simply because they've grown fond of them. One last thing There's no right moment for that first haircut. There's only your moment. Some people book it the second they've got an inch, because sitting in a salon chair feels like proof they've come out the other side. Others wait until the hair is long enough to do something with. Both are fine. You've been through a great deal. This bit is allowed to be yours. Frequently asked questions How soon after chemo can I cut my hair? There's no medical reason to wait once your hair is growing. Most people find three to six months gives them enough to work with, though a tidy-up around the neckline can happen earlier. Should I shave the first regrowth to make it grow back thicker? That's a common belief but there's no evidence behind it. Shaving doesn't change how thick your hair grows back. Most people leave it be. Why is my hair curly after chemo? Texture changes are extremely common after chemotherapy and usually temporary. Most people find their hair drifts back towards its old texture over twelve to eighteen months. When can I dye my hair after chemotherapy? Cancer Research UK advises waiting around six months, as new hair is fragile. Check with your medical team first, and do a skin sensitivity test before any colour goes near your scalp.

Managing Nausea During Chemo. The Small Things That Help

Nausea is one of the side effects people worry about most before chemotherapy starts. The good news is that anti-sickness medicine has come a long way, and your team will give you something to take alongside your treatment. Most people find their sickness is manageable rather than constant. Everything below is the practical stuff and the bits nobody tells you on a leaflet. It comes from years of talking to customers who've been through treatment and told us what actually got them through the difficult days. Start with your chemo team, always Your oncology team or chemo nurse is your first call, not Google and not us. We sell hats and scarves, we're not medical people, and we'd never pretend otherwise. If your anti-sickness tablets aren't working, ring them. Don't wait until your next appointment and don't soldier on. There are several different types, and if the first one doesn't suit you, they can usually swap it for something else. People often feel they're making a fuss. You're not. This is exactly what the helpline number is for. Check with your team before you add anything new, even things that sound harmless like ginger capsules, peppermint oil or herbal teas. Some of them interact with treatment. Eat little, eat often An empty stomach can make sickness worse, which feels deeply unfair when eating is the last thing you fancy. Small amounts every couple of hours tend to sit better than three proper meals. Things people tell us worked for them: Dry crackers, plain toast or a few breadsticks first thing, before you even get out of bed Plain carbs like rice, pasta, potatoes and porridge Something salty, as crisps come up again and again in conversation Ice lollies and jelly, which count as fluid too If you can only face one thing for a fortnight, eat that one thing. Nobody is marking you on variety. Cold food is often kinder than hot Hot food gives off far more aroma, and smell is a huge trigger. A cold sandwich, a yoghurt or a bowl of cereal can be much easier to face than a cooked dinner. If you live with someone who can cook for you, ask them to do it with the kitchen door shut and a window open. Better still, ask them to plate yours up and let it cool. Lots of people find they can't be in the house while food is cooking but can eat it happily half an hour later. Sip slowly and keep sipping Drinking a lot in one go can bring nausea straight back. Small sips throughout the day work better. Keep a bottle or a glass within reach so you're not making a decision every time, you just drink because it's there. Cold drinks, fizzy water, weak squash and ice cubes all suit some people. Others go off water completely and find they need flavour. Both are normal. Smells will catch you out This is the one that surprises people. Perfume, washing powder, coffee, someone's aftershave on the bus. Any of it can turn your stomach over in seconds. A few things that help: Switch to a fragrance-free washing powder while you're in treatment Keep a window cracked open, or sit somewhere with moving air Ask family and friends to go easy on scent when they visit Carry something you find neutral or pleasant to sniff, like a clean cotton hankie Fresh air and gentle movement You don't need to be marching round a park. Sitting by an open window or in the garden for ten minutes shifts things for a lot of people. A slow walk to the end of the road and back can settle a queasy stomach better than lying still. Lying flat straight after eating tends to make sickness worse. Prop yourself up on pillows instead and give it half an hour. Give your brain somewhere else to be Nausea gets louder when you've got nothing else to think about. It's why 3pm on a quiet Tuesday can feel so much worse than a busy morning. Audiobooks and podcasts suit people who feel too rough to look at a screen. Puzzles, a familiar comfort programme you've seen a hundred times, or a phone call with someone who'll do most of the talking all help. Nothing demanding, this isn't the fortnight for a complicated box set! Stay comfortable from the neck up Feeling hot and clammy makes nausea considerably worse, and a lot of people find their head runs warm during treatment. A breathable chemo hat in bamboo or cotton jersey stays cool against the scalp and is easy to pull off in a hurry if you get a hot flush. If you're being sick, a pre-tied headscarf that pulls straight on beats anything you have to tie. You want something you can put on with one hand and no mirror. Learn the shape of your cycle By your second or third round, you'll start to notice a pattern. Most people find days two to four are the hardest, then things lift. Once you know your pattern, plan around it. Batch cook or stock the freezer before treatment day. Book visitors for your good days. Move the appointments and the shopping to the end of the cycle. Knowing when you'll feel rough takes some of the fear out of it. When to ring the helpline Call your chemo helpline or your team, day or night, if: You can't keep fluids down for more than a few hours You've been sick repeatedly and can't stop You feel dizzy, confused or unusually weak You have a temperature alongside the sickness Something feels wrong, even if it's not on any list You'll have been given a 24-hour number when you started treatment. Stick it on the fridge. It's there so you use it. A last thought Nausea passes. It won't feel like it on day three, but it does. Almost everyone who comes back to us months later says the sick days blurred into one and the good days came back faster than they expected. Be kind to yourself, eat the crisps, and ring the helpline when you need to. Frequently asked questions How long does nausea last after chemotherapy? It varies with the drugs you're on and how you respond. Many people find the worst is over within a few days of each session, then they pick up before the next round. Your chemo nurse can tell you what's typical for your particular treatment. Does everyone feel sick during chemo? No. Some people sail through with very little sickness, especially with modern anti-sickness medicine. Others struggle more. There's no way to predict which you'll be until you start. What foods are easiest during chemo nausea? Plain, cold and simple. Crackers, toast, rice, potatoes, yoghurt, ice lollies and salty snacks are the ones people mention most. Strong smells and rich food are usually harder. Can I take ginger for chemo sickness? Ask your oncology team first. Ginger helps some people, but it can interact with certain treatments, so it needs checking rather than assuming. Written for chemotherapyheadwear.com. Not medical advice. Always speak to your oncology team about side effects and medication.

