In this family of five sisters, the year 2025 will be marked by an unexpected and deeply shared experience. In the space of just a few months, three of them — Claudette, Ginette and Danielle — were diagnosed with breast cancer. Three different life paths, three different ages, but the same challenge that further strengthened their already solid bond.

Claudette, the eldest of the family, is 71 years old. In June 2025, her doctor informs her that the cancer that first appeared in 1993 has returned. This time, the tumour is rare and located in the nipple. Unfortunately, Claudette is no stranger to the disease: this diagnosis marks her fifth bout with cancer. Over the years, she has already battled three breast cancers, undergone a hysterectomy and been treated for a bladder tumour. She will face this new challenge with the experience and determination of someone who has already weathered several storms.

A month later, in July 2025, it is 66-year-old Ginette’s turn to receive the same news. For her, too, it is a recurrence. Her first breast cancer dates back to 1998. This time, she chooses a radical approach: even though only one breast is affected, she asks for both to be removed to avoid any future risk. She undergoes a total mastectomy in the autumn.

The youngest of the three sisters, 62-year-old Danielle, was actually the first to receive her diagnosis, in January 2025. On 7 March, she underwent a mastectomy of her right breast with reconstruction. Danielle is the youngest in the clan. “There are five girls in the family,” she explains. “And luckily, the other two are doing well.” Despite the difficulty of the situation, the three sisters find comfort in being able to go through this period together.

Amidst medical appointments and treatments, a simple initiative offered them a moment of respite and sharing. Danielle, who was already taking yoga classes at La Maison Main…Tenir L’espoir, heard about Look Good Feel Better. Intrigued, she decided to sign up and told her sisters about it. They liked the idea and chose to participate together.

For Claudette, this wasn’t her first experience of this kind. She had already attended a similar workshop in 1993 in Montreal. However, the workshop in Trois-Rivières was particularly touching for her, as she participated with her sisters. Ginette also attended a LGFB workshop on her own when she was first diagnosed in 1998.

As soon as they arrived, the three sisters rediscovered something precious: the joy of being together. “We don’t see each other often, so it was good for us,” says Danielle. The atmosphere quickly became friendly and filled with laughter.

The volunteers took the time to patiently and attentively guide each participant through simple personal care techniques: learning how to apply foundation, use concealer or redraw eyebrows. For some participants, these were new techniques to discover. For others, like Ginette, it was an opportunity to revisit advice she had received nearly thirty years earlier.

Claudette, for her part, is particularly concerned about her eyebrows, which she has lost. She feels unskilled at redrawing them and makes the group laugh when she jokes that she was afraid of looking like a clown. In a room with about eight women, each story is different, but they all share the same need for listening and support.

Danielle particularly appreciates the aspect of sharing and solidarity. Even if she does not necessarily use all the techniques she has learned, she values the advice she receives and the exchanges with the other participants. The conversations naturally broaden to include discussions about treatments, concerns, and everyday life.

For Danielle, these workshops play an essential role. “They give us hope and encourage us to take care of ourselves,” she explains. “Even when you’re going through illness, you can still take time for yourself.”

Beyond beauty tips, the three sisters have found a space where they feel understood. A place where they can talk freely, ask questions and meet other people who are going through the same thing. Danielle has also attended other workshops offered by LGFB and enjoys receiving their newsletter. She also wants to encourage her sisters to explore the various online workshops.

Today, they have agreed to share their story with one simple goal in mind: that their experience may be of use to others.

Three sisters, three journeys, one emotional year. But also three women who chose to go through this together—with courage, solidarity… and sometimes even a little humour, in front of a mirror, trying to draw the “perfect” eyebrow.

*iA Financial Group will triple all individual donations up to $30,000.

Getting cancer made me feel really alone in some ways. Like, no one else around me was losing their hair or going bald. Being bald made – still makes – me feel insanely unique. I didn’t know anyone my age going through cancer. I celebrated my 19th birthday at home, recovering from a tough round of chemo, while my friends headed out to bars to party and toast their 19ths. Having cancer was a lonely experience.

It was also such a shock. My entire family describes the day I got diagnosed with lymphoma as the most shocking day of our lives. Before, I was such a regular 18-year-old. I felt and seemed healthy. I went to the gym all the time – I was really into bodybuilding. I was in school studying hairdressing. I had a boyfriend. I had a part-time job. Like, so typical. I went from thinking my life was fine one day to being in the hospital the next. Getting chemo, losing my hair – it was all happening before I could register the shock.

