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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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.
Practical Advice within a Caring Community
We know how important it is to simply feel like yourself, especially when going through cancer treatment. Look Good Feel Better offers free workshops that help address both the emotional and appearance-related side effects of treatment.
Everyone deserves support during cancer treatment
LGFB workshops are a space where cancer isn’t in charge. You can concentrate on yourself. Learn information and techniques that can help you manage or even minimize some side effects of your cancer treatment. Talk with and connect with others facing a similar cancer experience. Offer an understanding smile to someone who may need one.
What happens at LGFB workshops?
Led by our expert volunteers, Look Good Feel Better workshops offer real information, helpful tips and techniques AND supportive care. At the end of the session, we hope you’ll feel that you can face cancer with a bit more confidence and feel more like yourself again.
We Provide Online and In-Person Workshops
IN-PERSON LGFB WORKSHOPS:
Our primary in-person workshop is 2 hours long and addresses skincare, makeup that helps address physical side effects of cancer treatment, hair loss, scalp and nail care, wigs, scarves and other hair alternatives. It is called Skincare, Makeup & Hair. It is offered in 80 locations across Canada where our volunteers will greet you with a warm smile. You will also receive our Confidence Kit, which is a free kit of skincare and makeup products, so you can practice the techniques explained in the workshop at home.
Learn More about This WorkshopCheck for In-Person Workshops Near You
ONLINE:
We offer several online workshops topics. Each is an hour to an hour and a half long, are led by one of our subject matter experts, and are easily accessible via Zoom.
Our Skincare & Makeup, Wigs & Scarves, Bras & Prostheses and Shaving & Men’s Skincare workshops are offered multiple times during the month. Our Teens, Post-Treatment Nutrition and Advanced Skincare workshops are typically held a few times a year.
From time to time, we also offer workshops on other topics such as Cancer Fatigue, Coping with Fear & Worry, and Talking to Kids about Cancer.
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Teens Workshop
Dealing with cancer is hard. Figure out what works for you during treatment, from gentle skincare routines and makeup hygiene to cute head wrap styles, wigs and nails. Learn all these things, plus meet other teens with cancer, in a space that gets what you’re going through.
About this Workshop
Our online workshop is pretty unique and catered to teens with cancer. It’s a space where you don’t have to explain yourself, or your cancer. No one’s cancer experience is the same, but everyone will have some idea of what you’re going through.
How it works and what you will learn:
Learn skincare, makeup and sun care tricks and tips to help your sensitive skin heal and look its best during treatment
Get expert advice on managing treatment side effects like dryness, discolouration, and dreaded acne
Explore creative, cute, and cool styles for hats, wraps, wigs, scarves, and other hair alternatives
Get a free kit full of awesome skincare and makeup products that are OK to use during treatment
Even it’s ultimately not your thing, do it for the plot
A new theme – and new makeup – every time
Just because we’re talking about how to deal with side-effects to your skin and hair, it doesn’t mean that we can’t have fun with it. Each session covers a new look so you can lean into your artistic side or just change up the basics to help you feel more like yourself.
Twilight Magic: Smoky Eyes & Starlit Glow
Thursday, October 1st
Bring a little autumn magic to your routine. This session blends soft smoky techniques and shimmer placement to capture a twilight glow—perfect for fall photos or a subtle Halloween nod.
Holiday Classics: Effortless Skin & Bold Red Lip
Thursday, December 3rd
Wrap up the year with a modern classic. Learn simple techniques to keep skin fresh, eyes softly defined, and lips bold and bright. Choose your finish—sheer, satin, or gloss—and let your red lip shine.
Who can attend?
This workshop welcome teens aged 13 to 17 who are currently facing cancer or have completed treatment in the past year.
A bit older or younger and want to attend? Send us an email at workshops@lgfb.ca
Hang out. Have fun. Repeat.
What if you take our workshop, enjoy it, and want to come to another one? That happens a lot! As long as spots are available, we’d love to you to have you back for another one.
Each session has a new make-up theme AND it’s a great way to build friendships over time!
Come hang out with people who kind of understand what you’re going through!
Register for our Teens Workshop today!
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