Ideas para combinar un sombrero y un pañuelo en la cabeza

¡Cómo evitar enredarse! Con un poco de práctica, podrás dominar cada estilo sin esfuerzo. Algunos pañuelos de quimioterapia para la cabeza se sujetan a un gorro de jersey 100% algodón para que los pañuelos no se te resbalen de la cabeza cuando tus brazos se cansen. Simplemente ponte el gorro y ¡ya tienes el primer paso cubierto! ESTILO 1 - NIVEL: FÁCIL Después de ponerte el gorro, coloca el pañuelo de quimioterapia sobre la cabeza, dejando los dos extremos colgando a cada lado por los hombros. Recoge los extremos y átalos con un nudo simple en la parte de atrás. Este look es ideal para personas acostumbradas a llevar el pelo largo, ya que simula una cola de caballo en la parte trasera de la cabeza. ESTILO 2 - NIVEL: FÁCIL Dobla el pañuelo de quimioterapia de forma que cree una "banda" en la parte delantera de la cabeza, tira de los dos extremos hacia atrás y átalos con un nudo simple. Los pliegues proporcionan un acolchado adicional a la línea del cabello y es adecuado para quienes se sienten expuestos sin el peso de su cabello alrededor de la cara. ESTILO 3 - NIVEL: FÁCIL Después de atar los extremos de cualquiera de los estilos anteriores con un nudo simple, mételos hacia atrás sobre sí mismos; esto crea un estilo similar a un lazo y ayuda a mantener los extremos más cortos. ESTILO 4 - MODERADO Dobla el pañuelo en tres para que forme una banda en la frente y los dos extremos cuelguen a cada lado de la cara. Lleva los dos extremos a la parte posterior de la cabeza y átalos firmemente con un nudo simple. Esto mantendrá el pañuelo en su lugar mientras empiezas a retorcer. Coge un extremo y retuércelo para que forme un cordón similar a una cuerda. Luego, llévalo a la parte delantera de la cabeza y mete el extremo de forma segura en la banda del gorro de quimioterapia. A continuación, haz lo mismo con el extremo restante. Puedes asegurarlo con un alfiler si crees que necesitas un poco más de agarre. ESTILO 5 - MODERADO Dobla el pañuelo en tres para que forme una banda en la frente y los dos extremos cuelguen a cada lado de la cara. Lleva los dos extremos a la parte posterior de la cabeza y átalos firmemente con un nudo simple. Esto mantendrá el pañuelo en su lugar mientras empiezas a retorcer. Coge ambos extremos y gíralos entre sí. Sigue girando hasta que el cordón, parecido a una cuerda, empiece a enrollarse sobre sí mismo. Luego, gira el cordón como si estuvieras creando un "moño" o rosetón. Con los extremos restantes del pañuelo de quimioterapia, pásalos parcialmente por el centro del rosetón para asegurarlo en su lugar.

