When cancer or cancer treatment affects your body image, it can change the way you think and feel about yourself.
Body image is important as it can be linked to feelings of self-worth. Members of the Community often talk about how the loss of their hair or change of appearance has affected them.
In today’s Community News Blog, we will be sharing conversations about body image from around the Community. There is lots of support available and hints and tips to share. Please do have a read through and share with everyone who might need a boost to their self-esteem following cancer treatment.
“I finished my chemo just over two weeks ago but feel so down, I think I thought I’m done, now to start feeling better but feel so awful all the time I look in the mirror and don’t recognise myself I check every day to see if my hair is growing I just crave the feeling of normal just feeling like myself again” Community member, breast cancer forum
When this member shared their feelings on the Community, other members responded to share their experience and offer support.
"Hi, I just wanted to quickly reply as you say that you feel down. It’s horrid isn’t it? Everyone is different, some people feel better quickly, others take quite a while. I guess I was lucky in that I finished chemo in the summertime (June). So I had the sunny and longer days to wake up to. But I was up and down like a yoyo if I am honest. Don’t underestimate what you and your body have gone through. I’m sure someone will come on soon with some wise words, but for now … what you are feeling is very normal x" Community member, breast cancer forum
It can make a big difference just to know that you're not alone. There are lots of members here on the Community who have gone through similar experiences.
"I think accepting that it’s going to be a new kind of normal and trying to think of something small but lovely to do each day …. I had an amazing vegan biscotti cheesecake slice at a new cafe last week, bought a new “Christmas” lipstick, sent a special 18th present I’d spent time and care choosing to my god daughter without the usual rush rush rush. Hope you feel a bit happier soon - it’s early days - 6 months of chemo isn’t going to lift in just a few weeks I’ve realised now." Community member, breast cancer forum
"My hair didn't really start growing back until between months 3 and 4, and it grew back very slowly. It's normal to feel down after treatment ends. I had chemo first so still had lumpectomy and radiotherapy to go, but I went through a down spell a few months after my main treatment ended. I think you just get on with it when you're in the middle of treatment, and it hits you when it ends." Community member, breast cancer forum
You can read the whole discussion by clicking on the underlined link at the end of each quote. If you're feeling down following treatment, or have hints and tips to share, you could join in with the conversation by clicking on 'reply' anywhere in the thread.
Body image concerns are different for everyone. Some people may feel uncomfortable or unhappy about their bodies. Others may feel anxious and avoid going out or socialising.
There are things you can do to help you feel more positive about body image. This member on the Community shared their experience of finding support through Boots and Macmillan.
"Yesterday I visited Boots as I had heard they have teamed up with Macmillan and are offering advice around make up. It was a very positive experience. I was given tips on my eyebrows, foundation, colour of lip sticks, and eyelashes. It gave me a positive boost whilst I am receiving my treatments. Thank you Boots and Macmillan" Community member, breast cancer forum
This member found out about the service by phoning their local branch of Boots, as they explain here.
"I first of all telephoned my nearest large Boots shop which was at Lakeside Thurrock. They confirmed I could book an appointment or just turn up. The advice was given at their Number 7 counter and there would always be someone around to help. I just turned up last Saturday and headed for the No 7 counter. I hope this helps." Community member, breast cancer forum
Our Community Champion Irishgirl16 was kind enough to share lots of information about the services available through Boots and Macmillan in this discussion thread. In addition to the Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors, there are also specially trained Boots pharmacists.
"Did you know that Boots and Macmillan have a partnership and have specialists trained to advise on living with cancer and provide support to cancer patients, carers, family and friends.
Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors are trained to give free, face-to-face advice to help you cope with the visible side effects of cancer treatment.
Click here for more information from Macmillan about Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors
Click here for more information from Boots and to find your nearest Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors
There are also over 3,500 Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists in Boots stores around the UK and they also offer virtual appointments. They are pharmacists who have been specially trained to:
Click here for some more information about Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists
Click here for more information from Boots about Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists in store and here for virtual appointments." Community member, breast cancer forum
Thank you so much to Irishgirl16 for sharing all this useful information with the Community. We hope lots of you will benefit from the Boots Macmillan services available.
A few Community members have also mentioned receiving support from a charity called 'Look Good, Feel Better'
"There’s a charity which helps with make up, too, called ‘Look Good Feel Better’ and you end up with a goody bag of items you’ve used. Ask your BCN (Breast Cancer Nurse) for referral in your area." Community member, breast cancer forum
"Hi to anyone interested in the look good feel better workshops I was able to register for one via there website without referral. It’s next week so can’t comment on how good etc yet. They also do virtual workshops as well if none in your area x" Community member, breast cancer forum
For more information about 'Look Good, Feel Better' please visit the charities website here.
You might also benefit from downloading or ordering a booklet called 'Feel More Like You' here. The booklet is produced by Macmillan in partnership with Boots.
Have you been affected by negative body image following cancer treatment? Even if your family and friends don't understand, you won't be alone here on the Community. You can join in on some of the discussions above or start your own conversation in your own forums.
You might also want to take a look at these related Community News Blogs:
Breast cancer and femininity - Issy's story
If you have any questions, or help finding the right support, you can comment below or email the Community team on community@macmillan.org.uk
