I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 37 years old and I remember very distinctly my overwhelming feelings, emotions and prayers at that time were centered on wanting nothing more than to be around for my three kids. I wanted to be there to see them grow into who they would become, and more importantly… Read More »
The number one thought on most women’s minds during and after chemo is how and when will my hair grow back. We can’t wait for the day to come and yet as soon as those hairs start to sprout, we encounter a host of new challenges. Having the tools and the knowledge to navigate the… Read More »
Winter has blown in with a vengeance and the thought of going outside is chilling! It would be ideal if we could hibernate like bears and wake up with the first warm breeze of spring! Staying indoors is not an option for women caught up in the rigid schedule of the cancer world; radiation, chemotherapy, surgery,… Read More »
Fashionable Head Covers for Fall and Winter As the leaves change colors and fall to the ground, and the smell of pumpkin spice permeates the air, it’s time to breakout the fall and winter fashions. If you’re a style watcher, this year means sweaters with fringe (yes, fringe is in!), lots of check patterns, and… Read More »
Fall 2008 Thirteen years ago, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer. As I stood in front of the mirror following my double mastectomy (minus reconstruction), the despair I felt threatened to swallow me whole. Like a female humpty dumpty—I didn’t know how to put myself back together again. Drains, scars, body-altering lumpectomies, mastectomies,… Read More »
For some types of cancer, surgery and treatment can cause weight gain. Certain chemotherapy drugs, surgically-induced menopause, and hormone therapy are a few of the reasons that scale needle starts trending upward. During my treatment for breast cancer, I gained fifteen pounds from chemotherapy. A few more, after I had my ovaries removed and I… Read More »
The Osto Beauties have all experienced different life-altering medical conditions (cancer and ulcerative colitis), which caused us to be PERMANENTLY left with ostomy. We have to deal with medical circumstances for the rest of our life. Truth is some of them are still dealing with various issues now. We have been through rough times and… Read More »
Fall is here. Even as I admire the beautiful leaves, inhale the crisp delicious air, and enjoy a walk with my dog Sam—I am cold! The kind of any minute my nose might start to run-type of cold. I am not ready to breakdown and breakout my winter clothes yet, but I have to concede… Read More »
One of the many challenging aspects of life after ostomy surgery is finding comfortable clothing to wear. For many of us, this is our first serious surgery and we are trying to adjust to life with an ostomy. Whether you weigh the same, lost weight, or gained weight, here are some tips that can get… Read More »
It’s an unhappy fact; “chemo brain” is real. Chemo brain is often described as a sort of mental fogginess that can impact short term memory and make it harder to stay organized or concentrate on specific tasks. From frantic searches for the car keys to not remembering when to take medication, chemo brain is frustrating… Read More »
According to current style fashionistas, skinny jeans are out and bootcut jeans are trending again. (Whew!) Boot cut jeans are a great go-to when you are between styles and they are considered universally flattering.I have a confession to make, I like this trend. I am a breast cancer veteran of the chemo wars, who is… Read More »
One of the undisputed darlings of the fashion industry is throat cancer survivor Diane Von Furstenberg. Von Furstenberg’s mantra is, “Be the woman you want to be.” That’s not always easy when it comes to coping with treatment side effects like weight gain or loss. But personal style like fashion is constantly being re-interpreted. This… Read More »
