A summer collection just isn’t a summer collection without colourful hats and scarves. You know the kind, those who add some sunshine to your wardrobe. Think flowers—both the lush and the stylised ones—and ethnic prints that would be all the rage in Ibiza or any other sunny destination. Next, we’ve got easy breezy materials, like the very trendy cotton gauze we used for our new headscarf called Hannah. Oh and have you met Ella, our brand new loop turban style? Let it inspire you to shine away, not minding the hair loss. Because even with alopecia or during chemotherarpy, you’re allowed to shine bright like a diamond!
Blog
Info on chemo, stylingtips, news,...
Going through cancer treatment is learning about strengths you didn't know you had
News
Our online shop stays open during corona lockdown
These last few days, so many people have asked me whether we would close down the web shop because of corona lockdown measures that I decided to dedicate today’s blog post to the subject. The answer is NO (or… not yet!)
Still sending out all webshop orders
As long as our warehouse colleagues are allowed to work and we can provide a safe environment for them, we will keep wrapping up orders and shipping them. Rest assured, we re-evaluate the situation every morning, adjusting to any new measures and drawing up plans for action. Safety first!
... but small delays may occur
The various postal and shipping partners we work with are still at it, too. However, things in the online sales world are so busy right now that shipping might experience small delays. Our apologies, but we ask for your patience in these unusual lockdown times. Not of weeks, but of one, maybe two, exceptionally three days. We are giving it our all to get your order to you in time.
But cancer and alopecia can’t wait until the corona crisis has passed
Is this the part where I beg you to order something because us entrepreneurs are faced with financial losses? Of course not. At Rosette la Vedette, money has never been our first concern. NEVER! But cancer and alopecia can’t wait until the corona crisis has passed. If you’re losing your hair now, you want a solution now.
Not out of stock yet
That’s why we’ll keep on pampering your mind and body with colours and softness, for as long as we can. I can’t tell you yet if we’ll receive whatever’s still due from our summer collection, as some fabrics are stuck due to corona. But we do have a well-stocked webshop with more than enough on the virtual racks to help you out.
Stay connected
A tip to conclude this email: go on and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. In this flood of doom and gloom, we’d like to offer you a bit of respite there. With positive vibes, feel-good tips and a dash of colour to brighten the mood. Let’s make the best of it, together.
Take care and stay safe,
Wendy
Designer & Owner Rosette la Vedette
Styling & Beauty
Make-over shoot: Dorien and Ruth have their picture taken on the Day against Cancer
Never before have Dorien and Ruth been restyled while standing in front of the lens of a professional photographer. But then they applied for our pampering afternoon on the occasion of the Flemish Day Against Cancer. Our goal? To take their minds off cancer for an entire day. How that turned out exactly? Just look at how radiant and confident they look on their pictures. Get inspired by their three new 'total looks', courtesy of fashion partner Xandres, and read on for tips and tricks by both our stylist and make-up artist.
So who are Dorien and Ruth?
Dorien (left in the picture) is 47, lives in the Netherlands and has a management position in the healthcare sector. She’s not fond of shopping, even less enthusiastic about being in front of a camera, and by no means a daily user of social media. And yet she signed up for this very day of restyling. Dorien figured that since her breast cancer treatment demands her to be brave, she might as well use some of that courage to take on a make-over!
Ruth (on the right) from Belgium is 43 and works as a production planner in a large chemical company. She didn't sign up for herself but for her two boys. Although they do understand that mom is ill—Ruth is being treated with chemo for lymphoma—they tend to get a bit impatient for her to recover. Ruth was eager to show them that, despite her illness, she can still have fun and look beautiful in cool clothes.
Look 1: A feminine power look for the office
Dorien very much wanted to try on a suit for work. But we didn't find a classic two-piece ensemble that was right for her. What we did was emphasise her strength with a tough leather jacket, while underlining her tender side with a beautiful pink blouse in flowing fabric and on-trend checkered pants. Cool ankle boots top off the look. Same goes for the matching Liz scarf from our collection. Pure woman power!
Ruth, on the other hand, was very excited to try on a maxi dress. A first-class idea, for she certainly has the length it takes to rock one of those. We opted for warm tones to match her brown eyes, and added pizzazz to the checkered dress with a pair of knee-high boots and a fine, glossy turtleneck pullover. Add the colourful Marlene hat in brick orange, a pair of large statement earrings, and bam: Ruth has got it going on!
