Let’s Listen
Dr. Deanne Simms, Clinical Psychologist will speak to the mental health benefits of managing appearance during cancer, the impact of the loss of control and the connection between hair and identity, specifically for BIPOC women.
Dianne Austin, Cancer Survivor and Entrepreneur, will then share her story of how her personal experience has led her to create a social enterprise to meet gaps in supporting Black women facing hair loss.
Discussions with Dr. Deanne Simms & Dianne Austin
Our Speakers
Dr. Deanne Simms
President and CEO, ThriveSpace Health and Wellness
Dr. Simms is a senior Clinical Health Psychologist who has a well-established career providing specialized care for children, adolescents and adults with complex mental and physical health challenges or conditions. In her work, Dr. Simms works collaboratively with her clients while utilizing evidence-based, cognitive behavioral interventions within a measurement-based care framework. In her work ranging from primary to tertiary care settings across 4 Canadian provinces, Dr. Simms has worked to build and evaluate evidence-based practices and programs. Dr. Simms strives to support the health and well-being of the individuals she works with, while enhancing and improving service delivery in both the private and public health sectors.
Dr. Simms is a passionate leader whose responsibilities have extended to provincial and national health leadership. Dr. Simms is an innovator who drives change, and is a sought-after consultant for system-level projects. Using her scientific background, combined with her dedication to enhancing and extending health service delivery, Dr. Simms contributes meaningfully to boards, steering committees, working groups and initiatives aimed at transforming the health care landscape through disruptive, data-driven innovation. Dr. Simms is the President and CEO of ThriveSpace Health and Wellness, a company which focuses on delivering and enhancing digital health services. In this space, Dr. Simms consults with individuals, clinicians, organizations and health systems to augment and enhance service delivery. Dr. Simms is passionate about ensuring individuals everywhere can access the right care, at the right time, in the way that most suits their needs.
Dianne Austin
Co-founder and CEO of Coils to Locs
Dianne Austin, B.S. is the co-founder and CEO of the startup, Coils to Locs, a direct to hospital distributor of high-quality coily, curly hair prosthesis (wigs) for Black women or any woman with highly textured hair. Coils to Locs is at the forefront of addressing an unrecognized health care disparity that impacts Black women experiencing chemotherapy-related hair loss: The lack of coily, curly wigs that are available at cancer centers in the U.S. that can be purchased with health insurance reimbursement.
A five-year breast cancer survivor and thriver, Dianne is passionate about healthcare equity issues given her personal experiences and that of family and friends within the healthcare system.
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“I liked getting information that was specifically for teens and connecting with other people who understood what I was going through in the teen workshop.”
Maddie W., Workshop Participant
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“I didn’t expect that my most visible side effects would be changes to my skin. I’m not fussy about how I look, but I didn’t like how other people reacted. My faced LOOKED painful. I appreciated getting some tips on how to calm my dry, irritated skin and not have my scalp hurt as much. These resources and the workshop were helpful.”
Marc W., Workshop Participant
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Simple Everyday Makeup Tutorial
“I feel empowered to try different makeup and techniques that will help me with some of the side effects I am experiencing. I don’t feel as scared or overwhelmed – I am eager to try them!”
Lucy N., Workshop Participant
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“I didn’t want to invest in a wig but after reviewing these resources and attending the LGFB Hair, Wigs & Scarves workshop, I changed my mind. It will be a good option to improve my self image and look and feel better. Now I’m in the process of buying one. Thanks!”
Linda G., Workshop Participant
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” There’s lots of great information. I feel as though the questions I had were answered before I even had a chance to ask them. I’m not happy about the changes to my body, but I am accepting them, and I appreciate the tips and support to help me deal with this.”
- Kathryn R, Workshop Participant
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Try our Bras & Prostheses Workshop today!
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Post Surgical Products
Prostheses Basics
Fitting & Clothing Tips
Nightwear & Sleep Support
Care & Maintenance
Skincare During Radiation
Nipple Appearance Options
Access & Financial Help
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Global Reach
Look Good Feel Better Programs can be found in 27 countries around the world. Through these international sister programs – each operating independently but sharing the Look Good Feel Better name and mission – our efforts to help people with cancer are multiplied.
