Just put on a little lipstick…by Laura Hall
My mother was a firm believer in lipstick. She felt lipstick could pull you through most anything difficult in life you were facing. As young girls, we used to make fun of her for this. If we failed a test, had a huge zit, or a broken heart her answer was just put on a little lipstick, and no one will notice. I remembered her own battle with cancer and how she always tried to look her best, and it lifted her spirits.
Just a little lipstick became my mantra last spring when I myself heard those three words you have cancer. The Look Good Feel Better program is something my Mom would have loved. I signed up for a class the week after my first chemo treatment. I wanted to be prepared for skin changes and hair loss that would be happening to me very soon. I was amazed at the fabulous make up I received. All the big cosmetic firms were represented in my kit. What a blessing that was! Mary, not only taught me shading and penciling techniques, she gave me tips on tying scarves and picking out other types of head coverings. She encouraged us to go find some fun wigs and hairpieces and try them on. Mary reminded me to keep a positive attitude and make the most of every day.
This advice came in very handy one rainy Monday morning. I am a trainer and I had to face a roomful of new hires. I was already wearing hats because the hair on my head was gone, but I still had eyelashes and eyebrows, thin ones but still there. I washed my face that morning and all the remaining hair washed right off on my washcloth. After a short meltdown, I grabbed my LGFB kit and penciled in my brows and lashes, and of course added my lipstick, and headed in to work. I could hear my Mothers advice mixed with Mary’s attitude, lipstick and shading will get you through, and it did. I am thankful to say, today I am cancer free. I will continue to encourage other cancer patients to attend a Look Good Feel Better session. The program truly lives up to the name. I signed up to be a volunteer with the program. I want to give back to the program that helped me feel better during those difficult months.
