Monday, 23 July 2012

Look Good Feel Better

Today I had the special privilege of attending a Look Good Feel Better program. It helped me feel not so alone, as I shared 2 hrs with some beautiful , mostly bald women who recently embarked on the cancer steamroller roller-coaster ....

I start my chemotherapy Friday . It helped me to see life can go on normally albeit with some ruggedness.
 
It reminded me of how fragile I am feeling, listening to them 'briefly' talk about their current chemo treatment and side effects. On the positive side I still came away feeling better about managing some of the side-effects and ways to help me maintain my self image. It was also fun.

LGFB is a Cosmetic industry community initiative.

 Look Good…Feel Better is a free national community service program dedicated to teaching cancer patients – through hands on experience – techniques to help restore their appearance and self image during chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The program was founded and developed by the Australian cosmetic industry in May 1990 and continues to be a wonderful community initiative to this day.  The program is administered through the registered charitable organisation, the Cancer Patients Foundation Ltd.

It begs belief I was just newly married when this program began and I had never heard of it till recently.

We each took home our set of products and many of us tried on and borrowed wigs from the wig library. The coloured wigs were modeled just for fun. I have borrowed a wig too in preparation. I could begin losing my hair as early as 10 days after starting chemo , so in 2 weeks...scary. I 'll show you my wig another day.

Last year Look Good Feel Better ran over 1000 workshops , across Australia in 170 locations. The Cosmetic Industry donated 128,000 products, brand neutral. ie Many different companies contributed $ 3.2 million products. Though targeted at women , they also run workshops for teenagers and men.

Incredibly, over 90,000 women living with cancer have been helped by Look Good Feel Better. My local program has volunteers from local businesses , beauty and hair dressing salons. They gave us practical tips and advice. The website has more practical tips too to help us keep a sense of control over this horrid disease.



Their Patron Kerri-Anne Kennerley, of 3yrs recently embarked on her own cancer journey. If you know someone, chances are you do, please make sure they know about Look Good Feel Better. Watch her talk about it more here.

Support  Look Good Feel Better on Facebook !



Watch Kerri-Anne Kennerley talk about LGFB here

Comments (16)

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Really pleased that you got a chance to go along. Also that you found it beneficial. Always remember you're not alone in this journey. Apart from your husband, family and friends (who will be your rocks), there are thousands of us who may have something to contribute to your well-being, and we will do so gladly. You know how to reach me mate. Don't worry about what I may be going through just now, if I can help you, I will also help me.

Hugs luvvy
PS
You ROCK the pink hair :)
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What a fantastic initiative! And how timely that this has happened before you embark on your own journey.
I am also waving the "Trish Rocks Pink Hair" flag!
Seriously. You look HAWT! xxx
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Trish you look great in the blue hair!!

I hope you are feeling confident on Friday, you know we are all hear to send messages if you need them, just send a call out.
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This program is awesome. So glad you were a part of it.
Beauty is on the inside, but it always helps to feel smashing on the outside, especially when life throws you the short straw.
xoxox
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I'm glad you got to attend this Trish. I've heard such positive things about it from others I've known who have been down this road. You know what I think about the pink hair ... totally rocks.

I will be thinking of you on Friday .. xxxx
Moo is about to go from green to that pink.

I think you will rock it better.

You are adorable.
That's great! I have heard of them before,( I think I may have watched that KA segment) and they do such good work! You totally rock the colored wigs! P.S- Still constantly lifting you and yours up in prayer xxx
Love the wig! I hope that's the one you borrowed. Did you also get the leaflet that teaches you to tie a scarf around your head? It's a bit like opening a portable basinette - tricky to master, but a skill worth having when you finally get the hang of it.

I'm glad you've been able to attend the LGFB session. Now you can feel as pretty as we think you look.

Many blessings, and virtual hugs (O) (O) (O).
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What a great idea. Good luck for Friday and the days afterward. x
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When I worked for a cosmetics company before Boyo was born, I trained as a LGFB assistant. One of the best things I've ever done in my life. Unfortunately, as I have an autoimmune disorder which means I pick up every bug ever, I'm not OK to work in close contact with cancer patients.

I think you should think pink - fabulous! x
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I have heard of this amazing program. Love that pink wig on you Trish! :) and if you need any make-up tips...feel free to ask me ;) hehehe..
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I hadn't heard of this, but what a great idea. My hairdresser also has clients that are undergoing chemo, they open up the salon out of hours specifically for them - thank god for people like Kerri-Anne and Jane McGrath for pushing these sorts of initiatives.
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What a fantastic program - I had never heard of it. Thanks for posting it and I think the pink rocks too! Cheers, Mez
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What a wonderful program! I hadn't heard of them before but will now show my support by following them on Facebook. And honestly, you really do rock the pink hair! xox
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Having known about the program for years due to our own experiences, I'm glad you've had this opportunity at the start of your journey Trish...and coloured hair suits you. ;) xx

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What a fantastic program. Love the pink! x

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