All Dressed Up

It's official...I'm the poster girl for Radiation Burns.

Woot!

 

(I do apologise in advance...this post has a couple of gory photos.

Turn away and run for your life if you have a delicate stomach.)

Week four of radiation was tough. The effects of exhaustion and burnt skin really kicked in. The weekend following week four was painful. Thats when the skin really started to come away...in sheets. This final week has been agonising if truth be told. Ow bloody ow ow OW!

I'm on a ten day course of antibiotics to try and head off infection and have to wear a dressing over my raw skin. Its reached a point where all clothing is uncomfortable. Sleep is hard to come by because lying down is uncomfortable. Hugging is out of the question because touch is uncomfortable. I see a theme forming here folks! Not the end of the world of course...in a few weeks my skin will heal. I'll just have to grit my teeth and put up with the pain until then. Radiation hurts but I'd still choose it over chemo any day!

So...as a Radiation Burn Poster Girl, this is how I dress for success!

 

 

Radiation...do your thang!

Seek and destroy those rogue cancer cells!

 

 

 

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Look Good, Feel Better

I had the privilege of attending a Look Good, Feel Better workshop at Calvary Hospital yesterday. What an outstanding program, run by a group of incredibly inspiring volunteers and supported by the Cosmetics Industry.

Apart from picking up some nifty tricks & tips to deal with no eye lashes or brows...I also picked up a bag filled with the most fabulous array of skincare & makeup products. Everything from Dior, Clarins & Dermatalogica to Rimmel, Max Factor & Avon. What a treat! The headwear tute gave me some great ideas. I popped into the Heads Up store at the hospital and bought a very 1920's inspired Great Gatsby hat and a great little charcoal turban.

Until yesterday I'd never entertained the idea of a wig. All feedback I'd come across were that wigs were hot and itchy. But I modelled one for the group...a gorgeous auburn bob with a heavy fringe. Loved it! Am now thinking how fun it would be to get one blonde, one auburn and one chocolate wig and do my own experiment to find out which colour really has more fun!

I really enjoyed the light hearted atmosphere, there was plenty of giggling and chatting, jokes about drawing on angry eyebrows or aiming for the drag queen look. By the end of the session I'd also made a new friend and we're hoping to catch up for a coffee in between chemos. Hey, I have a chemo buddy...woot woot!

I heartily encourage everyone to recommend LGFB to any friend or family member who is currently undergoing or about to undergo chemo. It's such an uplifting experience!

 

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