Elephants and Tea - Walgreens Special Edition - 23

Survivor Stories
FEELING SUPPORTED
We tested a variety of products (which
we were able to take home, thanks to
Walgreens!) and were instructed on how
to build our own personalized skincare
routine. While an expert was talking about
a CBD skin-soothing serum, a participant
playfully inquired if it had the same soothing
benefits on emotions internally as applying
it externally. The simple response is
no, but the number of " I wish it did! " And
" same! " put us on the same page.
Here are the key takeaways from the
workshop that I wish I had discovered
years ago:
1. Discuss your skin issues with your
oncologist. The skin is your largest
organ, and it can tell you a lot about
what's going on within your body.
2. It's never your fault that your skin
and body are changing, but it's perfectly
normal to have feelings about
it. Talk about them, write them
down (maybe even for Elephants
and Tea!), and let go of any shame
you're carrying.
3. You are worthy of being nurtured;
in fact, it is vital. Allow yourself the
extra steps of a regimen, whatever is
appropriate for you.
4. There is assistance available! Walgreens
pharmacists and trained professionals
can assist you in addition
to your oncology team.
Brian and I both made changes after
learning more about our individual skin
issues.
I'm photosensitive (meaning the sun
is out to get me) because of my therapy,
and while I was previously practicing sun
safety, it turns out that a high SPF mineral
cream provides more protection for
my face, neck, and chest. That's crucial
for me since I have two different scars
there, and scar tissue is more sensitive
to sun exposure. Don't forget to bring a
hat or an umbrella!
We are more concerned about dry skin
now. When we notice dry spots, we apply
a thicker moisturizer that Walgreens
professionals recommend. This aids in
the protection of the skin's barrier.
I avoid fragrance in any skin or beauty
products because it can irritate our skin.
I don't have time for that, and neither
do you.
Normally, I would only use cuticle oil
or hand cream, but I discovered that
adding a soothing serum to the combination
made my nails healthier. After I
trim Brian's nails, I apply the same serum
to his cuticles and hands.
Micellar water (more like magic water)
is a " life hack " that can be utilized
for so much more than just removing
makeup! Fabric stains as well as shoe
and cloth furniture stains can also be
removed. Another recommendation is
to use it to refresh your face and body in
between appointments, because hospital
soap (along with unsalted kettle potato
chips, but we're not going there) is a big
ick and cancer trigger for me, but not
for Brian. Bleh!!
Friend, you are on my mind as I type
this. I have no idea what skin issues you
are facing or how you are coping with
life. I do not know what stage of this
path you are on. However, I am aware
Cancer seems to
have an impact on
everything: appearance,
time, ambitions,
education, relationships,
and income. It has even
chosen how Brian and
I will have children-a
decision we are still
trying to make.
of how it feels to wish cancer had not
taken over. Cancer seems to have an
impact on everything: appearance, time,
ambitions, education, relationships, and
income. It has even chosen how Brian
and I will have children-a decision we
are still trying to make. I understand how
challenging it can be as an AYA who also
holds a caregiver role.
I want you to be aware that there are
resources to assist you as you navigate
through these things, such as Walgreens
for your skin and Elephants and Tea
(along with several other amazing organizations
listed on the Elephants and
Tea website) for your soul. While the life
I had before cancer is long gone, the new
life that has emerged is beautiful, even
if it took considerable time to arrive. I
reclaimed what I lost piece by piece, accepted
what I couldn't modify, and found
new ways to cope. Things turned out
OK-not perfect, not exactly as I hoped,
but OK anyway. That is what I want to
tell the frightened Alexa six years ago
when she looked in the mirror. I'd also
tell her what I'd like to leave you with:
I love you, I am proud of you, and I
hope you can feel more like yourself
again, day by day. l
ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM
23
http://www.ELEPHANTSANDTEA.COM
Elephants and Tea - Walgreens Special Edition

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Elephants and Tea - Walgreens Special Edition