Cómo Atar Pañuelos Para La Cabeza Para Quimioterapia

Hay muchas maneras de atar un pañuelo de cabeza, aquí están algunas de nuestras favoritas. Si quieres una forma sencilla de atarlo, consigue una goma para el pelo y coloca la tela sobre tu cabeza, juntando los extremos en una cola de caballo. Los días en los que quieras ser más creativa, echa un vistazo a algunas ideas a continuación Consejos para atar el pañuelo Aprender a atar un pañuelo de quimioterapia puede ser frustrante. Necesitas desarrollar memoria muscular con tus dedos y esto puede llevar tiempo, pero aquí tienes algunos consejos que podrían ayudar a que el proceso sea más fácil: Empieza a aprender cuando tengas tiempo libre para ti. Prepárate una taza de té o café y date 20 minutos para jugar y probar algunos de los estilos. No intentes aprender a atar un pañuelo de quimioterapia cuando tengas prisa o tengas visitas entrando y saliendo, solo te frustrarás.   Usa el peso de tus brazos para mantener la tensión de la tela. No hay necesidad de sujetar el pañuelo con fuerza, simplemente sujeta los extremos y, después de cruzarlos por detrás de la cabeza o de hacer un solo nudo, relájalos y usa el peso de tus brazos para mantener la tela tensa. Esto no solo le da un respiro a tus brazos (especialmente si te has sometido a una cirugía de mama), sino que también te ayuda a hacer una pequeña pausa antes de pasar a los siguientes pasos.   Si anudar te resulta complicado, usa una goma elástica o una cinta para el pelo (recomendamos una cinta para el pelo porque las gomas elásticas pueden ser difíciles de usar). Junta los extremos y átalos como si hicieras una coleta. El beneficio de atar el pañuelo de esta manera es triple: te ayuda a apretar el pañuelo cuando lo necesites, puedes quitártelo de la cabeza y volver a ponértelo sin tener que volver a atarlo, y también puedes usar la cinta para el pelo para crear un lazo pasando los extremos del pañuelo parcialmente por una sección de la cinta para el pelo.   Estilo 1El Espíritu Libre Usando un pañuelo cuadrado de quimioterapia, dóblalo de esquina a esquina para que forme un triángulo, luego dobla el borde largo varias veces. Coloca el pañuelo de quimioterapia en tu cabeza, la parte larga debe ir a través de la frente y la parte puntiaguda del pañuelo debe estar en la parte posterior de la cabeza. Para atar el pañuelo, tira de ambos extremos por detrás de las orejas hacia la parte posterior de la cabeza. Estilo 2. El Clásico Envoltorio Este estilo proporciona una cobertura total y se mantiene cómodo todo el día, y funciona tanto si tienes un pañuelo rectangular como cuadrado. Si empiezas con un pañuelo cuadrado, dóblalo por la mitad para hacer un rectángulo, o un triángulo, ¡funciona de ambas maneras! Coloca el pañuelo sobre tu cabeza de manera que quede simétrico en ambos lados, con el borde frontal justo por encima de tus cejas. Cruza los extremos en la nuca y tira de ellos ajustadamente (pero no demasiado). Lleva ambos extremos a la parte delantera de tu cabeza y haz un nudo firme.  Mete los extremos sueltos debajo del pañuelo para un acabado liso y pulcro. Estilo 3. El Nudo Lateral Si quieres algo con un toque más suave y relajado, prueba el nudo lateral.  Dobla tu pañuelo en forma de triángulo y colócalo sobre tu cabeza de manera que el borde largo quede sobre tu frente.  Lleva los extremos a un lado de tu cabeza, justo debajo del lóbulo de tu oreja.  Átalos una vez, luego retuerce los extremos y haz un pequeño nudo justo encima de tu oreja, asegurando los extremos metiéndolos parcialmente por el centro de tu nudo retorcido. 

