You may need to cope with changes to your appearance caused by surgery and scarring or cosmetic changes such as weight loss or gain, loss of stamina, skin reactions, and puffy face that are caused by cancer therapy. All of these changes can be distressing if you think of your body as being who you are. While some physical changes may be permanent, fortunately, most of the side effects of therapy which affect appearance and stamina are temporary.

The first step in coping with body changes is to direct your energy and thoughts toward what you can and will do for yourself. Paying attention to skin care, diet, exercise, and positive attitudes are healthy ways to cope with body image changes. Finding ways to express your feelings about the changes is very important.Friends and family and support groups can provide help in dealing with your feelings. Talk to your health care providers about your concerns and ask if there is support available for those dealing with the same kinds of changes you are. For women going through cancer treatment, the American Cancer Society offers Look Good... Feel Better classes which provide information on hair/wig styling and make-up techniques. Contact your local American Cancer Society or call 1-800-395-LOOK for information on the Look Good...Feel Better program.

Your goals

• Maintain a confident and positive self-image.
• Take care of your skin.
• Build stamina with exercise.
• Wear attractive and comfortable clothing.
• Get professional help if needed.

Important signs and symptoms to report to your doctor or nurse

• Feeling sad or angry most of the day, or losing interest in life because of changes in the body
• Not taking care of self (not exercising, dressing, or caring for skin)
• Any skin changes, such as rash or inflammation

What you can do at home

• Maintain a confident and positive self-image.
• Express your feelings to trusted family members, friends, nurse, or social worker.
• Talk with other people who have had similar treatment about what they did and how they coped with changes in body image.
• List your best points. Then list your options on what you would like to try to maintain a good body image.
• Laugh! Humor is a fine way to cope. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and who lift your spirits. Treat yourself to funny movies, TV shows, or books, or even people.
• Look for a support group. There are a number of support groups for all types of cancer as well as support groups for individuals with specific physical changes such as ostomies or facial changes.
• Visit the Learning Center. The Huntsman Cancer Learning Center has a number of books which discuss coping with physical changes and provide information on wigs, hats, tying head scarves, make-up tips for cancer patients, and many other topics.

Hair alternatives

• Buy or borrow a wig. The Learning Center or your local American Cancer Society can tell you how to obtain or borrow a wig. Many American Cancer Society offices have free wigs and hats available for patients, many have "wig banks."
• Use a head wrap. Making head wraps from scarves is easy and they can be used to complement your looks. The emphasis should be on color and texture rather than on complicated tying techniques. Books such as, Beauty and Cancer, by Diane Doan Noyes and Peggy Mellody, gives instructions on head wraps, skin care, makeup, clothing, nutrition, and exercise."
• Try turbans, scarves, hats, or caps. Head coverings protect against drafts, enhance appearance, and help retain body heat.

Attractive and comfortable clothing

• Wear colorful clothing. Chemotherapy and radiation tends to make skin pale, sallow or ruddy. Colors and interesting patterns can decrease the intensity of the skin changes.
• If your face becomes very round or puffy, wear a “V” shaped neckline.
• If you have lost a lot of weight, try a round or oval neckline.
• Avoid any garment that might puncture or break the central intravenous line such as front-clasping underwire bras or pins. Soft fabrics drape best over catheters.

Skin care

• Select inexpensive, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and alcohol-free skin care products that you like.
• Cleanse skin twice a day. Mild soap and water is the most basic cleanser, especially good for oily skin. Cleansing creams are good for dry and normal skin because of their moisturizing effect. All cleansing products should be applied gently to avoid pulling the delicate surface of your skin. Use caution to avoid bruising the skin.
• Use a moisturizer to help skin retain its moisture.
• Avoid alcohol-based products.
• Avoid hot water.
• Wear sunscreen or protective clothing when outside.
• Report any skin changes, such as rash or inflammation, to the doctor or nurse.

Exercise

• Exercise daily. Talk to your health care providers about what types of exercise may be appropriate for you and if there are any restrictions on the types of exercise you can do. Exercise is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce stress, increase stamina, and impart a feeling of well-being.
• Begin slowly with low intensity exercise, such as walking. Don't overdo. A good rule of thumb is you should never be out of breath. You should be able to talk while exercising.

"Symptom Management" - Table of Contents >>  Suggestions for Coping with Care at Home >>  Anemia >>  Anxiety >>  Bleeding >>  Body Image Changes >>  Breathing Problems >>  Change and Uncertainty >>  Constipation >>  Dehydration >>  Depression >>  Diarrhea >>  Fatigue >>  Fever >>  Hair Loss >>  Infection >>  Kidney and Bladder Effects >>  Memory and Concentration >>  Mouth Pain/ Mucositis >>  Nausea and Vomiting >>  Nerve and Muscle Effects >>  Pain >>  Sexuality >>  Sleep Disturbances >>  White Blood Cells >>  Symptom Notes