Look 2: casual for quality time with the kids or friends
Dorien is a long-standing devotee of a pair of jeans topped with a V-necked blouse. Perfectly fine for casual occasions, but we preferred to jazz things up a bit with a beautiful statement coat (again, checkers are this season's trend) and edgy white ankle boots. Dorien is over the moon about these perfectly fitting jeans. Though she wouldn't immediately have picked the colour of the pullover herself, it only took a dozen of compliments for her to suggest: "Maybe I should indeed give up on all the black". And just look at her burgundy Liz scarf: so much gentler against her light blue eyes than gloomy black.
Meanwhile, Ruth is looking like the coolest mom at the school gate. That was the image we had in mind when we put together this Xandres outfit for her. A comfortable pair of jeans, an easy turtleneck sweater, and kick-ass sneakers. As for the icing on the cake: a long faux fur vest. A bold move but oh so soft and warm. Perhaps a little bit out of Ruth's comfort zone, but wouldn't you agree that she is totally rocking this outfit? "It is as though this scarf was tailor-made to match the outfit", Ruth points out with surprise.
Look 3: very chic for date night with their love(r)
A party dress! Dorien, courageous as ever, brings up the idea herself. Only last year she arrived at a party in a black dress and immediately warned the other guests: "Yes alright, no comment, it’s a dress, I know!" Although dresses are not really her cup of tea, she still wanted to get out of her comfort zone during this make-over. Black clothes slim down, you say? Well, maybe, but just look at how this petroleum snake print matches her eyes and complexion.
Combining print with print is a real fun experiment you should give a try yourself. Just look at the matching Marlene hat if you need proof! And while we’re at it, here are some more tricks. We emphasised Dorien’s waist with a belt, while the suede ankle boots with heels and matching deep shade panty hose extend her legs. Is this lady glowing or what?
Ruth has lost quite a bit of weight due to her treatment. As she thinks she is still too skinny, she warmly welcomes every extra kilo she can put on. This outfit nicely wraps her slim legs and bottom. No traditional dress for Ruth, but a shirt dress she can wear as a kimono with matching wide-legged trousers. The print and the sumptuous smooth fabric work like a charm.
And then there’s the finishing touch: a burgundy Liz scarf that we wrap around her pretty head like a turban, plus statement earrings to accentuate Ruth’s neckline. Not to forget the high-heeled crocodile boots she is rocks as if they were slippers…
Thanks to…
Anja for the wonderful pictures, Sarah for the perfect styling, and Claudia for the subtle touch of makeup. Xandres for the garments and matching shoes, and Fleurfatale for the earrings: two fully-fledged Belgian labels that we hold dear (yes sir, the Day against Cancer happened to coincide with the Belgian Fashion Week). And of course, thanks to Dorien and Ruth. For their courage, their enthusiasm, their energy and their great vibes! Wish you all the best, ladies!
Chemo advice
Five super tips for a good conversation with your doctor or specialist
Do you ever walk out after a consultation with your doctor with an unfulfilled feeling and a fuzzy head? You’re not alone. The nerves sometimes make you forget to ask important questions about your diagnosis or treatment. And the medical lingo can become so complex that you may lose track. These five tips will help you engage in a good conversation with your doctor.
1. Write down all of your questions beforehand
During the weeks and days before your appointment, all kinds of questions tend to pop up in your head. Be sure to bundle them into a list: write them down on paper or make notes on your smartphone. Choose the method that suits you best.
This will give you a guideline to fall back on during the consultation. Tell your doctor right away that you have compiled a list of questions. This way, you can go through the lot of them together and your doctor will know that you are looking for extra information and clear communication is important to you.
Are you worried that you will forget the answers or tips from your doctor? Write down the most important things during the consultation. This way, you can have another look at everything afterwards and let things sink in.
2. Bring someone along to the doctor's appointment
Are you stressed out or frightened about the consultation? You may find the presence of a friend, family member, partner or colleague helpful. If the pressure really gets the upper hand, ask whether that person will also accompany you on your way up to the appointment. Driving yourself or hopping on a bus or tram all wound up is simply not a wise decision at such a time.
In the waiting room, you’ll feel less alone and time will pass more quickly if you can have a chat or share your concerns. Of course, you only ask someone who is truly supportive of you and with whom you feel 100% at ease.
If you are concerned about forgetting information shared with you during the consultation or if you feel a little insecure, don't be shy to invite your friend to join you in the doctor's office. The two of you together will always hear more than you would do alone! And afterwards you can discuss the consultation together.