My family has been so supportive through everything. I live with my parents and my two brothers, along with two bunnies and a dog. They’ve all been so great. My friends and cousin have also been so supportive. But no one really fully got what I was going through.

Going to a Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) workshop was one of the most helpful things for getting me to feel less lonely. I was nervous to go, but I’m so glad I did. My mom came with me. It was genuinely such a nice night out. Everyone was super nice and we all had some good laughs, like when no one knew I was wearing a wig and I just whipped it off. I was going through a hard time, and a lot of things sucked. Getting to go to a girls’ night, receiving free makeup, and having people help me was so awesome.

And the makeup was super fun. I’ve finished my treatment now, but I still don’t have my hair. Putting on both my wig and makeup helped me to feel prettier, and a bit more like myself. I don’t think I would’ve started wearing makeup if I hadn’t gone to the LGFB workshop. I like being able to put on my wig and makeup and to go out and feel OK. I was so scared to lose my hair, but it ended up being totally fine. I’m having fun with it and if anything, I feel more confident now because I have long, blonde, thick hair and when I go out, nobody really knows that it’s not mine. It’s true: when you look good, you do feel better. 

Getting diagnosed so young has definitely been scary. I wonder, is this going to affect me for a long time? I’m sure it will, right? I think about the checkups I’ll need, the precautions I’ll have to take, the things I’ll have to consider.

But it’s also given me a different perspective on things. I’m really grateful for the simple things now. Going to a restaurant with friends, or for coffee, or to the movies, or for a walk – these moments are so special now. If there are little things that you enjoy, just do them, you know?

During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the people whose hard work, generosity, and dedication make our programs possible. 

Last year, more than 800 volunteers contributed 7,292 hours facilitating LGFB workshops in person at 80 locations across Canada and online—creating spaces where participants can reconnect with themselves, learn practical skills, and share meaningful moments with others who truly understand what they’re going through. 

In the face of cancer, we help people feel more like themselves again by EDUCATING and EMPOWERING them to help manage the appearance-related impact of the disease and its treatment. By building and delivering our programs with EMPATHY and EQUITY, we reflect and respect the unique experiences of all. 

Nobody embodies the mission of LGFB—or the four E’s—more than our network of passionate volunteers.  

Education

LGFB volunteers bring professional expertise in skincare, makeup, hair and scalp care, and breast care—knowledge that many people undergoing treatment might not otherwise have access to. These highly skilled community leaders help participants manage the visible effects of cancer treatment with dignity and confidence. 

Participants often share how these skills make a meaningful difference during a challenging time: 

“It’s a lot to think about, but now I am starting to use some recommended products and strategies and gaining more confidence as a result.” 

“The explanation of every step was excellent. There was no rush. I had lots of opportunities to ask questions and received many tips and suggestions on how and why to get particular items.” 

“Excellent facilitators making everyone feel comfortable and amazing teachers for someone who wasn’t that comfortable with things such as eyeliner.” 

Empowerment

Beyond practical skills, volunteers remind people going through cancer that self-care isn’t selfish and help them reconnect with their identity—something that can feel difficult during treatment. 

“For the first time since I started this journey, I was able to relax and nurture my feminine self. This felt very healing.” 

“This is a very low part of one’s life, so to have a few minutes to feel embraced, accepted, and build one’s confidence is so very important.” 

“The organization name LGFB is so apt! It really makes you feel so good and special. I highly appreciate the kind of environment which was created. I loved everything about the session. Kudos to the whole team!” 

Empathy

LGFB volunteers are trained to support people facing cancer and are experienced in communicating with compassion and understanding. Whether participants need a moment of laughter, a safe space to cry, or simply to feel heard, volunteers meet them exactly where they are. 

“The workshop is what I needed to bring me out of the little rock I was hiding under. I feel much better about myself.” 

“Sometimes you just need to forget about the cancer for a couple of hours.” 

“I found the biggest benefit of the session was to be among others going through the same experience and have a bit of levity and fun during a difficult time.” 

Equity

Whether workshops are offered in-person or online, LGFB volunteers work hard to cultivate welcoming spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Their commitment to inclusion ensures that participants from diverse backgrounds and experiences can access the information and support they need. 

