ethnic issues-it's a hair/skin thing

ketziah35
ketziah35 Member Posts: 1,145
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Ok. I have been trying to figure out a way to ask this questions without seeming shallow and insensitve and I can figure out no way to address this nagging question, because we are all the same inside our outer shells are different.

Is there anyone that knows how to take care of black hair and skin during chemo ? You have to watch the products that you use and not being "neat" is causing my mother depression which is probably also increased due to her chemo treatments.

There.

No throwing tomatoes please!

Ktz

Comments

  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #2
    I know ...
    less than nothing about this issue, but the "Look Good Feel Better" program may be a help.
  • ketziah35
    ketziah35 Member Posts: 1,145
    #3
    AnneCan said:

    I know ...
    less than nothing about this issue, but the "Look Good Feel Better" program may be a help.

    Thanks so much! I had never
    Thanks so much! I had never heard of this program.

    Ktz
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #4
    Ktz
    I don't have a clue but wanted to tell you not to be afraid to ask anything. There is one member, Luv3jay, who may have some answers for you. She is black, Stage IV, 3 young children and has been through so much and still finds time to post. As a cyberfriend, she is wonderful, and I'm sure she will be more than happy to assist.

    Tina
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #5
    ketziah35 said:

    Thanks so much! I had never
    Thanks so much! I had never heard of this program.

    Ktz

    LGFB
    LGFB is an excellent program designed to help women with the physical aspects of cancer. In Canada it is funded by the Cosmetics companies through their association CCTFA. I think it is similar in the US, but I think there is information on the American Cancer Society website. They help with hair, skin, cosmetics issues + they are at most cancer centres. The program is free + you get free samples too. Good luck!
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #6
    ketziah35 said:

    Thanks so much! I had never
    Thanks so much! I had never heard of this program.

    Ktz

    Look Good, Feel Better
    Through the American Cancer Society - a great FREE program (with a tote full of samples).

    One of their people had me feeling and looking human for a formal event I attended 6 treatments into Folfox. I'd lost my eyebrows and most (but not all) of my eyelashes (no mascara for 3 lashes.) What a gift she gave me; I could look in the mirror and not see cancer looking back. My Look Good Feel Better consultant happens to be the make-up and wig consultant at my hairdresser, so I see her frequently, and 2 years later, still hug her every time.

    I'm sure that they'll have cosmetologists who know black skin and hair. Also, a hairdresser should know, as cancer is much more common than we care to realize - someone who knows black hair should know what is safe.

    I hope you find someone to help your mom!
    Alice
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #7
    geotina said:

    Ktz
    I don't have a clue but wanted to tell you not to be afraid to ask anything. There is one member, Luv3jay, who may have some answers for you. She is black, Stage IV, 3 young children and has been through so much and still finds time to post. As a cyberfriend, she is wonderful, and I'm sure she will be more than happy to assist.

    Tina

    .We don't throw tomatoes..We cook bacon and make BLTs for all
    and thats just the way we are....anything from poop to peanuts, cocktails to coconuts, anything you want to ask there will be someone in here to give you a straightup answer...Thats just how it is in here...we goof off to keep upbeat but when someone asks a question, its like jeopardy, trying to get the answer out to the individual as quick as possible and as straightup as possible...We see people in need, not origin, color, or lifestyles. In here its simply a caring, loving, family..and all questions that are asked and the answers given are used in our arsenal to assure that next time maybe the answer will be given quicker...We live, love, and learn here....and you have become part of our family , our arsenal of answers, our "Funk & Wagnal" and in here anything goes...

    OK, now, what was the question ??? sorry to much chemo here :)
  • Strollingthru
    Strollingthru Member Posts: 1
    #8
    Buzzard said:

    .We don't throw tomatoes..We cook bacon and make BLTs for all
    and thats just the way we are....anything from poop to peanuts, cocktails to coconuts, anything you want to ask there will be someone in here to give you a straightup answer...Thats just how it is in here...we goof off to keep upbeat but when someone asks a question, its like jeopardy, trying to get the answer out to the individual as quick as possible and as straightup as possible...We see people in need, not origin, color, or lifestyles. In here its simply a caring, loving, family..and all questions that are asked and the answers given are used in our arsenal to assure that next time maybe the answer will be given quicker...We live, love, and learn here....and you have become part of our family , our arsenal of answers, our "Funk & Wagnal" and in here anything goes...

    OK, now, what was the question ??? sorry to much chemo here :)

    African-American Woman Here
    I get our hair issues. I wore weaves initially with braided hair with a relaxer.When I started chemo,I stopped the relaxer and just used braides. After 2-3 months, as the weave started growing out, I combed the braids out & went to the salon to get them re-braided. My hair began to thin, but the braids were intact. as my hair began to thin more by handfuls, I just had my hairdresser cut a short afro. I began to wear 100% human hair wigs, which I get complemented on.
    The advantage is that my hair is free from relaxers and dye and will have the opportunity to grow back to it's natural state withour chemicals.
    Of course, I have to make sure my wig is secured for the gym and church, if you know what I mean.
  • CherylHutch
    CherylHutch Member Posts: 1,375 Member
    #9
    Buzzard said:

    .We don't throw tomatoes..We cook bacon and make BLTs for all
    and thats just the way we are....anything from poop to peanuts, cocktails to coconuts, anything you want to ask there will be someone in here to give you a straightup answer...Thats just how it is in here...we goof off to keep upbeat but when someone asks a question, its like jeopardy, trying to get the answer out to the individual as quick as possible and as straightup as possible...We see people in need, not origin, color, or lifestyles. In here its simply a caring, loving, family..and all questions that are asked and the answers given are used in our arsenal to assure that next time maybe the answer will be given quicker...We live, love, and learn here....and you have become part of our family , our arsenal of answers, our "Funk & Wagnal" and in here anything goes...

