How To Make Getting Dressed Easier For the Cancer Patient
Photo by Janko Ferlič on Unsplash
Going through cancer is already daunting. I found I could any tip to help make daily life more tolerable. It’s likely you have fatigue issues and even getting dressed can be a chore. If that’s the case, it’s alright to look like Punky Brewster, believe me I have. There’s been times where I just roll out of bed to get to an appointment. Simplify your life and choices by doing the following:
If you have breast cancer and/or have a port, wear dark tops or patterned tops. This will hide stains from the port being accessed. This is also a good choice because wearing a bra is probably not an option (or at least a wise one, in my opinion) as it restricts blood circulation. If you do need some support, look for an alternative such as a loose fitting bra or a vest.
Black underwear. No more choosing which ones will show through your pants, or shorts. No more choosing period. They also hide stains if you are using lotions, ointment or turmeric paste for inflammation. Invest in the most comfortable ones you can find. No one will ever convince me that thongs or G-strings are comfortable. I only floss my teeth.
Repeat your outfits. Sometimes, I will repeat my same outfit for 3 days. As long as you’re not sweating a lot, you can get away with this. It takes away one more thing to think about. Just don’t plan on seeing the same people when you repeat. And of course change the panties.
You will start to figure out which are your favorite clothes. Put everything else away that bothers your hurting areas like zippered hoodies that can graze your skin, heavy knitted sweaters that put more weight on your chest, etc. You can bring them back out after you are over the cancer.
Comfy, easy slip-on shoes. This sounds like a given but make sure these shoes are both comfortable and easy to slip on and off. While you are getting IV drips, acupuncture, massages, you will want an option that doesn’t tire you more on those difficult days. Have an option for warmer weather like ballet flats or tennis shoes that are loosely laced.
But if you can, always look your best. Just because you are going through chemo or just to a doctor’s visit, doesn’t mean you can’t look nice. Putting on lipstick or sandals with a low heel can be just the trick to lift your mood and change your whole day.