As I have mentioned, several times in the past, I never have to think too hard about blog content for the week, and very often one subject gets talked about more frequently than others. In this instance the subject is ‘appearance during cancer treatment.’
On my return to treatment in the new year, I met a fellow patient who I hadn’t seen for some time, and I struggled to recognise her. I was truly stunned how her appearance had changed in such a short space of time.Very little is able to surprise me, in terms of the affects of cancer and it’s treatment, on people, but this time I was. I knew that I had been through everything that she was going through, and all the changes in my appearance. But why was I shocked?
This made me think about how people who were much less experienced than me, might react when faced with one one of their friends who was going through treatment.My family and friends have been through this, and at times still see changes in me depending on my treatment, but I have never noticed any visible signs of shock. Now I fully understand what they must be feeling.I am always aware that with cancer as my constant companion, I am much more accepting of things, than people who have very little experience. Sometimes I forget that. Things that are normal for me in my work, are not normal for most people, so of course their reaction will be a lot different to mine.
I have been contacted by several people this week, who wanted to talk about issues surrounding their appearance. One lady in particular was disturbed about her hair loss. Hats, scarves and wigs, just couldn’t resolve how she felt about losing her hair. To make matters worse, someone challenged her when entering a female only area, as from behind they thought she was a man! Just imagine that scenario happening to you.
Personally I have always been a confident guy, and when I lost my hair to chemo, I started telling jokes about it. But it can have the opposite affect on people too. I also realised that other changes were part of my regime, and I accepted them, not willingly though! However the world can be a very unforgiving place, if you are sensitive to the enforced changes that your body goes through.
But, like most things in life, it is not all about you! It is important also to consider how other people might feel when they see you. Will you feel comfortable if you know they feel awkward looking at your scars etc? My personal example of this was a great friend of mine who had a very serious operation to remove a tumour from his head. After surgery he had a large scar and his head was shaved. I told him that it was very impressive, and I would be proud to show it off! His opinion was that he didn’t want other people to feel uncomfortable, so he always wore a hat.
The importance of your appearance during treatment can not be underestimated, as our bodies may undergo some incredible changes. In many instances this affects our psychological well being, which of course is linked to our physical issues.Things have improved, even in my few years, of experience, and we are now understanding the ‘holistic’ approach to treatment. But there are two factors that are difficult to control. Firstly, how we see ourselves, and secondly, how others see us. Generally those views are very different!
It seems that these days, particularly in the media, appearance is very important. Actors etc are having age defying treatments, and we seem to judge people based on quite unreal standards. If I am honest, I think I lost a lot of confidence when my appearance changed, even though I tried not to show it.I know that this issue can appear much worse for women.
What is your opinion? How do you feel when you see someone who is going through some tough treatment? Do you feel awkward? Do they? How do you deal with those issues?
This blog has been entered into The UK Blog Awards 2014 #ukba14 If you are enjoying my work I would be very grateful, if you could click the attached link and vote for it. We are in the last week of voting now, and every vote counts! Tu 🙂
You can also follow our community on FACEBOOK
When I see people who have visible signs of treatment, it’s not awkward – but I do feel this swelling of emotion. And then I wonder, should I say that I get it or let them have their moment of normal? Normally I just smile and say hello… Back when I had no hair, people swallowed their awkwardnes (I worked in a library – very public setting!), and I’m grateful for tht. Also, I think they eventually became used to seeing me bald. What is at first abnormal can in fact become normal. ~Catherine
Hi Catherine
I agree with you there. But maybe we don’t use the word awkward, as we have our own personal experience? The examples you give above are very normal things, and you sometimes question yourself to how you should react.
It can be a tricky time, when you see someone for the first time, or after a long period, and we are experienced. I can understand why people find it difficult. But of course, that makes things worse for the patient.
Thank you so much as always, Catherine, for sharing your experiences with the readers. Chris x
I am now on the other side of treatment. My hair is coming back, much different than it was before, but beautiful. However my body will never be the same. The things that will never be the same are not things people can see, but I know. My experience with cancer from watching my mother and sister die to surviving my own has made me a much more confident person. When I lost my breasts and all my body hair I felt androgynous. I hated looking at myself, but I have a wonderful husband who through comic relief made me feel better about myself. I know not everyone has this positive reinforcement. You have to reach deep inside to find what is important and fight. My breasts and hair do not make me who I am. My cancer has made me a much more introspective and compassionate person. I love sharing joy with people, that joy is strangely a result of cancer. I feel like I am one of the lucky ones. I know I have gone off topic, but once I got rolling I couldn’t stop. Thanks for the platform.
Hi Jane
This is a post I wrote a few months back, but is most definitely not time limited. It is something I feel very passionately about as it is an issue that is very understated, and affects both men and women.
I love the things you have written in your comments, and if ok with you, will share them at a later stage? Yours is a fantastically positive example!
Although I write here about my own thoughts and observations, I hope to stimulate others to share their experiences, and maybe see things differently.
Thank you for sharing your experience Jane, it is incredibly valuable for others. We can all learn so much from each other. I am so glad you are enjoying the blog, thank you!
Chris feel free to use my comments at any time. Anything I can contribute to help people through their battle gives me peace.
Thanks Jane, that will be very helpful. It’s very powerful, and I am just trying to decide how to use it in the most effective way. I will send you a link of course!