“I really appreciated the presenter’s information on wig alternatives for those of us who don’t wish to go the wig route.” 

“I’m so happy for the things provided. I got makeup/foundation that matches my complexion—that was a big plus for me!” 

“The ladies who conducted the workshop were very positive and reassuring. It really helped me to feel that I can get through this blip in my life.” 

Look Good Feel Better workshops would simply not be possible without our incredible network of passionate, community-based volunteers. And there’s no better way to illustrate their impact than through the voices of LGFB participants themselves. 

They are our leaders, connectors, and advocates across the country, bringing valuable expertise, warmth, and encouragement that make each workshop a place of learning, connection, and belonging. 

This National Volunteer Week, we extend our deepest thanks and gratitude to every LGFB volunteer.  

Your dedication gives people living with cancer a space to learn, reflect, and reclaim a sense of self. 

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and compassion of women everywhere. At Look Good Feel Better, we see that strength every day in the women navigating cancer who participate in our workshops, as well as in the caregivers—most often women—who stand beside them, and the health care professionals who provide compassionate care along the way. We are also deeply grateful for our community of volunteers, nearly all women, whose generosity and dedication help uplift patients with confidence, connection, and support throughout their cancer journey. 

Here are a few thoughts we’d like to share this International Women’s Day.

“I am so proud that Look Good Feel Better is a national organization that sees, supports and empowers women. On International Women’s Day, I want to recognize that women are at the core of so much of what we do – they are workshop participants, volunteers, donors, supporters, caregivers, healthcare professionals and LGFB staff.”

—Susan Larkin
President and CEO, Look Good Feel Better

“When we mentor women, we don’t just give guidance — we gain a stronger, braver, more equitable future. Give your experience, your voice, your support — and you gain a community of women who are ready to lead.”

—Louanne McGrory
Board Chair, Look Good Feel Better

“This year’s International Women’s Day theme #GiveToGain, is more than a message — it’s a mandate. It speaks to a fundamental truth: generosity is a catalyst for equality.

When we give — our time, our mentorship, our influence, our advocacy — we are not giving something away. We are investing forward. We are multiplying opportunity. We are accelerating progress.

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside impactful organizations such as the Shoppers Drug Mart Foundation for Women’s Health, Go Further Women at Loblaw, and the Women’s Health Collective Canada — communities built on the belief that advancing women’s health and leadership is not a peripheral effort or initiative, but a societal imperative. These efforts prove that intentional collaboration creates sustainable, measurable change.

International Women’s Day is a call to action — at home, at work, and within our communities. Each of us has something to give. And when we give boldly and collectively, we don’t just support women — we reshape the future.

When women rise, the world rises with them.”

—Nneka Ezurike
Pharmacist, Pharmacy-Owner, Shoppers Drug Mart, Co-Founder, BBPC and International Speaker & Moderator

Before I was diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma, I lived a very active lifestyle. I was at the gym all the time, doing cardio and strength training. I loved going out and socializing with friends. I had not only a full-time job, but also a side hustle. Type A personality? You bet. I didn’t get much sleep.

Once I got my diagnosis, everything completely changed. My life as I knew it just kind of blew up. But it has been replaced with something fantastic, which is that I’m now really focused on healing and wellness.

These days, I’m doing yoga, mindfulness meditation, and reflexology. I’m writing and listening to music. I’ve slowed down and I’m really living in the present now, and the benefits have been incredible. I’m getting so much more out of life because I’m living every day to the fullest. It may surprise you, but what inspired this new way of living was beauty.

Undergoing cancer treatment is a very unglamorous time for a woman. I no longer recognized myself. My hair had been long, thick, and healthy, but it started coming out in chunks. My skin was dry and breaking out with acne and rashes. I’d had all these procedures that resulted in scars and lots of little marks from the poking and prodding. And during chemo, certain things are restricted like manicures, pedicures, and hair colouring. I had started feeling really awful. I didn’t want to go out – I could feel the social isolation creeping in. And so when I found out about the Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) program, I thought, you know what, it can’t hurt to go. And it made such a difference. 

When I arrived at the LGFB workshop, I was warmly greeted by the volunteers hosting the program and the other ladies attending. That alone made me realize, hey, I’m not in this by myself. Talking and laughing with the other women, and getting all these great hair and makeup tips, gave me a real boost.