3. Do not hesitate to ask for additional information
Don't let your MP’s vocabulary scare you off. It is quite normal that you don’t understand everything your physician seems to take for granted. After all, you are entering a new world and your doctor has probably been in medicine for quite some time.
Have the courage to interrupt your if you don’t fully understand certain things and ask if he or she can reformulate things in plain English. Doctors who are passionate about their profession will be happy to elaborate.
4. Don't dodge the taboo
Are you experiencing any constipation from chemotherapy? Do you suffer from pain during sex due to the hormone treatment? There are issues that you may find difficult to talk about with your doctor. Yet they do affect your wellbeing and your quality of life. Addressing a problem is the start of the path towards a solution. That is why you should also discuss the more difficult themes or taboo subjects with your doctor.
Since you most definitely aren’t the first patient having to deal with annoying side effects or problems, you will certainly not cause a stir. Should your doctor be unable to advise you, he or she will refer you to a colleague or specialist who could be of better assistance to you.
5. Ask for an easily accessible helpline
In between doctor's appointments, new questions, side effects or problems may arise. And because of a busy schedule, it might be difficult to get a hold of your doctor.
Therefore, during the consultation, ask who you can turn to in case of urgent questions. In many cases there is a dedicated nurse or patient coach who can discuss your issue with you on short notice. They will answer your questions in close consultation with the doctor, so that you can be helped at any time.
Inquire about how best to reach this person: by phone, by e-mail, by appointment... This way, you always have a helpline at hand.
More tips & tricks? Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for a daily dose of inspiration and feel good info.
Styling & Beauty
Spice up your grey chemo hat with these 3 tips
A grey chemo scarf or hat caught your eye but don't you want to look stuffy? Mix it up with flashy fashion colours or fresh pastel shades. No more pale or tired looking skin. Instead, say hello to your fresh new look!
Whoever said grey is boring sure didn’t take a proper look at our collection! Because this colour of chemo hat can be worn with just about any outfit in your wardrobe: from party proof to casual, or outspoken to sober. Combine this timeless essential with a bright colour or fresh pastel shade and you will see what the effect is on your appearance and complexion: fresher, younger and waiting for compliments.
Although you might prefer keeping a low profile after hair loss due to alopecia or chemotherapy, a splash of colour can give you that little bit of extra confidence. Thanks to these three tips, you can wear your grey scarf or hat with grace:
Tip 1: Pick a colourful print for your grey hat
Are we looking at a fashionable leopard print or rather something like a contemporary painting? One thing is guaranteed: this print is a gem. Marlene Precieuse is a chemo hat that mixes and matches grey with mustard yellow and clear blue to create a designer pattern. A top combo that will inspire you on the spot. How would you feel about a ginger top or bright blue jersey to go with your hat? Or better still: combine your blue cardigan with a mustard handbag for a sh’bam effect.
Tip 2: Combine grey with a vivid trend colour
Pink, red, purple, green and mustard yellow mark this autumn's wear. Precisely the colours which give your sober grey scarf a real boost. Liz Crystal is a subtle grey chemo scarf which you’ll wear with just about any playful trend colour. Don't overthink it, just go for it!
Tip 3: Light up your grey chemo hat with crisp pastel
Pastel shades never cease to impress. And rightly so, because the powder tones illuminate your eyes and lend a healthy look to your face. Moreover, they are less harsh on pale complexions than classic whites. So, yes, grey and pastel are a match made in heaven. Combine this grey Marlene Misty in a classy look with powder pink or baby blue. Add an eye-catching necklace and statement earrings, and you're all set for a night on the town.
Feel like discovering more chemo hats and chemo scarves in shades of grey? >>
Styling & Beauty
Why green and blue hats work wonders for your complexion when facing hair loss
Have you ever had a hot flush? Red cheeks from the chemo or all the cortisone you are taking for the side-effects? Or simply because of the cold? Or maybe you’ve had rosacea for years? And you feel your cheeks burning. All you can see in the mirror are two round, flushed cheeks.
May I share my personal tip? Why don’t you try wearing a green or a blue chemo scarf or hat? It really helps, I promise! The cool hue of the green or blue will soften the red of your cheeks. While these colours won’t get rid of the redness altogether, of course, they create an optical illusion: you will look less ‘hot and bothered’. Your complexion looks healthier and brighter, and your eyes will light up. Just what you’re looking for in the heat of the chemo battle, right?
