So, I bet you all think I was vacationing, huh? NOT! I worked like a crazy women (no comments, please!).
Coverage in "The Vail Daily"
I had the most wonderful opportunity at the University of Colorado at Denver Cancer Center where I did one-on-one coaching with cancer patients. It was amazing to coach these women who are going through very difficult situations–all dealing with having cancer, as well as financial issues, husbands who left when they were diagnosed, hoping they survive to see their children grow up and graduate from school. Unless you are going through this difficult journey, it is hard to imagine what it’s like–you can sympathize, you can emphasize–you will never know or understand the fear, anger, pain, body image and self esteem issues that these awesome women are going through. While I was coaching, Lori Ovitz, whose website is http://www.facingthemirror.org/, did facials, as well as makeup. Lori used to be a celebrity make up artist, who now works only with cancer patients. While all this was going on, Monique Tunney, whose website is http://www.artaboutyou.com, was taking photos and shooting video.
Another woman I met, Julie Grimm, has amazing new products for cancer patients, which will be on our site shortly. It comes as a set or individually and is definitely worth taking a look at – I only wish I had it during my cancer treatment! Her website is
In Vail, I did have the opportunity to speak with a spa technician on how to communicate with a cancer patient/survivor. Instead of asking “How are you feeling?”, ask “If you could draw a picture of what you would like your face to look like, tell me about it”. Always attempt to ask open ended questions — that will put the cancer patient/survivor at ease and they will open up about themselves very quickly. The technician will most likely learn more than they ever imagined.
And speaking about spa treatments, I found a great piece on “Skin and Nail Changes” during chemotherapy. I got this from the Cooper Cancer Center in Voorhees, NJ and was written by the “U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: National Institute of Health”.
“I was glad to learn that most skin and nail problems go away after treatment. For now, my nurse told me about a lotion to help my skin feel better.” Unknown author.
Call your doctor or nurse if:
- You develop sudden or severe itching
- Your skin has a rash or hives
Let your doctor or nurse know if:
- Your skin is itchy, dry, red, or hurts
- Your nails are dark, yellow or cracked
For minor skin problems: Be careful what you put on your skin.
- Use only mild soaps that are gentle on your skin
- Use lotions and creams. Ask your nurse when to use them
- DON’T use products on your skin that have alcohol or perfume in them
- Ask what products or brands you should use on your skin
Our next Blog, coming out shortly, will deal with intimacy after cancer–I know this is a ‘hot’ topic and one that many women (and men) are uncomfortable discussing…
A COACH helps people find their inner strength to reach their full potential, even in the most adverse situations.
http://www.pinkribbongift.com– we donate a percentage of our gross sales to various breast cancer organizations who not only do research for cancer patients and survivors, but also provide support in the form on online groups, answers to medical questions, resources, etc. Please visit our site, as we have a great array of gifts for patients, survivors, caregivers and friends,
Thank you for your support! Sue
