Tips
BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY (posted 9/30/09)
I’ve decided that while I’m reading Oncology Esthetics – A Practitioner’s Guide, I will share tips that I come across that might help cancer patients or sometimes general information for anyone. Today I was reading the chapter on surgery and it stated that the vulnerability of our skin is greatly increased before or after any surgical procedure. Keeping our skin well balanced with a normal pH (4.5 to 5.5) is important to prevent inflammation and infection. Good hydration and nutritional topical skin care are necessary especially before surgery for the skin to recover more quickly. I think this is helpful to anyone who is about to undergo surgery and it’s something I recommend to my clients to keep their skin looking it’s best and healthy .
Spa treatments that include some form of gentle massage is also recommended to improve microcirculation. If you are a cancer patient, it is very important that you look for a massage therapist who is experienced in Oncology Massage. I will be providing you with more information on massage in a later post.
DRY LIPS/MOUTH (posted 10/14/09)
Mucositis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes and is a result of low white blood cell count. Many chemotherapy drugs can inflame the lining of the mouth and throat and cause small, possibly painful sores in the mouth or on the lips. If the lips are dry externally, make a solution of baking soda and salt and dissolve in warm water. Put into a small spray bottle and spray onto the lips. Lip balm can be applied if no irritating ingredients are present. There is a professional products for a dry mouth called Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) in a chewable form that is extremely helpful in healing mouth ulcers.
PORTS for CHEMO and BLOODWORK (posted 10/26/09)
I ran into an former co-worker today that had just undergone his first chemo treatment. I had noticed because of the fresh spots on his shirt. Evidently, it had leaked. He said, no one had told him that could happen or he wouldn’t have worn a new shirt. So, I’m telling you – it can happen. It’s probably best not to wear new clothes on chemo or bloodwork days.
HAIR/WIG TIPS (posted 11/13/09)
Clients should take a snip of their hair and save it before any hair loss occurs. Also, take a close-up picture to preserve your eyebrow shape and coloring. Mild shampoos are to be used. The scalp should be covered when outdoors and sunscreen used. The scalp may be sensitive and fragile when new hair growth begins, so satin pillowcases may help when sleeping. No temporary of permanent hair color should be used until your hair is at least three inches long and the scalp is no longer sensitive. No bleach should be used to lighten any initial hair growth.
FREE WIGS are available at the office of your local American Cancer Society. They can also be purchased from the Tender Loving Care Book “TLC”. Call 1-800-850-9445 or visit them online at www.tlcdirect.org Some insurances cover wigs, make sure your doctor writes the prescription for a cranial prosthetis.