What’s more, green and blue combine well with many other colours. And they look softer than black as well. Last but not least, it’s a myth that only redheads look better in green and blondes should wear blue. Just have a look at the Rosette la Vedette collection if you don’t believe us: we have cooler shades of blue such as Navy or Dreamy Blue, as well as warmer hues including Night Blue and even warm prints like our Finesse. The same applies to green, which comes in aqua, khaki, olive and everything in between, so there is something for everyone.
Have you chosen your favourite blue or green chemo hat? >>
Headwear tips & tricks
How to stay itch-free under your winter or summer hat
Do you love hats? Or has someone suggested that you experiment with a hat during chemo because it looks so stylish? Go for it! Hats are right back in fashion and they give your look a real dash of style. But bear in mind that a wool or felt winter hat might feel scratchy against your scalp. On hot summer days, your sensitive skin might soon get irritated under your lovely straw boater. But that’s easy to fix: wear a light cap or scarf underneath!
Chemo sleep caps: soft and discreet
Yes, that’s right: you can wear your chemo sleep cap under your hat during the day as well. Your sensitive scalp can definitely use an extra layer of comfort during chemo, in a neutral or fun colour or print. The thing is that ordinary hats are not designed to be worn directly against the scalp. They often have a band, ribbon or stitching on the inside that may irritate your skin. The material itself can also make your skin feel itchy: wool or felt for winter hats, or the straw or paper used for sunhats in summer. In that case, our chemo hats with a soft finish come straight to the rescue!
Read more: 5 reasons why you can’t do without a sleep cap >>
Have a look at our range of super-soft chemo sleep caps >>
A chemo bandana with a knot at the nape of your neck: right on trend
Meet the lightest chemo head scarf in our collection: Audrey. A feather-light bandana tied at the neck with one or two simple knots. Finished without abrasive stitching or elastic, in a light and airy cotton mix. The perfect head wrap to wear under your trendy straw boater or super-feminine panama hat this summer. Wear the knot nice and low at the nape of your neck, because an extra section of fabric at the back makes sure this chemo head wrap sufficiently covers your hairline. Wraps that sit too high on your neck will leave your neck uncovered, which is not a good look and may make you feel less confident. Just leave the two short ties peeking out from under your hat, to create a fashionable, feminine touch. Available in solid colours and a selection of trendy, colourful prints.
News
Spring 2019 lookbook: explore our summery selection of chemo hats and scarves
Navy stripes, pink, coral, army green, fresh minty hues, eye-popping candy colours, timeless shades of beige and greige... This season, literally EVERYTHING seems to be in fashion. That makes life easier, because we all want to keep up with the trends, but we like our chemo hats and scarves to stand out as well. And we’re certainly not slavish followers of every passing fad. On the contrary: we believe that every woman with temporary or permanent hair loss should have an opportunity to pick the most beautiful chemo hat or chemo scarf from our collection. Essentially that means the headgear that suits her best of all. Whether you go for solid colour or a print, with or without ribbons, the choice is entirely up to you.
Chemo advice
Common clichés about chemotherapy: luckily they aren’t always true...
Once the word ‘chemo’ drops, people start talking. Suddenly everyone you know knows someone else who has had chemotherapy. Along with all the tips and expressions of sympathy, the ever-present clichés about cancer and chemo are often the things that stay on your mind for longest. “My colleague was throwing up every single day”, “I know someone who couldn’t get out of bed for four months”, “My mother was a completely different person after she had cancer”... But do the clichés apply to everyone? Our designer Wendy compares the three things she hears most often to her own personal experience.
Cliché #1: “You are going to feel so nauseous”
Wendy: “When a character in a film or TV series is diagnosed with cancer, you can be certain that you will be treated to one or more vomiting scenes. Vomiting and chemo seem to be inextricably linked. And yet that isn’t always how it plays out. The type of chemo you get will determine how nauseous you get. What is more, some people are more susceptible to nausea and vomiting than others.
This has a lot to do with the ‘vomiting complex’ located in your brain, which is triggered by toxins in your body (i.e. chemotherapy), provoking nausea and vomiting. This vomiting complex is more easily triggered in some people than others. Fortunately you will be given special medication with most forms of chemotherapy to prevent or lessen nausea and vomiting. Your doctors will do everything they can to counter the side-effects of chemo wherever possible.
After the first three sessions I did feel nauseous, but I never actually had to vomit because I took my anti-emetics. And when my stomach was upset, I tried to rest as much as possible and concentrate on my breathing. After the last three sessions, with a different type of chemo, I didn’t feel nauseous. On the contrary: as soon as they removed the IV from my arm I’d get really hungry, with a particular appetite for fatty foods. It turned into a ritual: straight from the hospital to the chip shop...
