Caring for Scaring
Healing from cancer surgeries involves both physical and emotional challenges. Managing scar tissue is an important part of your recovery journey.
BEFORE SURGERY:
- If you are prone to keloids, ask your surgeon how this can be best managed with medication, topical treatments or strategic scar placement.
- It is okay to be concerned about scarring and to advocate for yourself!
AFTER SURGERY:
- Follow care instructions from your surgeon to keeping the surgical site clean.
- Once approved by your surgeon (approximately one month after surgery), you can start massaging the scar using either a beauty oil or scar reducing oil.
- Silicone scar sheets can help improve healing.
- Don’t wear clothing that compresses the scar for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery. If that makes wearing a regular bra difficult, try a tube top, tank top, or leisure bra to provide support if needed.
- Wait at least one year after all treatments are done before getting any nipple or decorative tattoos.
Physical Discomfort
It can be discouraging to still feel pain, swelling, tightness, sensitivity or a restricted range of motion after completing cancer treatment. For some people, discomfort may last far past their expected recovery time from surgery or radiation.
Prolonged Discomfort
Prolonged discomfort may be a build-up of scar tissue inside the body, typically around the breast, chest or shoulder area.
Scaring can cause the surrounding tissue to become denser and less elastic and result in restricted movement and/or pain. Some patients describe it as feeling “sticky” or “like Velcro” when they try moving the affected area.
Easing Discomfort
You may want to consider adding a physiotherapist or massage therapist who specializes in caring for breast cancer patients to your care team.
Talk to your primary care team about your concerns and mention this possibility. If you find your medical team resistance to these suggestions, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
Physiotherapy or massage therapy is done on the chest, breast and/or shoulders to loosen and soften tissue.
Your provider may suggest techniques such as:
Myofascial release
Deep friction massage
Cupping therapy
Remember to…
Talk to your surgeon or oncologist to ensure that enough recovery time has passed before booking an appointment with a physio or massage therapist.
What healthcare professionals provide care for scar tissue?
Typically, it will be a physiotherapist or massage therapist who will have specialized expertise and experience working with breast cancer patients.
Refer to the Society for Oncology Massage and Canadian Physiotherapy Association to learn more and access a directory.
Your provincial Lymphedema Association can also be a great resource for therapists familiar with breast-cancer related side effects.
Some healthcare professionals use the term Cancer Rehabilitation to refer to their services that help manage the common side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. This can be a great search term when looking for professionals in your area.
Questions to ask Professionals:
Are you a licensed Healthcare provider registered with the provincial college?
Are you experienced in treating breast cancer patients?
Do you provide techniques I can do at home?
Are these services covered by provincial healthcare?
Are they covered by private medical insurance?
You’re not in this alone.
Find a supportive community and get expert advice in our workshops.
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Wig Care: What do you need?
A wire stand that allows air to circulate through the wig
If your wig is synthetic, special cleansers and leave-in conditioners (available at all wig salons), and a wide-tooth comb
If your wig is human hair, salon-quality shampoo and conditioner for chemically treated hair
About an hour for your first wig-cleaning experience
It will eventually take less time as you practice and gain experience caring for your wig
Cleaning Your Wig
Synthetic-Hair Wig:
- With a wide-tooth comb, gently but thoroughly brush or comb your wig before washing.
- Fill sink with cold water and thoroughly mix in 1 to 2 tbsp. (15–30 ml) of appropriate shampoo.
- Turn wig inside out, swish through water, and submerge a few times.
- Drain sink and refill with fresh cold water, then immerse wig a few times to rinse.
- Gently shake water from wig over the sink – do not squeeze or twist.
- Place on wire stand to dry – about eight to 12 hours.
- Never comb or brush a wig when it’s wet; wait until it’s completely dry.
Human-Hair Wig:
- Run wig under warm water.
- Place a small amount of shampoo on fingers and gently work into the hair, stroking downward from the weft (base) to the ends.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water until water runs clear.
- Place a small amount of conditioner in your hand; gently work into hair and let sit for three to five minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly in warm water.
- Gently comb wet hair with a wide-tooth comb from weft to ends.
- Place on wire stand to dry.
Let’s navigate this together
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Advanced Skincare Workshop
Advances in cancer treatment have led to more people experiencing skin-related side effects, both during and after treatment. In this workshop, expert Onco-Dermatologists share simple steps to help minimize and manage common skin and nail issues.
