I-Team Extras: Secrets in the Soil
Oct 19, 2009 12:39 pm US/Eastern
Image Recovery Helps Cancer Patients Improve Look
Cancer treatment can take a toll on the body.
We know chemotherapy patients often lose their hair and their eyebrows. And for women makeup and other products they once used no longer work for them.
Now, there's a special salon in Broward that's helping cancer patients manage their changing appearance.
"I was diagnosed this year in February with second stage cancer -- breast cancer," said Greylha Dampolo.
The 40-year-old has endured chemotherapy treatments to battle breast cancer. Her latest challenge has been getting used to her altered appearance.
"You're not yourself anymore. Everything changes -- your hair, you gain weight," she added.
Breast cancer survivor Linda Schappell has walked in Greylha's shoes.
"Your skin becomes very dry. Everything changes -- your eyebrows and all of a sudden you have three eyelashes," Schappell said.
Now she volunteers at Memorial Hospital's Image Recovery Center in Pembroke Pines to help newly diagnosed patients adjust.
At this unique salon, chemo patients who suffer with dry skin and acne can discover new products like moisturizers and makeup.
Dr. Aruna Mani admits image recovery is an important part of the healing process.
"We realize we do all these negative things to women in the process of trying to help them. So we have the image recovery center here to try to help them through those changes," explained Mani.
While Greylha faces surgery and radiation she has comfort in knowing she's getting the treatment she needs both inside and out.
"It's wonderful. It's wonderful to have a place like that. It's another world. I actually love to be here," she said smiling.
The Image Recovery Center also sells special clothing for cancer patients and fits women for wigs and prosthetics.
To learn more,
click here.
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