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Eye masks and magazines: The self-care essentials when facing breast cancer
Posted by Claire Boote, on October 1, 2021.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s)
If you’re going through breast cancer treatment, sometimes you just want a comfy pillow and a regular chat with a friend to get you through. That’s the advice of our campaign stars Helen and Carly, two remarkable women who have both battled breast cancer and emerged strong and smiling on the other side.
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, so we wanted to share advice on the self-care essentials that make the treatment process a little easier, whether you’re facing surgery yourself or know someone who is. It can be a scary, distressing and lonely time, and the side effects of chemo, radiotherapy and surgery can leave you feeling physically battle-worn.
So what can help alleviate common treatment symptoms and give you a little bit of comfort and joy? Read on for advice from the women who have been there. Meanwhile at Royce, we’ve teamed up with some brilliant brands to create three bespoke self-care packages full of gorgeous treats for you or a loved one (keep reading to find out how to win one).
Helen recommends
When Helen Morgan was treated for triple negative breast cancer in 2020, she found solace in practicality. “Practical gifts may seem boring,” she says, “but I know they can be a life saver when you feel like everything is falling apart and you have no control over the outcome.”
- Ear-plugs – “If you ever have to go to hospital overnight, they are the difference between sleep or madness!”
- Magazine subscription – “Getting a monthly magazine thought the post was something I looked forward to and I would take it to my chemo sessions.”
- Royce Silver Post-Surgery Bra – “Perfect for when you’re swollen, stiff and sore after surgery.”
- Beauty Despite Cancer by Jennifer Young products – “They are specially produced for cancer patients and are great for your nails and hair during chemo.”
- Your time – “Practical gifts don’t need to cost anything: offer to take the kids to school, a lift to an appointment, a phone call every week…It’s easy to feel forgotten about after the initial diagnosis or surgery.”
Helen’s advice for anyone going through breast cancer treatment is to remember, “Whatever life throws at us, all we can do, slowly but surely, is to keep swimming forward!”
Carly recommends
In 2020, Carly Moosah underwent treatment for stage 2, grade 3 breast cancer involving a double mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction. Now cancer free, she knows what helped her during her hospital stays and recovery at home.
- V-shaped pillow – “My V-shaped pillow was a lifesaver after surgery as you need to be propped up after something like DIEP flap reconstruction”
- Front button-fastening pyjamas – “Because you can’t lift your arms easily”
- Portable fan – “I got very hot after DIEP as you need to wear a heated blanket”
- The right bras – Royce’s wirefree Zahra bra, designed for post-surgery comfort and support, helped give her confidence in the recovery period
- Rollerblades! – “After I healed I bought myself some rollerblades (which the surgeon approved!). This gave me the opportunity to start to feel strong again and heal through play.”
- My support network – “They were incredible. There is a lot of resting after surgery so having a husband who can cook was a total win!”
Carly’s advice to anyone facing breast cancer treatment is, “Take one day at a time, one step at a time. One day you are going from the bed to the chair and that is a huge win after surgery…and then you will be able to rotate your arms again…and then one day you will be able to sleep on your front… It takes time to heal but focus on each day and each win at a time. And do not forget to do your exercises!”
If you’re facing breast cancer, or know a loved one who is, we’ve teamed up with some fabulous brands to offer you the chance to win one of three gorgeous self-care packages for each stage of the cancer journey.
The three bundles up for grabs are:
The Treatment Package
Beauty Despite Cancer care package from Jennifer Young – a bundle of specialist skincare for those living with and beyond cancer, including itchy skin oil, nail oil, lip balm, healing hand balm, scar oil, smooth skin balm and other little treats to combat the side effects of chemo on the skin and nails (RRP £55)
Suburban Turban chemo hat – breathable and ultra-comfortable for sensitive scalps, these chemo hats can be styled to your liking to create a flattering silhouette when experiencing hair loss. (RRP £42.60)
Royce Lingerie ‘Maisie’ bra – this stylish wirefree bra can be worn in the weeks after surgery and is pocketed to hold a prosthesis. (RRP £34)
x1 £70 voucher for Just Sheepskin – treat your feet to some of the cosiest slippers and boots around from this sheepskin brand
Value £201.60
The Hospital Package
Drain Dollies surgical drain bags – designed to make recovery simple, these beautifully-patterned bags provide a safe and secure place to store your drains post-surgery, allowing you to get on with life. (RRP £23 for two)
Jen’s Friends Mastectomy Pillows – made with love by the “sewing fairies”, these V-shaped pillows offer great comfort and support during post-op recovery and beyond.
Heat-Treats bath robe – essential for any overnight stay, this cosy, blush pink dressing gown is made from waffle effect flannel fleece fabric (RRP £22.95)
Royce Lingerie Silver Post Surgery bra – for use immediately after surgery, this wirefree bra features anti-bacterial, thermo-regulating X-STATIC silver fibre, is available in dual cup sizing for easy fitting. (RRP £40)
x1 £70 voucher for Just Sheepskin – treat your feet to some of the cosiest slippers and boots around from this sheepskin brand
Value £155.95
The Recovery Package
Spacemask Interstellar Relaxation Masks – these self-heating, jasmine-scented eye masks are the perfect tension reliever and sleep aide. (RRP £15)
Heat-Treats Aroma Home body wrap – heat this soothing, lavender-scented wheatbag in the microwave then use to destress or relieve joint pain (RRP £12.95)
Beauty Despite Cancer care package from Jennifer Young – a bundle of specialist skincare for those living with and beyond cancer including scar oil and smooth skin balm plus cashmere bed socks and chocolate. (RRP £75)
Royce Lingerie Joely bra – the super soft non-padded fabric, teamed with beautiful lace makes this bra ultra-comfy and pretty too; pocketed to hold a prosthesis. (RRP £32)
x1 £70 voucher for Just Sheepskin – treat your feet to some of the cosiest slippers and boots around from this sheepskin brand
Value £204.95
How to win
To enter click here and complete the form before 9am on Friday 22nd October. Three winners will be selected at random each winning one package* (don’t forget to include your contact details so we can get in touch).
Good luck!
*Entry is to win one self-care package with Treatment, Hospital or Recovery packages; if bra is not available in your chosen size, an alternative bra of equivalent value will be given; winners will be notified within two weeks of the closing date.
