EDWARDS \u2014 When a patient is fighting cancer, not all of the battles are waged in treatment or operating rooms.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest skirmishes happens anywhere there is a mirror.<\/p>\n
Cancer treatment can change the way a patient looks and it can be difficult to begin healing when you don\u2019t look like yourself. That\u2019s why the people at the Shaw Cancer Center believe that it is important to keep up appearances.<\/p>\n
\u201cHair loss is a very traumatic part of the cancer experience,\u201d said Erin Perejda, a clinical\u00a0social worker\u00a0and director of the Survivorship program at the Shaw Cancer Center. \u201cFor some people, that visual reminder has power. It makes the diagnosis that more real.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSome patients are more concerned about hair loss\u00a0than the cancer itself,\u201d she continued. \u201cIt\u2019s not about vanity, it\u2019s about self-esteem and their identity.\u201d<\/p>\n
But there is a corps of local salons, individuals and resources dedicated to helping patients who are battling both cancer and appearance changes. And, this winter, the Shaw Cancer Center is launching a remodel to provide a special appearance\u00a0center space at its Edwards facility.<\/p>\n
Perejda said the Shaw Cancer Center prides itself on its extensive support programs \u2014 covering everything from fitness to finances. She noted appearance issues fall under the center\u2019s support efforts. Shaw has a number of dedicated partners in this work. For example, Cloud 9 at Saint James Place offers complimentary haircuts, shaves, manicures and pedicures for Shaw cancer patients. D.J.s in Edwards, Hannah\u2019s Design in Denver\u00a0and Bellini\u2019s in Glenwood Springs also donate services for patients.<\/p>\n
At the center itself, there is a large collection of wigs, hats and scarfs provided to patients free of charge. An equipment expansion in the treatment area recently required relocation of those items and the appearance supplies are currently housed in a\u00a0 conference room at the adjacent Jack\u2019s Place building.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a room that can be closed off and is private,\u201d said Kim Sharkey, Cancer Services Manager at Shaw.<\/p>\n
When the appearance\u00a0salon construction is complete, the supplies will return to the Shaw center, in an area located just down the hall from the fitness room.<\/p>\n
Perejda said there are dozens of wigs and drawers overflowing with hats and scarfs, all complimentary and all available for Shaw patients.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone handles appearance change in their own way,\u201d said Kristi Grems, a licensed professional counselor at Shaw. \u201cSome people are ready to have their head shaved and wear it as a badge of honor.\u201d<\/p>\n
For other patients, wearing wigs not only helps with self-esteem but also with privacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople had said to me that in their professional life, it\u00a0helps to wear a wig so they don\u2019t have to answer lots of questions, \u201d Sharkey said.<\/p>\n
As the Shaw Cancer Center prepares for the new appearance services area, staff is also researching new methods for cancer patients to retain their own hair during treatment. For example, a product called DigniCap is an FDA approved method that cools the scalp during chemotherapy treatment and minimizes hair loss.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are pursuing the options to see what size of equipment would be best for our clinic,\u201d said Grems.<\/p>\n
From new equipment to a new space, the Shaw staff said working with patients on appearance issues is a vital part of cancer treatment.<\/p>\n
\u201cShaw puts a lot of thought into the whole body and healing,\u201d said Grems.<\/p>\n
\u201cSelf-love and self-care is a big part of getting through something like cancer. It\u2019s all about healing,\u201d said Perejda.<\/p>\n