About this workshop
What you will learn:
How evolving cancer treatments can cause new and different side effects
Practical steps to help minimize and manage common skin, scalp, and nail concerns during and after treatment
Step-by-step guidance from an Onco-Dermatologist
Topics Covered in Advance Skincare include:
Simple skincare and suncare routines
Scalp care
Nail Health
Managing dry, itchy, and irritated skin
Acne and rashes
Skin recovery post-treatment
This workshop is available Online
Join us!
- This workshop delivered via a Q&A with our medical professional, and is offered approximately four times a year.
- It is roughly an hour and fifteen (1:15) minutes in length and is delivered over Zoom.
- Be sure to add your questions on the registration form!
Who should attend this workshop?
This workshop is available for anyone who is…
- Currently in treatment
- Post-treatment but may still be experiencing side-effects impacting their skin, scalp, or nails
- This workshop is designed to address skin concerns wherever people are in their cancer continuum
What Our Participants Have to Say
“Just knowing others are going through the same symptoms gave me hope.”
- Workshop Participant
“This webinar was delivered beautifully. I liked how participants’ questions were answered and things were explained at length.”
- Workshop Participant
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
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Wigs & Scarves Workshop
Learn about hair loss and caring for your scalp during treatment, all about wigs, and other hair alternatives, including scarf-tying techniques.
About this Workshop
What you will learn:
Caring for your scalp during and after cancer treatment
What to expect with hair regrowth
Discover all types of head coverings, including wigs
What to consider if selecting a wig
Pros and cons between synthetic and human hair
Easy scarf-tying techniques and more
The information and dialogues are designed to help you:
Manage the physical side effects of cancer treatment with simple, practical guidance
Connect with others who may understand what you are going through
Know what to expect during treatment
Prepare for treatment to help minimize potential side effects
Feel more like yourself
This workshop is available ONLINE and IN-PERSON
Online
- The ONLINE workshop is ONE HOUR long and is delivered via Zoom.
- Relax and join us from the comfort of your home.
IN-PERSON
- The IN-PERSON workshop is 2 HOURS long and is called Skincare, Makeup & Hair.
- It combines our Wigs & Scarves and our Skincare & Makeup Workshops into a single 2-hour session.
- The in-person workshop is only available in select locations around Canada.
Who should attend this workshop?
This workshop is available to anyone who is about to start cancer treatment, is currently in treatment or has completed treatment in the last 12 months and would like information about or support around this topic.
What are participants have to say
“The volunteers were excellent and so caring. It’s the first time I’ve laughed in awhile.”
- Workshop Participant
“This workshop exceeded my expectations. It helps to talk to an expert who is positive, fashionable and gives all the tips. One example – I had no idea how a chemo/sleep cap is such an important base layer!”
- Workshop Participant
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
Newsletter Form
Skincare & Makeup Workshop
Discover practical ways to manage the physical side effects of cancer treatment on your skin, hair, and face, including skincare, makeup, hair loss, wigs and other head coverings. Available online or in-person
About this workshop
What you will learn:
Counteract side effects such as discolouration and dry skin
Find tips and techniques for managing the loss of brows and lashes
Practice simple makeup steps to add colour back to your face
Makeup hygiene and sun safety
The information and dialogues are designed to help you:
Manage the physical side effects of cancer treatment with clear, practical guidance.
Connect with others who may understand what you are going through.
Understand what to expect during treatment.
Prepare for treatment to help minimize potential side effects.
Feel more like yourself again.
This workshop is available ONLINE and IN-PERSON.
ONLINE
- The ONLINE workshop is one hour long and is delivered via Zoom.
- Relax and learn from the comfort of your own home.
IN-PERSON
- The IN-PERSON workshop is 2 hours long.
- Called Skincare, Makeup & Hair, it combines both our Skincare & Makeup and our Wigs & Hair Alternatives workshops.
- In-person workshops are only available in select locations around Canada.
Who should attend this workshop?
This workshop is available to anyone who is:
- about to start cancer treatment
- is currently in treatment or
- has completed treatment in the last 12 months and would like information about or support around this topic.
The Confidence Kit
Participants in the Skincare & Makeup workshop receive a free kit of skincare and cosmetics products.
These products are generously donated to Look Good Feel Better and meet the regulations set forth by Health Canada.
These products are for educational purposes, so you may practice the techniques explained in the workshop.
- In-person workshop: You will receive the kit in the workshop.
