Speakers:
- Lindy Snider: Cancer Survivor and Founder and CEO, Lindi Skin®
- Sarah Richardson, PsyD: Clinical Psychologist, Abramson Cancer Center
- Gina Kantor, Stylist, Lord & Taylor, King of Prussia
- Teresa Dean, Make Up Artist, Lord & Taylor, King of Prussia
Workshop Summary:
Our body image panel discussion embraced topics from feeling good about the way you look during and after treatment to dealing with loss throughout your cancer experience. Below is a short recap of some of our panelists’ and workshop attendees’ advice.
Dressing for your body:
The question: “How do I continue to dress professionally when my weight keeps fluctuating?”
The answer: One of our workshop attendees answered this question by showing us her yoga pants that double as dress pants. These pants allow for comfort and professionalism, especially when your weight is up and down during and after treatment. Our stylist from Lord & Taylor recommended clothing with length, such as a long blazer. For weight gain, she recommended clothing that was loose-fitting enough for comfort, but nothing that swallows you or doesn’t give you shape. Lord & Taylor also offers bra fittings to help you find bras that will work for you.
Concealing fatigue:
The question: “How do I conceal fatigue when I’m in a rush?”
The answer: Our make up specialist suggested going to a store like Lord & Taylor and speaking with a makeup artist who can help you pick out products that will work with your specific skin concerns. She talked about the importance of maintaining hydrated skin and picking out a good moisturizer. A good concealer will help with darkness under the eyes and foundation will help with discoloration. She also recommended a pop of color, such as a bright lipstick, to help conceal fatigue. Our stylist also suggested adding a pop of color to your wardrobe that could help you feel less fatigued and ready for your day.
The tough stuff:
The question: “How am I supposed to react when someone has a negative reaction to my appearance?
The answer: Our psychologist fielded this question, replying with, “People can be very unaware of how they’re reacting.” She recommended that if a friend is responding negatively to your appearance, it’s worth having an open dialogue with them, and to make them aware of their actions.
The question: “How do I deal with the loss of my hair? My muscle tone?”
The answer: Our skincare specialist, a cancer-survivor herself, and our psychologist answered this question. Their advice involved acknowledging that there is a loss when facing your cancer experience, and to not move away from it. They emphasized the importance of allowing yourself the room to recognize changes in your body and who you are now, during and after your cancer experience. Our psychologist discussed how helpful it can be to talk to someone about it, and to focus not on what you lost, but instead on who you are now.