    OK, now, what was the question ??? sorry to much chemo here :)

    Darn you Buzz!! :D
    So, it's just after 11pm here in Vancouver and I just got home... thought I'd sit at the computer and unwind a bit and there you go talking about tomatoes, bacon and BLTs!! I'm starving and now craving... I mean CRAVING a good, toasted BLT with cheese. It's too late at night to add an egg to that and have a BELTCH (I have no idea what the H stands for ... heartburn??? :D

    Hey Ktz! We haven't met and I'm afraid I don't have any answers for your question (but I love reading the suggestions that others have for you)... but I just wanted to echo a post above... there is absolutely no such thing as an insensitive question. Some questions may be harder to answer and may take longer for us to find answers, but when it comes to cancer and the havoc it can play on us physically on the inside and outside, or emotionally on the inside or outside... there are probably questions we now think of that would never have even crossed our minds before! I think this might be called maturing and getting wiser :)

    Can I offer you a half a BLT at this hour??

    Cheryl
    (the hungry one)
  • Nana b
    Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member
    #10
    CherylHutch said:

    Darn you Buzz!! :D
    So, it's just after 11pm here in Vancouver and I just got home... thought I'd sit at the computer and unwind a bit and there you go talking about tomatoes, bacon and BLTs!! I'm starving and now craving... I mean CRAVING a good, toasted BLT with cheese. It's too late at night to add an egg to that and have a BELTCH (I have no idea what the H stands for ... heartburn??? :D

    Hey Ktz! We haven't met and I'm afraid I don't have any answers for your question (but I love reading the suggestions that others have for you)... but I just wanted to echo a post above... there is absolutely no such thing as an insensitive question. Some questions may be harder to answer and may take longer for us to find answers, but when it comes to cancer and the havoc it can play on us physically on the inside and outside, or emotionally on the inside or outside... there are probably questions we now think of that would never have even crossed our minds before! I think this might be called maturing and getting wiser :)

    Can I offer you a half a BLT at this hour??

    Cheryl
    (the hungry one)

    Yum! my old favorite sandwhich!
    Yum!! But I just finished watching the Gerson Miracle, I better pass!

    Watched on netflex

    The Gerson Miracle
    2004NR91 minutes

    Sharing the stories of nine longtime cancer survivors, this program explores the principles and effectiveness of Gerson Therapy, a holistic method of treating cancer and other degenerative diseases developed by Dr. Max Gerson in 1928. Gerson's daughter, Charlotte -- founder of the Gerson Institute -- also discusses her fight to keep the controversial therapy going despite objections from those who question its effectiveness.

    Cast:
    Max Gerson
    Director:
    Stephan H. Kroschel
    Genres:
    Documentary, Science and Nature Documentaries, Healthy Living, Mind & Body
    This movie is:
    Sentimental, Inspiring
    Format:
    DVD and str

    Better go to bed, heading in the morning for Cambria, CA for a day trip with sisters!
  • Kathleen808
    Kathleen808 Member Posts: 2,342 Member
    #11
    CherylHutch said:

    Darn you Buzz!! :D
    So, it's just after 11pm here in Vancouver and I just got home... thought I'd sit at the computer and unwind a bit and there you go talking about tomatoes, bacon and BLTs!! I'm starving and now craving... I mean CRAVING a good, toasted BLT with cheese. It's too late at night to add an egg to that and have a BELTCH (I have no idea what the H stands for ... heartburn??? :D

    Hey Ktz! We haven't met and I'm afraid I don't have any answers for your question (but I love reading the suggestions that others have for you)... but I just wanted to echo a post above... there is absolutely no such thing as an insensitive question. Some questions may be harder to answer and may take longer for us to find answers, but when it comes to cancer and the havoc it can play on us physically on the inside and outside, or emotionally on the inside or outside... there are probably questions we now think of that would never have even crossed our minds before! I think this might be called maturing and getting wiser :)

    Can I offer you a half a BLT at this hour??

    Cheryl
    (the hungry one)

    cheryl!!!
    Hello my friend! I've missed you. So good to see you!!!

    aloha,
    kathleen
  • Kathleen808
    Kathleen808 Member Posts: 2,342 Member
    #12
    ktz
    ktz,
    I don't have an answer for you but I'm glad others did. Please always post any question. These folks here have always come up with answers.

    Aloha,
    Kathleen
  • CherylHutch
    CherylHutch Member Posts: 1,375 Member
    #13
    Kathleen808 said:

    cheryl!!!
    Hello my friend! I've missed you. So good to see you!!!

    aloha,
    kathleen

    Kathleen!!
    And I've missed you too, my friend!! Will catch you out on the boards so I don't go hijacking everyone's topic :)

    Hugggggggs!

    Cheryl
  • luv3jay
    luv3jay Member Posts: 533 Member
    #14
    I have my hair cut really
    I have my hair cut really short. Chemicals didn't really have an impact on my hair. My skin got really dry and the 5Fu made my palms and bottoms of my feet turn pitch black. I used to be embarrassed about handing money to cashiers. This one lady asked me if I worked for an ink printing company. My feet peeled something terrible. I used aquaphore for that. Hope this helps.

    Sheri

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