- Online workshop: The kit will be shipped to you. It generally arrives 15-20 business days AFTER the workshop.
What Our Participants Have to Say
” This workshop was so useful because it wasn’t just information. It ‘normalized’ the techniques to cope with cancer & treatment related challenges to appearance. Yes, wear makeup and take care of your skin not just in spite of cancer and treatments but because of cancer and treatments! Here is how to do it well and safely!”
- Mirabel R., Workshop Participant
Participating in our workshops
97%
of Workshop Participants
would recommend our workshops to another person facing cancer.
32%
of Our Participants
feel somewhat confident BEFORE our workshops.
89.1%
of Our Participants
reported feeling somewhat confident or confident about their appearance AFTER our workshops.
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
Newsletter Form
One question everyone may have as they begin their cancer treatment is ‘what are the side effects of my cancer treatment?’ The truth is, is that, while there are many common side effects from chemo, radiation, immunotherapy and drugs, your treatment experience will be different from anyone else. So, what’s ‘normal’? Your medical team may give you a booklet on what to expect, but the reality is, there is no ‘normal’.
Hair loss, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, headache, nausea are all common side effects from cancer treatment. But you may also be dealing with loss of balance, strength and coordination. Others experience nerve tingling, “burning” or numbness. It’s also possible that you may not have any of these side effects. Your reaction to your treatment is as individual as your diagnosis itself.
In the past, a good patient was often described as someone who kept questions to a minimum, who followed all the advice that their healthcare professional provided, who didn’t complain or voice their concerns, and didn’t speak out about something they didn’t understand. Over the years, medical professionals have begun to realize that their patients are individuals, with minds of their own and ideas and questions about their own healthcare.
Enter, Dr. Margaret Fitch, a professor at the University of Toronto with a background in nursing and expertise in oncology and the psychosocial and emotional side of cancer. Dr. Fitch identifies the difference between ‘person-centered’ and ‘patient centered’ care. Your care is a partnership. Doctors, nurses and social workers bring knowledge and expertise, but you are the expert on you and your personal experience. Person-centered care calls on medical professionals to listen, work in partnership with you and to better understand what your life is like and to pay close attention to how any suggestions made may impact you.
Dr. Fitch offers some important take aways to help you in your efforts to ensure your care is ‘person-centered’.
Embrace Your Right to Ask Questions: It’s crucial to remember that you have the right to ask questions about your care and treatment. Even if it’s difficult to speak up, your health and well-being are paramount. Take time at home to write down your questions when you’re relaxed, and bring them to your appointments. Don’t hesitate to be firm and confident in asking for the information you need.
Utilize All Available Resources: While your time with your physician is limited, don’t hesitate to ask a nurse or another healthcare professional for additional support. Healthcare teams often work together, and they can help ensure that your concerns are addressed. It’s okay to use multiple strategies to get the information and support you need.
Understand That “Normal” Doesn’t Mean “Okay”: If you’re told that certain side effects or feelings are normal, it’s important to recognize that this doesn’t mean you have to accept them without support. There is help available, and you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Speak up about what you’re experiencing and ask about the resources and services that can provide relief.
Recognize the Uniqueness of Your Experience: Cancer is not just one disease, but many, each with its own treatments and side effects. What you go through may be completely different from someone else’s experience, even if the diagnosis sounds similar. Don’t feel pressured to compare your journey to others; instead, focus on what you need and seek out the right support for your specific situation.
Explore Your Options: The treatment and support options available to you are diverse. Whether it’s joining a group, seeking one-on-one counseling, or trying different therapies, it’s essential to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to explore different approaches until you find the one that feels right.
Stay Informed About New Treatments: Medical advancements, like targeted therapies, are constantly evolving. These treatments can be more precise and may reduce some of the more challenging side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy. Keep the conversation open with your healthcare team about new options that may be available to you.
Value Your Individuality: Remember, your journey is uniquely yours. While it’s helpful to hear others’ experiences, what works for someone else may not be the best fit for you. Trust in your instincts, ask for the information you need, and choose the path that feels most supportive to your individual needs and circumstances.
In Episode 2 of “Facing Cancer Together,” you will hear from several women undergoing treatment, each with their own unique version of ‘normal.’ Additionally, Dr. Fitch delves into the concept of ‘person-centered care,’ offering deeper insights into this compassionate approach to treatment. Tune in for a compelling discussion that highlights the diverse experiences of these women, the importance of personalized care and how you can advocate for yourself during your own cancer journey.