Yoga Durante la Quimioterapia: Movimiento Suave, Beneficios Reales

El ejercicio es probablemente lo último en lo que piensas cuando te sometes a quimioterapia. Pero el movimiento suave —y el yoga en particular— pueden marcar una verdadera diferencia en cómo te sientes durante el tratamiento, tanto física como emocionalmente. Esto no es solo anecdótico. Hay una buena investigación detrás. Estudios han encontrado que el yoga suave durante el tratamiento contra el cáncer puede reducir la fatiga, mejorar el sueño y ayudar con la ansiedad. Y a diferencia de muchas cosas durante este período, es algo que puedes controlar. Lo que el yoga suave puede hacer por ti durante el tratamiento Ayuda con la fatiga Aunque parezca contradictorio, el movimiento suave en realidad puede reducir el cansancio que provoca la quimioterapia. Cuando descansas completamente, la fatiga tiende a acumularse. Cuando te mueves suavemente, incluso por solo 20 minutos, tu cuerpo responde haciendo circular el oxígeno de manera más eficiente, lo que puede hacer que te sientas más energizado en lugar de más agotado. Apoya tu bienestar emocional El tratamiento es estresante. La incertidumbre, las citas, los efectos secundarios, la forma en que tu cuerpo cambia, todo se acumula. El yoga trabaja directamente en el sistema nervioso a través de la respiración y el movimiento lento y deliberado, y esto tiene un efecto medible en la ansiedad y el estado de ánimo bajo. Muchas personas encuentran que una hora en una clase de yoga es una de las pocas veces a la semana en que su mente se calma. Te ayuda a dormir La interrupción del sueño es muy común durante la quimioterapia. El dolor, la incomodidad, la ansiedad y los medicamentos mismos pueden interferir con ello. El yoga suave regular (particularmente los componentes de respiración y relajación) puede ayudar a regular tus patrones de sueño con el tiempo. Mantiene tu cuerpo en movimiento La debilidad y rigidez muscular pueden desarrollarse durante el tratamiento, particularmente si estás menos activo de lo usual. El yoga suave ayuda a mantener el rango de movimiento en tus articulaciones y evita que los músculos se debiliten innecesariamente. La palabra clave es suave: el yoga para pacientes con cáncer es muy diferente de una clase de yoga estándar. Te conecta con otras personas Pasar por la quimioterapia puede ser una experiencia aislante. Una clase de yoga —incluso en línea— te coloca en una sala (virtual o física) con otras personas que entienden por lo que estás pasando. Esa conexión es más importante de lo que parece. De qué tener cuidado El yoga es generalmente muy seguro para pacientes con cáncer, pero hay algunas cosas que vale la pena saber antes de comenzar. Habla primero con tu equipo de oncología. Ellos podrán decirte si hay alguna razón específica por la cual el yoga podría no ser adecuado para ti en este momento. Tu profesor de yoga te preguntará sobre tus recuentos sanguíneos. Tu recuento de plaquetas debe ser lo suficientemente alto para hacer ejercicio de forma segura, y cualquier incisión quirúrgica debe estar completamente curada antes de comenzar. Escucha a tu cuerpo en cada sesión. El tratamiento te afecta de manera diferente día a día. En los días difíciles, simplemente presentarte y concentrarte en tu respiración es suficiente. La higiene es importante durante el tratamiento. Si asistes a una clase presencial, usa tu propia esterilla y accesorios. Las clases en línea evitan esto por completo. Mantente hidratado. Bebe agua antes y después de tu sesión. Por dónde empezar: una clase online gratuita con Mo Mo es una profesora de yoga experimentada que se ha formado específicamente en la enseñanza de yoga para pacientes con cáncer. No está enseñando una versión diluida de una clase estándar, está enseñando algo construido desde cero para personas en tu situación. Mo imparte clases de yoga online gratuitas para pacientes con cáncer todos los martes de 11:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. Son suaves, acogedoras y una hora maravillosa de la semana. Para unirte o saber más, envía un correo electrónico directamente a Mo: mo@yogaforcancernewforest.co.uk No necesitas experiencia previa en yoga. Solo necesitas presentarte.

