I Feared I’d Never Look the Same. Little Did I Know,
I Could Look Better Post-Chemo!
Written by Chemo Warrior & Activist Sara Whittick.
DISCLAIMER: This account contains first-hand experiences of a chemo warrior. In case you are sensitive about the trials & tribulations of this difficult time, please know that this story has a hopeful, happy ending.
I knew I wasn’t going to die.
But I might as well have been dead!
My oncologist had warned me of the nausea, the pain, the diarrhea.
Nothing could have prepared me for how different I’d look once the weight loss, the hyperpigmentation, and of course - the “bald as a baby” hair fall kicked in.
For the first time in my life, I loathed people.
Parties. Silly laughs… the tinkle of wine glasses.
As if my whole world and identity were not crumbling around me.
I feared that I would never recapture my beauty. And I despised who I saw in the mirror.
I was 52. I was as haggard as 70! Chemo does that to you.
My wake-up call was 16 messages on my phone. From my sister. She was scared sick.
I hadn’t spoken to anyone in weeks. I hadn’t responded to calls. I had blocked out the world because I was so ashamed of my appearance. But when I opened my apartment door to let my sister in, she was ecstatic. Her eyes lit up… she hugged me.
And said: “Oh.. You are the best sight in the world right now Sara! You have no idea how terrified I’d been… We thought you’d done something… to yourself”
In that moment, a switch flipped. Epiphany.
I was STILL beautiful. To the people who cared. That’s the truth.
For the rest…..
If I was alive… I could re-build my body. Regain my looks.
I was STILL beautiful. To the people who cared. That’s the truth. For the rest….. If I was alive… I could re-build my body. Regain my looks.
And My Warrior Queen, So Can You!
I’ve gone on the quest for you!
Here are 4 experience based tips to help you care for your femininity post chemo, and look better than what you’ve ever done:
1. Upgrade Your Diet.
Eat foods high in estrogen (like chickpeas) and in fiber (like lentils, fresh fruits, or bulgur and wheat berries).
Estrogen (when naturally consumed) improves your skin’s elasticity and your overall complexion.
Fiber assists bowel movement. It balances your inflammation circuit, improving mood, mental clarity, and getting rid of brain fog.
If you want to live your best life.. You must feel energized.
2. Take Hyperpigmentation & Paleness Head On
Don’t have to be two shades darker because of enlarged blood capillaries.
And neither do you want to be pale as a sheet… devoid of buzz and life.
Shift to an all-natural skincare routine. Only water based products approved by your oncologist and dermatologist.
Next, ditch the dozens of cosmetic items you layer all over your face to “hide the imperfections”. Acne will come.
My advice is - Embrace it.
Look like yourself. All of yourself! Wrinkles and pores included.
Let that skin breathe.
I have diligently used PrimeWand Pigment to pump glow and color back into my tired face.
It’s a multi-tasking stick that triples as my lipstick, blush, and tint. I start sheer… just stroking it on, and buffing it in with my fingers.
Gives the most natural kiss of color. Healthy and vigorous. Without blocking my pores, or leaving stickiness and residue behind. My skin, only better.
3. Build Your Brows
When I started my journey, I searched for the easiest way to look a whole lot better. I read journals. They all said one thing - Brows.
Brows frame our face. Groomed, full brows flatter you. Period.
But… I did not have any.. And didn’t have the skill to stroke on individual hairs either.
Thankfully, PrimeBrow Complete came to my rescue.
It’s a 3-in-1 brow wand that combs unruly hair, and holds it in place with a shea butter mousse.
The serum doubles brow hair growth in 4-8 weeks.
When I had no brows at all, I would wipe off some of the tint from the spoolie using a tissue, and apply the rest where my brows were… It is easy and I managed it, despite the hand tremors.
The real game changer was the serum though! It took me from no brows to dark hair follicles - in 6 weeks.
4. Stay Away From Falsies
Lash glue is about the worst thing you can do to your sparse eyelashes, once they start growing back.
Steer clear of waterproof mascaras too. They are drying and cause brittleness.
I found success with PrimeLash Mascara. It is formulated for us chemo warriors. The world’s #1 serum mascara - It gives you fantastic lash length and volume right now.
And the bioactive nutrients in it coax eyelash growth with use. Can you believe that? An effective mascara with treatment-like qualities?
I didn’t… I was super skeptical. But decided to trust the 5000+ positive reviews on their site.
Prime Didn’t Pay Me, I’ve Paid Them…
I wanted to write this piece to help more women benefit from my advice.
I’ve been a Prime customer for well over a year. Probably for life.
Their CEO, Tatesha, comes from a family of oncologists. And she and her team diligently donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc.
We have to pick our battles when battling chemo. I chose to place my trust in Prime and its research. I invite you to learn more about them.
Make your life easy too!
Created With Love For Warriors
Healing Research
Improves skin, lashes & brows.
Hypoallergenic
Tested with 1200 mature women.
Multi-tasking
Use less to look better.
