Looking Good
Many women experience a psychological boost if they feel they can look their best even during cancer treatment. Some recommend finding a wig you like before you lose your hair to chemotherapy treatment. Stylists can help you choose a wig that looks like your regular hairstyle, and having the wig ahead of time eases the stress you may feel when you lose your hair.
Skin care specialists can help you find products designed for delicate skin and nails. Many business specialize in offering prostheses, fashions and undergarments for those who have had mastectomies.
In Bloomington:
Beautiful Creations
- 819 West 2nd Street, Bloomington, IN 47403. Phone: 332-1556. Prostheses and garments for mastectomy patients.
Wig Wam
- Claralee Black has been helping fit and style wigs for several decades. The Wig Wam is at 313 W. 17th Street, Bloomington. (812)332-4914.
Judy Gavin
- Judy Gavin hosts the American Cancer Society wig bank at her Kirkwood Hair Artists salon, 430 E. Kirkwood Ave., (812)332-2477. Or, contact the ACS at (888)685-9254 to learn about this free wig program.
Williams Brothers
- Certified fitter Tracy Beckemeyer offers consultation, evaluations and measurements for perfect prostetics fit at the Williams Brothers pharmacy at 574 S. Landmark Ave. in Bloomington. Call (866)506-1625 for details or visit the the Web site.
In south central Indiana:
Look Good, Feel Better
- The Olcott Center for Cancer Education hosts Look Good, Feel Better sessions several times a year at the center.
Look Good, Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program that teaches beauty techniques to womem with cancer who are in active treatment. Not only is this a confidence-booster, but skin also needs special care during treatment.
A trained volunteer cosmetologist will show women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using products donated by the cosmetics industry. Each attendee receives a free cosmetic kit.
To learn more or sign up for a session, contact the Olcott Center at (812) 353-5669. - Look Good, Feel Better also is offered at 931 4th Street, Columbus, IN 47202, (812) 378-3259. Local program that is part of national organization that supplies makeup, fashion and wig tips to women undergoing cancer treatment. Co-sponsored by local ACS, national ACS and the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) Foundation.
- In Dearborn County, contact (812)926-0500, or (800)422-4453 for that chapter of LGFB.
In Indianapolis:
- Action Brace & Prosthetics, (317) 347-4222.
- American Cancer Society, (317) 879-4114.
- Shar's Hair and Wig Boutique, 600 E. Carmel Dr., Carmel, Ind., (317) 652-6300.
- Macy's, Castleton, Mammography Center, (317) 579-4626.
- Little Red Door, (317) 925-5595.
- Mirror Images Mastectomy Boutique, (317) 927-1841.
- Nordstrom, Circle Center, (317) 636-2121.
- Special Woman Mastectomy Boutique, (317) 876-3770.
- Wigs We Care, (317) 889-1635.
On the Web:
- Safe Cosmetics' Web site rounds up all the ingredients and chemicals by product to alert you to the bad stuff in makeup and skincare products. Why massage pthalates and parabens, just two common makeup ingredients linked to cancer, into your skin when you already are fighting cancer?
- MadCapz offers hats and visors in hundreds of patterns and colors, with sizes for infant through adult, including a small adult size.
- Paula Young Wigs is a leader in wigs and hairpieces, with a broad range of pricing. You can also request a catalog at the Web site.
- Wigs Online offers name-brands, accessories.
- Head Covers features just what is says: wigs, scarves, hats and other head gear.
- Just in Time: attractive hats for women with hair loss.
- Catalog company Lands End added mastectomy swimsuits to its sportswear line up several years ago and has become a frontrunner in offering these specialty suits. Call (800)356-4444 for a catalog or visit online.
- Look Good, Feel Better is co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society and Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) Foundation. There is not a chapter in south central Indiana right now, but the national Web site does offer some tips and suggestions.
