Program Helps Women Dealing with Cancer Look Good and Feel Better
by Sherri Jackson
CBS 42 News
2008-09-04 08:15:00.0
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Cancer treatment can be one of the hardest experiences on the body. Chemo therapy essentially kills the good and the bad cells, opening patients up to some pretty harsh side effects and not all of them are medical.
One program is aimed at helping patients look good during treatment to feel better not just on the outside, but the inside as well.
Women in various stages of cancer treatment are at St. Vincent’s Medical Center East getting what may look like a make over to most people. But for these women who have lost their hair, eye brows, and lashes to the harsh side effects of chemo therapy, it's a makeup session to help them learn the art of how looking good can actually make them feel better.
Instructor Angela Scott said, "I think it's needed because a lot of women are depressed because their hair falls out, their eyebrows are gone. They feel unattractive and unloved it builds their self esteem and it's important."
Paula Clifford says for her trick for dealing with the hair loss was to focus on getting rid of the cancer. However, she recognizes the boost the Look Good Feel Better program offers a patient’s self esteem.
“Everybody handles it differently. I would say that to help get through it and be positive with your therapy is a part of the program so you could feel good about yourself and your self esteem," said Clifford.
Paula is in remission from cancer of the fallopian tubes. She just found out about the American Cancer Society's Look Good Feel Better program and says she's learned a lot.
“I've never really been good at putting on make up and I found out the steps and I feel really good about it," said Clifford.
There are 12 steps that include learning about skin which can be dry and flaky because of harsh chemo therapy or radiation, make up application to give a healthier look even while going through chemo therapy, and hair which is huge for many women.
Paula Clifford didn't sweat the hair loss for herself, but thought her new look would comfort her family who she's visiting for the first time since she started treatment and lost her hair.
"My family is so far away. They have no idea how I look bald headed. I think it's kind of funny so I want to send them a before and after picture and let them see," said Clifford.
Angela Scott has been working with Look Good Feel Better for a year. She's seen a lot of the before and after.
“They see me in the hall and say you taught me how to do make up application. I've been affected directly and indirectly by cancer, I get overwhelmed," said Scott.
In addition to the knowledge they can achieve these looks on their own, each woman will leave with $300 worth of beauty products and a joy hard to match.
"This I'm really excited about going home to show my husband. It's our first anniversary today," said Clifford.
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