Lidia by Design: Gorros de quimioterapia de bambú con una diferencia

No todos los gorros de quimioterapia son iguales, y la colección Lidia by Design es un ejemplo perfecto de lo que es posible cuando alguien diseña específicamente para las necesidades de los pacientes de cáncer en lugar de adaptar los accesorios de moda generales. Estamos orgullosos de tener esta gama en stock, y a nuestros clientes les encanta. Esto es lo que la hace especial. La tela Lidia by Design utiliza tela de bambú en toda su colección, y si nunca antes ha experimentado el bambú en su piel, es una revelación. Es extraordinariamente suave, a menudo comparada con la textura de la cachemira, y tiene propiedades antibacterianas naturales que la hacen particularmente amable con los cueros cabelludos sensibles. También es excelente para regular la temperatura (fresca cuando tiene calor, cálida cuando tiene frío), lo que la hace cómoda durante todo el año. El diseño La gama Lidia by Design incluye turbantes, gorros, pañuelos y diademas. El estilo es elegante en lugar de obviamente clínico: estas son piezas que elegiría usar, no solo piezas con las que se conformaría. Las construcciones también están bien pensadas: sin costuras donde puedan crear presión en un cuero cabelludo descubierto, bordes suaves en todas partes y un ajuste que se mantiene cómodo durante todo el día. Se ajustan a circunferencias de cabeza de 53 a 58 cm, lo que se adapta cómodamente a la mayoría de los adultos.   ¿Para quién es esta gama? La colección Lidia by Design es una excelente opción si: Es particularmente sensible a la tela y necesita la opción más suave disponible. Tiende a tener calor y quiere algo que no le haga sudar más. Quiere algo que se vea y se sienta más como una elección de moda que como una necesidad médica. Busca una pieza para ocasiones especiales, así como una opción para el día a día. Explore la colección completa de gorros de quimioterapia de bambú Lidia by Design en nuestra tienda, o póngase en contacto si desea ayuda para encontrar el estilo adecuado para usted.

Wunderbrow para pacientes con cáncer: qué es y cómo usarlo

Para muchas personas, perder las cejas es una de las partes más difíciles de la pérdida de cabello por la quimioterapia. El rostro que ves en el espejo de repente se parece menos a ti, y eso puede ser más inquietante que perder el cabello de la cabeza. Wunderbrow es uno de los productos que más a menudo recomendamos, y por una razón está incluido en nuestra gama de accesorios. Esto es lo que necesitas saber. ¿Qué es Wunderbrow? Wunderbrow es un gel para cejas que utiliza pequeñas fibras para crear la apariencia de cejas tupidas y naturales. A diferencia de un lápiz de cejas estándar, que dibuja líneas en la piel, Wunderbrow crea una textura que imita la apariencia del cabello real. El resultado es un acabado mucho más natural, lo cual es muy importante cuando no hay vello de cejas real con el que trabajar. Por qué funciona para pacientes de quimioterapia El maquillaje estándar no siempre es adecuado para los desafíos específicos de la quimioterapia. Wunderbrow tiene algunas características que lo hacen particularmente útil: Permanece en su lugar hasta tres días sin mancharse, lo que significa que no tienes que volver a aplicarlo cada mañana en un día cansado. Es a prueba de agua, lo cual es importante si tienes calor o si te lloran los ojos durante el tratamiento. Funciona sobre la piel desnuda, no se necesita vello de cejas natural como base. Viene en varios tonos para adaptarse a diferentes tonos de piel. Cómo aplicarlo Wunderbrow viene con un pequeño cepillo de espiral. La clave es usarlo suavemente y construir gradualmente: un poco rinde mucho. Usa trazos cortos y suaves en la dirección en que crecen naturalmente las cejas. Comienza desde la esquina interior de la ceja y trabaja hacia afuera. Si nunca has usado un producto para cejas y no estás segura de dónde colocar tus cejas, una regla general simple: el borde interior de la ceja debe estar aproximadamente por encima de la esquina interior de tu ojo, y el arco debe estar por encima del borde exterior del iris. Encontrarás Wunderbrow en nuestra sección de accesorios, junto con nuestras pestañas postizas Eylure C-Lash, otro producto diseñado específicamente para personas que han perdido sus pestañas durante el tratamiento.

