Sometimes things catch your eye. I stumbled across ‘Chemo Chic‘ initially as a group on Facebook and then I found the blog….
‘Chemo Chic‘ is a fabulously written blog by Jessica Jones .. it’s not depressing or mournful.. instead it’s full of life and vigour and stuff that makes you laugh out loud. Jessica was diagnosed with Breast Cancer earlier this year, she’s not much older than me.
Cancer is devastating. It brings huge amounts of scary stuff into ordinary people’s lives who were quietly (or not so quietly) going about their own business and doing quite nicely without any great drama. Jessica says “Once one has got past the fear of death, the most traumatising aspect of breast cancer is that it unleashes a savage assault on one’s femininity: first they take your breast, then your hair.” One of her friends coined the phrase ‘chemo chic’ and the idea for the blog was born – how to work the look you’ve ended up with, that is so synonymous with cancer treatments.
Chemo Chic A Guide to Surviving Breast Cancer With Style
Chemo chic: the rules
The secret to working the Chemo Chic look is to wear lashings of lipstick and huge earrings.
If you don’t have a good relationship with a hairdresser, develop one — fast. He or she will be a major source of support if you go through the trauma of losing your hair.
Everybody means well and everybody knows someone who has partaken of a miracle cancer cure. Take these with a pinch of salt and try not to spend too much time on the internet.
The anti-sickness drugs you are given are very constipating. A strong cup of Laksetee before bed is a big help.
A daily gratitude list is a great way to keep things in perspective. Simply jot down five things each morning, but they have to be a different five things every day.
If the thought of writing a gratitude list makes you want to puke, write a list of “Things I got free today”.
Once all the hairs in your nostrils fall out your nose runs all the time. Stock up on pocket packets of Kleenex Balsam tissues.
Your lips can get very dry. It is wise to keep tubes of lip balm in every handbag, by your bed and in the car.
Accept help — it’s rude not to.
A helmet-head wig is a dead giveaway. Look for a wig that’s a bit messy and has lots of movement in it.
A teaspoon of manuka honey a day helps to keep mouth ulcers at bay.
Another sure sign you’re wearing a wig is that there is no scalp visible at the crown. Wear a hat over your wig to cover up the truth.
A Hermès scarf always cuts a dash.
Cancer is not the enemy. Fear is the enemy.
ChemoChic has been featured in The Times (click to read more) and received some great reviews – don’t take my word for it, here’s what some other folk have said:
Funny and informative and not at all sentimental – Rosie Boycott
Cool but courageous – funny and serious – moving yet frivolous… a surprisingly life-affirming view of a cruel life-threatening illness. A blog that delivers and certainly the only one I’m reading at the moment. – J.J.Connolly
Irrepresibly positive and honest; can I say entertaining? – Sally Curry
The Blog is beautifully brilliant, vital and so directional darling – Michael Rosen
Do go and visit Jessica’s blog: http://chemochic.blogspot.com for a dose of her life and humour. The blog also contains useful links and information about Macmillan, Haircare, Fashion and Cosmetics advice, Healthfood, Art and everything chic and not so chic when you’re living with cancer.
Three cheers for Chemo Chic!