I was given a bag of makeup and the items were just perfect. I especially loved this bright pink lipstick and a beautiful rose-coloured blush. I was suffering from chemo-induced anemia and looking really pale, and these items brought a much-needed pop of colour to my face.

LGFB was the first program that I was well enough to attend, and it was the first time in my cancer journey that I felt seen, welcomed, and socially connected. It was very powerful. The workshop opened up a lot for me. When I was going out afterwards, I felt like a piece of my former self had returned. I didn’t feel self-conscious anymore. I even started getting compliments!

The boost I got from the LGFB workshop was what started my interest in pursuing health and wellness activities. I shifted from a high-pressure, goal-focused lifestyle to one centered on healing, presence, and wellness.

I’ve really learned to slow down and enjoy every single day. There’s so much joy in living in the present. It’s very healing. I find joy and gratitude in so many things: the sun shining, a walk through the neighbourhood, a call from a friend, or snuggling with my adorable cat Marge Simpson. Having cancer completely changed my entire life. Surprisingly, it’s not all negative. I feel so blessed.

With February marking Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month, sharing my story feels especially important right now. I want other people facing a stage 4 diagnosis to have hope, knowing it’s not necessarily the end. And I hope that every woman facing cancer will have the opportunity to experience an LGFB workshop.

I’ve been committed to advocating for women’s health and telling my story for many years now. I’ve experienced more than my fair share of gynecological challenges, from fibroids to challenges with fertility. Being diagnosed with vulvar melanoma last year just felt like the icing on the cake.

But if this had to happen to someone, it feels like it had to be me. And that’s because I refuse to be uncomfortable talking about women’s health and gynecological issues. I want to break stigma and raise awareness, to give back and support other women. Sharing my story is how I do that. It’s taken a lot of recovery and healing for me to get to this point, though.

Healing from my vulvectomy surgery was extremely painful, but what was surprisingly tough was the emotional recovery. I was so angry. After all the gynecological issues I’d already had, to have another made me feel like I was being punished. The vulva represents motherhood, sensuality, and femininity. To have that be physically changed was so difficult to process. I had some really challenging days – days when I didn’t want to get out of bed.

I’m grateful for the supports I had available, and that includes Look Good Feel Better (LGFB). Both of my parents are cancer survivors as well, and when my mom was going through her breast cancer treatment, one thing she always said was, “Look good, feel better.” She really believed in that. And the LGFB program was such a lifeline for me personally, too. It really turned things around for me when I was so low, so angry, and dealing with a lot of negative self-talk.

I felt so seen at the workshop. It was a beautiful community. The kindness and positive energy in that room were overwhelming – I was deeply moved. The volunteers were wonderful, the kit was amazing, but what really impacted me was seeing different women at all stages of their cancer journeys and just feeling extremely supported. I was worried that we’d all sit around crying about what we were going through, but it was the opposite of that – warm and upbeat instead of sad or solemn. And I left that day all done up and feeling like a million bucks. 

I also attended LGFB’s Bubbles & Brunch fundraiser with my family and friends, which was incredible. It was a really great day. My husband and brother were both fabulously decked out for the cowboy theme – my brother wore a white cowboy hat and we joined the DJ on stage at one point. I cried happy tears so many times that day because I felt so fortunate to have all my friends who have supported me through all of this rallying around me. 

I’ve been so lucky, so privileged on my journey. I was able to get time off work to have procedures done. I live close to excellent hospitals like Princess Margaret – I don’t have to make a big journey and pay for a hotel like so many do. I was able to get really good care, but so many people fall through the cracks.

Women’s health is so underfunded and neglected. There’s still so much stigma. And the injustice of the lack of access makes me really angry. Even accessing period products is so difficult if you’re unhoused or live in a northern community. And when it comes to gynecological cancers, we need to advocate for more self-examination and early detection. These things are incredibly important.

I feel like me getting vulvar melanoma happened for a reason: to help spread awareness. I’m not ashamed of my diagnosis or of what I’ve been through. We have to get comfortable talking about these things. Our lives depend on it.

Sarah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahelizabethclare/

I’m someone who has always been comfortable behind the scenes. In my career, I design corporate learning programs – I’m not the one leading the classroom. I like to be in the background, building the curriculum – creating change and quietly shaping experiences for others.