Look Good Feel Better Around the Globe
Our Partners
| Argentina | Luzca Bien Siéntase Mejor | www.luzcabien.org.ar | lbsm@capa.org.ar | (+54) 11 4813-9047 |
| Australia | Look Good Feel Better | www.lgfb.org.au | info@lgfb.org.au | 61 7 3203 4788 |
| Brazil | De Bem Com Voce | www.debemcomvoce.org.br | Claudio Viggiani cviggiani@abihpec.org.br | 55 (11) 98292 0797 |
| Canada | Look Good Feel Better | www.lookgoodfeelbetter.ca | news@lgfb.ca | 905 890 5161 |
| Chile | Luzca Bien Siéntase Mejor | www.camaracosmetica.cl | amarquez@camaracosmetica.cl | (56 2) 951 0212 Fax: (56 2) 246 7230 |
| Colombia | Luzca Bien Siéntase Mejor | www.andi.com.co/Home/Camara/15-camara-de-la-industria-cosmetica-y-aseo | cpluzcabien@andi.com.co | 57 1 326 8580 Fax: 57 1 347 3198 |
| Denmark | Look Good Feel Better | www.lookgoodfeelbetter.dk | bd.knudsen@lookgoodfeelbetter.dk | (+45) 35 43 40 44 |
| Ecuador | Luzca Bien Siéntase Mejor | www.luzcabiensientasemejor.ec | mfleon@procosmeticos.com | 593 2 2261 385 |
| France | Belle et Bien | www.bellebien.fr | contact@bellebien.fr | Toll-free: 33 1 56 69 67 89 |
| Germany | DKMS LIFE gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH | www.dkms-life.de | info@dkms-life.de | 49 221 940 582 4100 |
| Ireland | Look Good Feel Better | www.lookgoodfeelbetter.ie | info@lookgoodfeelbetter.ie | + 353 1 8734996 / + 35387 7008366 |
| Israel | Look Good Feel Better | www.cancer.org.il | francine@bezeqint.net | 972 3 572 1618 |
| Italy | La Forza e il Sorriso | www.laforzaeilsorriso.it | info@laforzaeilsorriso.it | 011 39 02 281 77380 |
| Mexico | Luzca Bien Siéntase Mejor | www.canipec.org.mx | gsr@canipec.org.mx | (52 – 55) 55 75 21 21 |
| The Netherlands | Look Good Feel Better | www.lookgoodfeelbetter.nl | h.uffing@lookgoodfeelbetter.nl | 030 – 697 15 11 |
| New Zealand | Look Good Feel Better | www.lgfb.co.nz | info@lgfb.co.nz | (+64) 09 308 0245 |
| Norway | Look Good Feel Better | www.klf.no | post@klf.no | (+47) 22 39 63 50 |
| Peru | Luzca Bien Siéntase Mejor | https://www.camaralima.org.pe/ | www.facebook.com/lbsmperu | (511) 219 1587 |
| Poland | Fundacja Piekniejsze Zycie | www.piekniejszezycie.org | info@piekniejszezycie.org | +48 222-55-32-32 |
| Singapore | Look Good Feel Better | www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org | enquiry@singaporecancersociety.org.sg | 922 1 9578 |
| South Africa | Look Good Feel Better | www.lgfb.co.za | info@lgfb.co.za | +27 11 795 4272 |
| Spain | Ponte Guapa, Te Sentirás Mejor | www.ponteguapatesentirasmejor.es | www.fundacionstanpa.com | +34 91 571 16 40 |
| Sweden | Look Good Feel Better | www.lookgoodfeelbetter.se | Madelaine Edholm | 46 8 783 82 36 |
| Switzerland | Look Good Feel Better | www.lgfb.ch | contact@lgfb.ch | 41 0 43 243 0335 |
| United Kingdom | Look Good Feel Better | www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk | 01 372 747 500 | |
| United States | Look Good Feel Better | www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org | info@lookgoodfeelbetter.org | 1-800-395-LOOK |
| Uruguay | Luzca Bien Siéntase Mejor | camperf@ciu.com.uy | 598 2 604 04 64 ext.211 |
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By Adriana Lombardo
I went for chemotherapy at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre once a week for two years.
