The Pink Steel
Lifestyle guru
Derek Warburton
answers questions for women who are in treatment, post-treatment or long-term survivors.
How can a woman look glamorous when she doesn't feel sexy?
“Pull out your luxurious fabrics—satins, velvets, silks and chiffons. Find clothes that feel soft and pretty. Scented oils are a great alternative to perfumes. And use a little makeup—it can be difficult to care about hair and makeup when you don’t feel like your old self, but it’s a good way to get back on track.”
Can you recommend cosmetic products that are chemical-free, hypo-allergenic and use naturally based ingredients?
“The key when shopping for chemical-free makeup is mineral based cosmetics. Bare Escentuals has fun products to bring back a lightness and sexiness that can be uplifting when recovering from medical ordeals.”
For the fall, can you recommend nice looking sweaters that are hot-flash friendly?
“Cotton is the only way to go. A hot-flash friendly brand with good basics is Lands' End. After being a wardrobe stylist for many years, I also suggest Ann Taylor Loft—they have wonderful cardigans for those of you still in treatment.”
Adapted from SHARE, Self-Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer, www.sharecancersupport.org.
Paddling in Pink
October 2010
A 40-foot canoe with a dragon motif carries a crew of 22: one to steer, one to drum a cadence, and 20 to paddle in unison. They are breast cancer survivors, courageous competitors who turned to the demands of a sport to celebrate their personal victories and commemorate the women who have lost their lives to the disease. Dragon Boat racing offers team members a vehicle for achieving fitness and a confidence building opportunity through competition.
The ladies of the Pink Steel, a team based in Pittsburgh, don’t consider themselves diminished by cancer. Instead, they see themselves as empowered by their challenges. For many of them, paddling has been an expression of joy, and a path to gaining life-changing perspectives.
Seek Good Company
Look for people that are positive and share a common goal—for these paddlers, it was to win the race and celebrate being alive. When Laurie Montgomery, 49, was diagnosed in 2007, she took action. After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, she joined the team. When her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Laurie and her teammates were great examples of hope. “You can let yourself drown or take a few hard strokes of your paddle and get yourself out of the water.”
For Laurie, being in the boat is a metaphor for the relationships she’s established. “You have to paddle in unison to lift the boat out of the water. When circumstances make you feel like you’re sinking, you have great women around you who are buoying you up.”
Get Physical
Engage in physical activity to show your commitment to being healthy. Melissa Ward, 34, felt betrayed by her body when she was diagnosed in 2007. Multiple surgeries made it impossible for her to exercise, and she missed being active. She read about the Pink Steel and was amazed women of all ages and all walks of life were coming together as one team, pushing themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of.
Inspired by their example, Melissa joined the team. “I am stronger than I thought I was. Even when I didn’t think I could push myself any further, I did.”
Face Forward
Promote a healthy tomorrow. When Lori McNally, 44, was diagnosed in 2008, she did whatever it took to beat it and leave it in the past. After undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and reconstructive surgery, she joined Pink Steel.
She’s a mother of four and the daughter of a breast cancer survivor. Lori confides, “For my kids especially, I will do whatever it takes to show them that all the cancer is behind us. These days, it’s all about a healthy lifestyle.”