When I got breast cancer at 27, things changed. Suddenly, I couldn’t hide. Not from the diagnosis. Not from the mirror. Not from the fear.

I had to push for the diagnosis. I had a lump but was told it was probably nothing. I insisted on testing. When I got the news, my fiancé David – now my husband – and I were just completely shocked and devastated. I’d been living in this grey area of uncertainty prior to the diagnosis, and suddenly everything became very black and white. I searched desperately for someone like me – someone in their 20s, newly diagnosed, terrified and dealing with this cancer that has the stigma of being an old woman’s cancer. I kept scrolling on social media, hoping to find her, hoping to relate to someone. But I couldn’t. I felt so isolated, like I was the only one going through this.

When I finished chemo, I decided to become the advocate that I’d searched for so fervently. I wanted to create a community for other young people who are facing or have faced the same thing. I surprised myself by coming out from behind the scenes and putting myself in the spotlight. I opened TikTok. I turned the camera on. And I started filming.

On my TikTok account (@natorrico), I share what life after treatment is like – and what healing and thriving can look like. Creating this content is very healing. It’s very soft. I show my day-to-day life: relaxing nature walks with David and our miniature dachshund, Ozzie; tending to my houseplants; making nourishing, nutritious food; brewing the perfect cup of coffee; watching the sun pour in the window. There’s a lot of intentional self-care and romanticizing my routine. When I was going through my treatment, I wished that there was something like this, someone like me out there. I hope I can give comfort to someone else feeling anxious and wondering what their life will look like once they get through cancer. I want to show what’s possible, what’s next. There’s a lack of this type of space in the post-cancer experience. My goal this year is to become a breast cancer advocate – not just for myself, but for other women as well.

Breast cancer is so intense. It changed my identity – and deeply affected my confidence. I felt like my womanhood was being taken away. I wondered whether I’d still be able to have kids some day. And I would look at myself in the mirror and think, “Who am I?” I had always been Blonde Natalia, Natalia Who’s Always Running and Exercising – that’s who I am, or who I was – but I couldn’t be that person anymore. Things needed to change. I had to rewrite the narrative.

Look Good Feel Better supported me on this journey. The organization showed me the power of advocacy and community. It helped give me the courage to put myself in the spotlight – visible, vocal, and vulnerable – so that I, too, can support others.

Post-cancer Natalia is a very different person from pre-cancer Natalia. I know who I am now and what I want. After gathering up the courage to advocate for myself and speak up, I’ve really found my voice. I’m more independent, more confident, and better able to prioritize what’s truly important to me. I’m letting my natural red hair grow back – no more blonde. Getting cancer in one’s 20s is certainly not something I’d wish on anyone. It was a devastating experience for me. But there are good things that can come out of these situations, and I’m really embracing those good things now. I’ve come out of it learning just how strong and resilient I am, and I couldn’t be prouder of myself.

Natalia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natorrico

Cancer runs in my family — it has affected six out of eight siblings, my mom, my aunt, my grandmother, my cousins, and even my niece and nephew. But I’ve never let it define me. I don’t even like to use the “C” word — I call it “the unwelcome intruder.” It infiltrated my body and so now we’re just working on getting it out of there. I don’t allow it to control me or have authority over my body.

Throughout my treatment, some things have stayed constant in my life, and this grounds me. I’ve kept working, because I love my job and it gives me a sense of normalcy. My children are there for me — I’m a single mom of four kids, 22-year-old triplet daughters and a 24-year-old son. I love going on walks with my little nine-year-old Havanese and reading psychological thrillers.

My faith has been another constant source of strength. When I had a recurrence of the unwelcome intruder, I prayed a lot. I was like, “I can’t go through this a second time. Lord, what are you doing?” And I received a message saying that this was not a journey I was to take alone — that this was going to be a community-based journey for me. I have a habit of isolating myself, especially during times of struggle. Thanks to this message that came through, I’ve been staying connected and sharing my journey, especially through the women’s connect group at my church. We all go through struggles in our lives, and my hope is that by sharing mine, it’ll help people to see their own challenges in a better light and to know they’re not alone or stuck. I know there’s an end to this.