The first time I went I didn’t realize I’d spend a full day there. I didn’t know what to pack at first. I brought along one water, a granola bar, and a book to my first chemo appointment.
Soon afterward, the nurse explained to us that although you may have a “set-time” for blood and chemo, it doesn’t necessarily mean that that is when you get called in. She told us that it takes a while for the blood results to come back and once they are cleared by the nurse practitioner, then chemo gets ordered.
Once chemo gets ordered, it’s a matter of the pharmacy making the order, which takes time.
From that day on, I always made sure to pack my favorite items that I always kept on-hand – not only for chemo, but wherever I went during treatment.
Crackers & Other Dry Goodies
I was on steroids for two years and a bit.
It was brutal during my intensification phase (30 weeks of high dose steroids) where I usually had heartburn or nausea and needed to munch on something dry to feel better.
Crackers were my go-to and always a staple item to have in my bag because I just never knew when I’d get the steroid munchies.
Other dry, salty goodies like popcorn or even bread, made it a lot easier to keep my hunger at bay most of the time…seeing as I was hungry all the time.
Let’s be honest, I always carried some sort of food on me whether it be sandwiches, rice, or leftover pasta.
I would whip it out of my bag and set myself up with a mini picnic.
Different Hats
I had purchased a wig at the Wig Salon at PMH but I only wore it twice because I preferred to go bald and just wear hats out of comfort.
I purchased pretty much every single hat in that store and then some!
I liked carrying around different style hats to change into whether at the hospital, at an appointment or while I was out.
At one point of treatment, changing hats for me was like changing shirts and never knowing which to wear because I just had too many options…yup, that was me! But hey, it’s not like I can’t transition them into everyday hats now that my hair is back.
Chapstick & Moisturizer (LOTS OF IT)
I expected skin changes as one of the side-effects, but because it was the winter time, I had extra chapped lips and extra dry hands. I had to reapply my Chapstick at least three times within the hour and constantly moisturize my hands to prevent them from cracking.
Water
While taking steroids, I found it extremely difficult to keep up with any hydration because everything tasted like metal to me, but I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t try and force myself to drink because then it would lead to other problems…if you know what I’m saying.
At least carrying the bottle with me would encourage me to drink it, not only because it made my bag heavier (motivating me to finish it), but also because it stuck out of my bag, so I knew it was always there right in front of my face.
Sunscreen
Anyone and everyone should always make sure to apply some sort of protection to their skin.
I never thought that I’d start wearing sunscreen during the winter months, but I had to once I learned about all the risks associated with sun exposure during chemotherapy.
As much as it scared me, it put me in place knowing that I needed to constantly reapply it, even if I was just driving around in the car.
Now, it has just become a habit of mine to always apply it in the morning and carry it in my bag to reapply it throughout the day. The small travel size options, or the ones that come in the Look Good Feel Better kit are a great size to have on you.
Antibacterial Soap/Wipes
“Disinfect everything!” are the words that stuck with me throughout my entire treatment.
The nurses made it very clear that germs loved me at this point – being immunosuppressed and all.
I was susceptible to catching anything, so I had to make sure that my hands and any surfaces were always clean.
It was embarrassing at first, having to disinfect tables at the mall in food courts if I went to buy a coffee with family or friends, being extremely cautious in public bathrooms, and even if I was having a picnic at parks…people looked at me funny but I knew I had to be careful. Maybe my actions remind them of the pandemic.
I grew used to the idea of being “safe,” and embraced what I was going through when I had to do it.
If people looked at me funny or stared, I’d smile and say, “I know, right!? How can someone fighting cancer and going through chemo look this great bald?” or “I pay my oncologist big bucks to look the way that I do.” *wink*”
People thought I was ridiculous, but what did I care. I was going through this, not them, so there was absolutely no need for it to bother them in any way, shape, or form.