But you hear so many different stories. A friend of mine had to be hospitalised for a couple of days after every chemo session because she vomited so much that she was at risk of dehydration. Other people go home after chemo and bake a cake. So no, the cliché doesn’t always apply...”
Cliché #2: “You won’t have the energy to do anything”
Wendy: “Here again, it depends on the type of chemo, the individual and how they feel from day to day. Some people need to stay in bed for weeks, but increasingly often you hear that the treatments are so finely tuned that the side-effects are less harsh than they were ten years ago. That means you will feel less tired and recover faster. I know women who continue to go on bike rides, attend dance classes and meet up with friends on good days. And there are even exception cases where people go into work every day as usual.
My golden tip? Make sure that you get enough rest. Even on days when you feel like superwoman (or superman). Obviously, I would take full advantage of a good day. I’d go shopping or take the train to the seaside for a nice walk. I wanted to spend as much time outdoors as I could. And of course I didn’t have as many good, energetic days after my sixth chemo session as I had done after one or two. But I soon learned to respect my limits and to stop when I needed to. The trick is not to keep going until you hit your limit, but a bit before that, so you build up a reserve.
I used to tell myself, “Every minute that I rest now means that I will recover two minutes faster after chemo”. Perhaps I was being naive, but rationing my energy like that did work for me. I did almost all of my shopping myself, cooked, continued to go out and catch up with friends. Sometimes I managed, sometimes I didn’t. But never forget: nobody is forcing you to go flat out: you have nothing to prove, not even to yourself.”
Cliché #3: “You’ll never be the same after chemo”
Wendy: “Chemo does affect you. For sure. Your body suffers, during and after your chemotherapy treatment. People often say that chemo will make you age faster, by up to ten years. I wouldn’t take that too literally, but it is true that chemo can be quite a strain on your body.
Cancer also takes a mental toll and that can be hard to shake off. Often you only fully realise what happened to you after all the physical discomfort is far behind you. So how can you pick up where you left off after a difficult course of cancer treatment? This is an issue that a lot of people struggle with. And that is perfectly normal.
So there is some truth to the statement that chemo or cancer will change you. But “change” can also be “change for the better”. At least that’s how I feel about it, and so do many other people who have had cancer in the past. You learn to listen to your body better and take more care of it. How many people make more of an effort to exercise after cancer, take up yoga or start going swimming? Or start eating more healthily because it makes them feel more energetic? I go to yoga two or three times a week and try to walk for an hour every day. On busy days, I only manage a 15 minute walk, but every little helps. Not a day goes by without fruit and veg and a good night’s sleep. I only drink alcohol very rarely: it’s not that difficult to get used to once you know why you’re doing it.
And now I dare to listen much more closely to what I want. Doing something I don’t want to do? It was never my greatest strength, but now I make much better choices. I don’t get as easily upset over pointless things. When I can’t control things, I let them go. And above all: always do what you like doing. Because it will energise you. Without this insight, I would never have started Rosette la Vedette and would have never become an entrepreneur. Cancer was the push I needed. It would have been a pity not to do anything with that insight.”
Two very important tips when you're about to start chemotherapy treatment
1/ Don’t believe everything you read on online forums. Stick to the tips and advice from your doctor and nurse and don’t listen to tall stories and popular myths. Your doctor and your nurse know you and know what you need.
2/ Don’t continuously compare yourself to other cancer patients. It will only make you feel even more uncertain and unhappy. You’ll always find someone who feels better than you do. What matters most is listening to your body and concentrating on what does work, not on what doesn’t. Everyone is different, every treatment is different and every moment is different.
Asking for help is strength, not weakness
Chemo advice
10 fascinating facts about your nails before, during and after chemotherapy
Yes, there are photos and stories online about nails that fall out after chemotherapy. But fortunately most women don’t have such bad luck. Everyone does suffer from weak and brittle nails, however. So how do you keep your nails healthy for as long as possible during your chemo treatments? What can you do beforehand to limit the damage? And how do your nails recover after the chemo? Find out in these 10 fascinating facts about chemo and nails.
1/ What side-effects can chemotherapy have on my nails?
Chemotherapy, especially the types with taxanes (such as Taxotere) may cause your nails to become dry, brittle and fragile. They may also discolour or develop grooves or ridges and at worst they may fall off. Whether or not you experience these side-effects depends on the type of chemo and the doses. Ask your nurse or doctor for more information. And here’s a handy tip: while these side-effects are often difficult to prevent, there is a lot you can do to deal with the damaging effect of chemo on your nails.