It wasn’t just my church community, either. Once I decided to overcome my habit of cutting myself off from others, I was surprised at how vast this community travelled. More and more people outside of my church, outside of my faith, have come to walk alongside me. They send texts, stop by, bring me meals, go for walks with me, and even attend appointments. It has been really uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring. I feel held and supported.

This community extends to Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) as well. Losing my hair was a big thing for me. I cried and cried for weeks on end in anticipation. I just turned 61, but I don’t feel old —and I didn’t want to look old, or sick. My hair started falling out just two days before my LGFB workshop. I felt really shut down. I almost didn’t go. But I’m so glad I did, because the workshop really helped me get through it. 

I loved how the volunteer talked about hair loss — so calmly, so casually. She’d rip off her wig, put on another, and then switch to a bandana. Something opened up in me when she was doing that. It felt so freeing. I realized I was no longer stuck to my hair, and that it was okay that it was gone. My hair falling out felt like the end of the world for me, but the workshop helped me realize that hair is just hair. It doesn’t define who I am. This new perspective changed the entire trajectory of my journey. The workshop gave me my life back, basically. It was so empowering. As a bonus, I’ve been having a lot of fun with wigs, trying different hair styles and colours.

My positive mindset has really helped me through this journey. Prayer, connection, community — these have been instrumental. And I really do treat this as a journey — not just a medical, physical journey but also a mental, spiritual, soul-deep transformation. I don’t have to worry about the unwelcome intruder in my body because that’s what my medical team does. My responsibility is to make sure that I’m staying as healthy as possible, physically and mentally. I’m not just focusing on the cancer, but on making myself better. 
 

When I first started experiencing unusual symptoms – constipation, bloating, heartburn, abdominal pain – in the summer of 2024, my first instinct was to put pen to paper. I drew a diagram of my body and wrote down all the things I’d been feeling. That’s the art therapist in me. When I showed the illustration to my doctor, she immediately recognized the signs of ovarian cancer. A CT scan revealed a large tumour over my right ovary, confirming her suspicions. I was completely shocked and devastated.

My career as a clinical counsellor and art therapist with preteens and teenagers abruptly stopped when I was diagnosed. It was such positive and enjoyable work. And not only did I have to leave my private practice, I had to stop doing things that gave me pleasure and joy in life. 

I love being active: Zumba, belly dancing, strength training, circuit training. I also enjoy cooking wonderful food and travelling. But quite suddenly, my life was now filled with endless medical appointments. Testing, scans, blood work, chemotherapy, surgeries. It was surreal. 

With my psychology background, I knew I had to look after the other parts of myself. The physical was being cared for. What about my emotional self, my sense of self, and my need for connection? 

It had seemed that all the joyful activities in my life had come to a halt, but I was able to resurrect some activities that I hadn’t done in a while – things that I could go back to. Those included reading and art. I love art, especially drawing and painting with watercolours, and it has always been my resource during the tough times in life. It’s a wonderful outlet for sorrow and other emotions that need to be released. 

I had no words for what was happening to me, and so I started to draw. I drew myself sitting in the middle of a tsunami wave – the tsunami of grief after diagnosis. I painted myself at nighttime in a jungle, with moonlight pouring down – standing in the garden of hope. I created more and more art, navigating the back and forth between despair and hopefulness. 

I also talked with my caring partner, Bill. I cried a lot. I got a counsellor. I connected with friends. And I found community. When I first heard about Look Good Feel Better (LGFB), from a woman in the cosmetics department at Shoppers Drug Mart, a little spark went off. I signed up right away. At the workshop, I was amazed by how supportive it felt to be in a space with other women who I could relate to. I wasn’t alone – we were all going through it. The workshop was so informative, helpful, positive, and uplifting – something I dearly needed. And with my body having surrendered to all the necessary medical procedures, learning how to use makeup to my advantage was a way to take back my sense of dignity and to connect with my femininity.

LGFB brought me a respite from my sorrow and loss. It was a bright light, bringing a sense of community and breaking the isolation I was feeling – just like my art. Body, mind, and spirit are all integrated parts of us, and throughout my cancer journey, what really needed tending was my emotional side. It was stormy and intense – it needed to be expressed. We don’t have to be positive and brave all the time.

I can’t control everything, but I can control how I care for myself. Eating well, staying connected, and doing things I enjoy – reading, creativity – have made all the difference. 

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.