Just learn to laugh about it and then people will laugh with you.
Books/Magazines & Entertainment
You need to pass the time somehow. During treatment, I grew to love psychology and self-help books. I found them to be quite insightful at this point in my life. I was already going through a life-changing experience, which made me begin to question everything, so I decided to take that time and re-evaluate my whole life and give it a makeover.
Plus, I always had my cellphone on me for social media, games, and texting.
Make sure to carry around things like books, magazines, or crossword puzzles, because you’ll find you’ll have a lot of time on your hands while going to treatment or other appointments. You might as well make the most of it.
Vitamins/Medication
I always found myself to be out and about at the point when my medication or vitamins were due. I found it a lot easier to just carry them around in a cute little makeup bag that I had purchased solely for that purpose. That kept everything safe, clean, and in a place that I knew would always be in my bag.
About Us
Every Canadian facing cancer deserves free supportive care. Look Good Feel Better empowers patients with practical tools, emotional support, and community through workshops and resources that build confidence and well-being before, during, and after treatment.
What We Do
Look Good Feel Better provides psychosocial supports to Canadians before, during, and after cancer treatment.
We do this by providing important practical information and emotional support through our free workshops, accompanied by a multitude of resources we provide on our website, print materials, social channels, and podcast. Most importantly, our programming builds a supportive community.
Confident and Informed
Instinctively, we all know the benefits that come from feeling confident and well-informed. It helps us feel our best. We feel more capable, we make more social connections, our spirits are lifted. For those facing cancer, these benefits are even more crucial.
Research shows that accessible mental wellness support reduces depression and distress in people with long-term conditions like cancer.
Look Good Feel Better programming provides proven health benefits to those facing all cancers by providing practical information, social connections to people facing similar circumstances, increasing confidence and contributing to overall well-being.
In fact, an international study showed that attending a single group workshop – such as Look Good Feel Better – resulted in patients reporting a reduction in depression and anxiety, higher self-esteem and higher quality of life.(1)
A second recent study found most cancer survivors in Canada face ongoing and unmet needs related to psychological (90%), physical (80%), and practical (50%) challenges (2) and that more support is needed to address the psychosocial cost burden faced by patients and their families.(3)
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- Richard A. et al. Recover your smile: Effects of a beauty care intervention on depressive symptoms, quality of life, and self esteem in patients with early breast cancer. Psycho-Oncology 2018:1-7.
- Fitch M, Zomer S, Lockwood G, et al. Experiences of adult cancer survivors in transitions. Support Care Cancer. 2019;1;27(8):2977-2986.
- The psychosocial cost burden of cancer: A systematic literature review Beverley M. Essue1,2 | Nicolas Iragorri1 | Natalie Fitzgerald1 | Claire de Oliveira August 2020.
Our Core Workshops
Our core workshops address the physical side effects of cancer treatment, including changes to the skin, hair, and body.
These include:
Skincare & Makeup
Wigs & Scarves
Bras & Prostheses
Shaving & Men's Skincare
Teens
Other Workshops
Our Post-Treatment Nutrition workshop (led by nutritionists specializing in cancer care) helps participants regain their strength, energy, and overall health. Our Advanced Skincare, Nail Care and Areola Tattooing programs also help manage the physical effects of treatment and restore self-confidence, which is equally important.
We also partner with like-minded organizations to offer workshops that address other key sources of anxiety throughout their medical journey. Topics such as Talking to Kids about Cancer, Returning to Work and Cancer Fatigue are offered online periodically throughout the year. Check our Workshops page to learn what topics are currently on our calendar.
Equal Access to Expert Cancer Advice
Cancer treatments have evolved, and new forms of chemotherapy and immunotherapy have caused different and adverse side effects to emerge. We’ve worked with leading Canadian onco-dermatologists to ensure that our community can access the latest supportive information to help reduce and relieve the side effects they experience AND the emotional distress that may accompany not being able to access oncology specialists quickly and easily.
Let’s navigate this together
Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter