An Unexpected Blessing
You never know where or when blessings are going to show up. After I lost my locs and was newly bald, I Read More
Breast Cancer and A Sexy Body Image
Today’s blo
g is an example of how a change in your perception can affect your attitude. As we move toward talking more about my research on Body Image and Breast Cancer, let’s begin talking about my latest view of clothing.
A few years ago, I started this process of cleaning out my closet. Yep, emptying everything out of it and trying things on to see how the items looked on me, what needed mending, or what was too big (yeah, right). I only kept those items I loved to wear. That alone cut out half of my wardrobe and cut down on what I bought when I shopped.
Now, I do have a few sentimental pieces, like the dress one of my BFF’s mother made and gave me. Her mom made this dress over 20 years ago. I’m not sure I can even fit into it anymore. But, I just cannot part with it. I guess I could just take a picture of it. “Nah, that won’t work, in this case.” Or I could be kind and give it back to Derise, since she said that particular dress was to be hers. (Wow, the things we remember!)
Look Good, Feel Better
One of the first steps in healing and improving your body image is to feel like you look good in whatever you put on. This confidence unconsciously improves your attitude. Have you ever tried on something you didn’t like or were unsure about? Well, how did that work out for you?
My experiences with breast cancer, subsequent surgeries and research studies uncovered a number of things breast cancer patients were not told. This week’s New York Times Article highlighted one of those issues. Breast numbness often isn’t discussed with Breast Cancer patients. The article further disconcertedly revealed the phrase “it feels natural” was NOT from the perspective of the women who had the mastectomy. “Would you expect anyone to not talk about the patient’s perspective, when it came to knee or hip replacement?” Breast cancer patients are often NOT advised or informed about a “new” belly button after a tramflap, keloid formation after the scars or PTSD symptoms, such as depression (highlighted here in a previous post).
In dealing with all of these and other possible occurrences, how do we move forward? Take a look at this week’s highlighted blogger and author. Barbara Musser elevates this conversation with her book, webinars and blog entitled Sexy After Cancer.
Please check it out her book – Sexy After Cancer – Meeting Your Inner Aphrodite on the Breast Cancer Journey. It couldn’t hurt.
Remember your perception is your reality. Let’s work this out to our advantage. What counts? It’s what you THINK that counts!
Dr. Harriette
P.S. I really wanted to have I’m Looking for a Miracle by The Clark Sisters playing in this blog. Check out their Youtube version by clicking the song.
What’s It All About, Alfie? This moment or more!
“What do you see when you look in the mirror?” A few days after surgery, most women answer, “Scars!” However, two years later, the responses are “A pretty lady,” “A woman who know what she wants.”
A Positive Body Image
How can you continue to maintain a positive body image after you’ve had a lumpectomy/mastectomy and/or reconstructive surgery? The women in my research study talked about it beginning with persistence through: surgeries, medical interventions, depression, and neuropathy. This movement toward a positive body image after breast cancer includes cognitive and emotional aspects, as well, such as, how your family and friends treat you, your faith, and how you feel about yourself. Read More
Sisters Networks are Good Works and GROWING!
Website of the Month: Sisters Network
Greensboro, Houston, Chicago and Central New Jersey are just a few of the locations of Sisters Network. Sisters Network is A National African American Breast Cancer Survivorship Organization. Check out the website at Sistersnetworkinc.org., you just might be surprised at what each one has to offer.
What was the #1 New Year’s Resolution?
Yep, you guessed it – Weight Loss. Why is it that of all the cancers, I got breast cancer (6 years ago) and my oncologist said, “Women don’t lose weight with this one – they gain weight!” “What?!?!”
You are what you think.
Maybe I should think like my husband, who often says, “Why are you listening to research that talks about what happens most of the time and then you believe it will happen to you?” “Because I am an experimental psychologist, Edward.” If something occurs, say 65% of the time (which is more than chance), wouldn’t you go with the odds that it would happen to you? Now, I am not taking cancer lightly, I do not wish to have had it nor do I want anyone else to have it. But, I’m just saying – no weight loss?!? Read More
Guest Blogger with a lot to say – love it!
As an individual who has experienced body dissatisfaction, I found it helpful to write a letter to my body as if it were a friend that I mistreated. My goal was to repair my relationship with my body by apologizing for my negative actions, thoughts, and feelings. I found this exercise helpful because it assisted […]
Try a Little Tenderness
Recently, a friend of mine said we were going through having a mammogram, a biopsy and finding out the results at the same time. That diagnosis was over 6 years ago, she found out she didn’t have cancer and I Read More
Nutrition: What Motivates You?
During this whole ordeal with chemotherapy, I wasn’t too scared. However, when the nurse pulled the pic line out of Read More
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
My wish for you is time to enjoy this season with friends and family!
Love,
Harriette
Strengthening My Faith Walk
I was recently asked to tell my Breast Cancer story to a group of young ladies, who are part of Alpha Kappa Alpha at Johnson C. Smith University. One of the questions asked after I gave my presentation was, “Did my faith increase, decrease or stay the same?” I said, “It stayed the same“, but as I thought about it later, I should have answered differently. Read More