2/ How should I care for my nails?
Keep your nails short as soon as you start chemo. Make sure the edges are straight and smooth, so not too short on the outside. This prevents ingrown nails or possible infections. Like your skin, your nails will benefit from some additional moisturising to prevent dryness during chemo. You can use a special nail oil or cream for this, but a good nourishing hand cream might well be all you need. Massage the cream into your cuticles, the skin around your nails, and the nails themselves. And don’t forget your toenails!
3/ Chemo: can I use nail polish?
Your nails will suffer less if you go for natural nails. Doctors advise against wearing nail polish all the time. But you can wear nail polish on special occasions if you feel like it. It is recommended to use nail polish without alcohol or acetone. Start by applying a colourless, nourishing base coat so that the colour does not penetrate your brittle nail. Remove your nail polish the same day if possible, or the next day, using a gentle nail polish remover without acetone or other aggressive ingredients.
4/ Why should I wear gloves when cleaning or doing the dishes?
For two reasons. You will avoid bumping your nails, which may break or split them. And you also reduce the risk of cuts and scratches, for example when gardening or doing a DIY job. Wounds take longer to heal during chemo and can result in infections, something you must avoid at all costs if lymph nodes were removed during surgery (from your armpit, for example).
Here’s another tip: you should also wear gloves when doing the dishes. Brittle chemo nails loathe cleaning products. It’s best to avoid corrosive cleaning products altogether.
5/ Does it hurt to bite your nails?
Nail biting is definitely not a good idea. Your nails are already very brittle because of the chemo and biting them will only aggravate the problem. You should avoid this at all costs, especially if you have a habit of chewing the skin around your nails. The last thing you need during chemo are wounds on your hands and fingers as they are exposed to so many bacteria on a daily basis.
6/ Can vitamins or supplements help counteract typical ‘chemo nails’?
Pharmacies sell all kinds of vitamins and supplements for stronger nails. In many cases, however, their effect has not been scientifically proven, or not sufficiently. What’s more, you have to be careful when taking supplements during chemotherapy. Not all supplements are completely harmless. Some substances or ingredients may interfere with the effects of the chemo or other medication. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor and remember always to inform your nurse or doctor of any supplements or additional therapies you are taking.
7/ Can I have a manicure or pedicure during chemotherapy?
Do you want your nails to look fabulous before you start chemo? Then by all means, go and get them done before your very first chemo treatment. And what if you want to continue pampering yourself during chemo? Feel free to keep getting the occasional manicure or pedicure but make sure that nothing happens that might cause wounds or infections. Doctors advise against having your cuticles trimmed. A relaxing hand massage, a professional manicure or a super-nourishing mask can work wonders.
Do you have serious problems with your nails (on your hands or feet)? Talk to your doctor. Some hospitals have specially-trained medical manicure and pedicure professionals in their oncology team, or they might be able to refer you to a trained specialist.
8/ Do I have to wear those horribly cold frozen gloves in hospital?
Most hospitals will require you to wear frozen gloves if they are administering taxane-based chemo treatments. The cold reduces the blood circulation in your hands, preventing the chemo from reaching your nails. The cold can be very intense for the first few minutes and some patients find it really unpleasant. But the long-term effects outweigh the temporary discomfort. Ask for an extra blanket or take a warm wrap with you. Tip: don’t forget your feet! If the hospital doesn’t have special ‘cold socks’, request an additional pair of gloves and put them on your feet.
9/ How long will it take before my nails look normal again after my cancer treatment?
Your nails will recover after the chemo. For some people this takes a few months and for others a year or longer. If you experience difficulties or pain during your recovery, talk to your doctor. They can refer you to specialists for special treatments if necessary.
10/ Does hormone therapy to treat breast cancer have an effect on my nails?
Hormone therapy may affect your nails. They might be left brittle and dry long after your chemotherapy has ended, and continue to split. The tips for protecting them are essential the same as for chemotherapy: keep your nails trimmed, moisturise them and keep products and treatments that make them even more brittle to a minimum.
Chemo nails? Remember that we always look at the effects of chemo in the majority of people. Everyone’s body responds differently to chemotherapy and exceptions to the rule are always possible. Do you have doubts or questions? Talk to your doctor, oncology coach or nurse. Their personalised advice takes precedence over our tips.