Life Kitchen: un libro de cocina gratuito diseñado para pacientes con cáncer

Uno de los efectos secundarios de la quimioterapia del que no se habla lo suficiente es el cambio en el gusto. Para algunas personas, la comida deja de saber como debería: metálica, insípida o simplemente diferente de maneras difíciles de describir. Comer se convierte en un placer y más en una tarea, que es lo último que necesitas cuando intentas mantener tus fuerzas. Life Kitchen es una escuela de cocina sin fines de lucro fundada por los chefs Ryan Riley y Kimberley Duke, quienes perdieron a sus madres a causa del cáncer. Ryan ha hablado de ver a su madre perder el sentido del gusto durante el tratamiento y sentirse impotente para ayudar. Life Kitchen fue su respuesta a eso. ¿Qué hay en el libro de cocina? El libro de cocina gratuito contiene 15 recetas creadas alrededor de tres ingredientes que la investigación sugiere que ayudan a estimular el sabor incluso cuando el gusto se ve afectado por la quimioterapia: Pasta de miso: rica en umami y uno de los potenciadores de sabor más efectivos cuando el gusto está comprometido. Cebolletas: aportan frescura y un toque suave a los platos. Garam masala: añade calidez y complejidad que contrarresta la insipidez que puede causar la quimioterapia. Las recetas son sencillas, prácticas y están diseñadas para ser cocinadas por alguien que quizás no tenga mucha energía. No se trata de ser impresionantes, se trata de hacer que comer sea agradable de nuevo. Cómo conseguir una copia El libro de cocina es gratuito. Visita el sitio web de Life Kitchen (lifekitchen.co.uk) para descargar tu copia o informarte sobre sus clases de cocina. Mantendremos esta publicación actualizada si Life Kitchen lanza nuevos recursos. Si conoces otros recursos gratuitos para pacientes con cáncer que deberíamos destacar, ponte en contacto con nosotros en hello@chemotherapyheadwear.com.

Por qué un pañuelo para la quimioterapia podría ser exactamente lo que necesitas

Cuando la gente empieza a pensar en cubrirse la cabeza para la quimioterapia, a menudo se fijan primero en las pelucas. Y las pelucas pueden ser maravillosas. Pero para muchas de las mujeres con las que hablo, los pañuelos en la cabeza terminan siendo lo que realmente usan a diario.He aquí el porqué.Son amables con un cuero cabelludo sensibleUn pañuelo bien elegido de suave algodón 100% o bambú se apoya suavemente sobre la piel desnuda. Sin clips, sin tramas, sin adhesivos, solo tela suave. Para un cuero cabelludo sensible durante el tratamiento, eso importa mucho.Te protegen de los elementosEn verano, un pañuelo de algodón proporciona una capa de protección solar para un cuero cabelludo sin pelo que lo proteja. En invierno, añade calor. Y en un día ventoso, de esos en los que un cuero cabelludo sensible y desnudo siente cada ráfaga, un pañuelo envuelto alrededor de la cabeza marca una diferencia notable.Son fáciles de llevarUna vez que conoces uno o dos estilos básicos de atado, un pañuelo tarda dos minutos en ponerse. Nuestros pañuelos de quimio preatados tardan aún menos. Están preformados, así que solo tienes que ponértelos, cruzar los extremos y atar. Sin pliegues complicados, sin alfileres, sin frustración en un día cansado.Son realmente elegantesEsto importa más de lo que algunas personas le dan crédito. Mirarse al espejo y ver algo que realmente te gusta —en un color o estampado que te represente— cambia cómo te sientes al salir a la calle. Seleccionamos cuidadosamente nuestras telas, desde hermosos estampados de algodón de diseñador hasta sencillos tejidos de punto en tonos ricos y cálidos, y los clientes a menudo nos dicen que su pañuelo se convirtió en algo que realmente esperaban con ansias usar.Son asequiblesUn buen pañuelo para quimioterapia cuesta significativamente menos que una peluca y se puede usar una y otra vez. Tener varios en diferentes colores significa que puedes cambiar tu estilo sin excederte en el presupuesto.¿No sabes por dónde empezar?Echa un vistazo a nuestra guía para elegir pañuelos para la cabeza para quimioterapia, o explora toda la gama en la tienda. También realizamos sesiones mensuales gratuitas de atado de pañuelos con Headwrappers si necesitas ayuda para aprender a atarlos.

Cómo proteger su piel del sol durante la quimioterapia

La mayoría de nosotros sabemos que debemos usar protector solar en verano. Pero durante la quimioterapia, la protección solar se vuelve genuinamente importante en lugar de simplemente sensata, porque el tratamiento hace que la piel sea significativamente más sensible a la luz ultravioleta, y las quemaduras solares pueden ocurrir mucho más rápido y sentirse mucho peor de lo que lo harían normalmente. Aquí te explicamos qué hacer para mantenerte protegido. Protector solar: más alto de lo que crees Usa un protector solar de amplio espectro con un SPF mínimo de 30, aunque un SPF 50 es una mejor opción durante el tratamiento. Aplícalo generosamente en toda la piel expuesta, incluyendo la cara, orejas, cuello, manos y la parte posterior de los brazos. Vuelve a aplicarlo cada dos horas, o con más frecuencia si has estado sudando o en el agua. Busca una fórmula sin fragancia, ya que los protectores solares perfumados pueden irritar la piel sensible debido a la quimioterapia. Cúbrete La ropa es tu primera línea de defensa. Capas ligeras y holgadas en tejidos transpirables como el algodón o el lino cubren la piel sin sobrecalentarte. Las mangas largas y un cuello ayudan a proteger tus brazos y cuello. Para tu cuero cabelludo, un sombrero con un ala adecuada es esencial. Tu cuero cabelludo no tiene cabello que lo proteja, lo que significa que puede quemarse muy rápidamente. Nuestros sombreros de quimioterapia de verano de ala ancha están hechos de algodón suave con una construcción transpirable. Algunos tienen un tejido suelto que permite la circulación del aire, lo cual es particularmente útil si sientes calor. Algunos estilos también son plegables, lo que los hace fáciles de llevar contigo. Evita el sol del mediodía Los rayos UV son más fuertes entre aproximadamente las 11 a.m. y las 3 p.m. Si puedes, planifica actividades al aire libre para la mañana o al final de la tarde. Si necesitas estar al aire libre durante las horas pico, busca sombra siempre que sea posible, pero recuerda que la sombra por sí sola no elimina la exposición a los rayos UV, particularmente en días soleados. No olvides tus ojos Vale la pena usar gafas de sol con protección UV durante el tratamiento, tanto para proteger tus ojos del sol como para dar algo de sombra a la delicada piel que los rodea. Esto es más importante durante la quimioterapia porque tu sistema inmunológico está trabajando duro y la piel alrededor de los ojos es particularmente fina y sensible. Una nota sobre el clima cálido en general El calor y la quimioterapia pueden ser una combinación difícil. Si tienes problemas con la regulación de la temperatura, lee nuestra publicación sobre cómo cuidar tu piel durante la quimioterapia para obtener consejos más generales, y echa un vistazo a nuestra gama de gorros de verano ligeros si necesitas algo que te proteja del sol sin que te dé más calor.