Out of My Bad I Found Good by Angela Marie Giolitto

When I first heard I had breast cancer, I felt as if I was blown to pieces.  I was only 29, unmarried, and having to have a mastectomy.  Although I was left disfigured, I was elated knowing I was cancer free.

A survivor, that’s what I was, until four years later.  I found another lump on the same side as my mastectomy.  I was told that the odds for a recurrence were very unlikely.   This time the tumor was in my chest wall.   When the doctors went into remove it, they were unable to get clear margins.  It was now necessary to receive six months of chemotherapy,  thirty-three treatments of radiation, and herceptin treatments for an entire year. 

It was bad enough losing a breast but now my hair.  My hair was my signature.  It was long straight black and to the middle of my back.  The thought of losing it was devastating, but a reality I had to face.  No hair, no eyelashes, and no eyebrows, I had become just a face.  A face that could no longer look in the mirror without feeling so empty inside. 

I was so fortunate to go to a Look Good…Feel Better luncheon.  I learned a variety of make-up techniques.  I was picked to be the model for the wigs, scarves, and hats.  It was such an uplifting and rewarding experience.  The Look Good…Feel Better luncheon really made an impact on my life.  Once my wig was removed in front of other cancer patients, I felt safe being bald.  The true meaning of Look Good…Feel Better was coming out at that moment and made me feel special and beautiful.

Sharing experiences with other cancer patients was helpful in getting different tips and advice.  I left that day feeling stronger and complete.  I knew I was going to get through this cancer leaving with a positive attitude because of the Look Good…Feel Better opportunity!  I was able to continue on my journey having confidence and control on how I felt.

For all that has happened that is bad there is good.  I was in a video for the benefits of reflexology for cancer patients, who have had trouble with neuropathy, in their hands and feet during chemotherapy.  I also was interviewed for a local magazine about breast cancer.  From the Look Good…Feel Better experience and the confidence I received I was able to remove my wig for a photo for the magazine.  A local beautician, who also is a breast cancer survivor, chose me to model wigs for cancer patients along with my story for her website. 

I want other cancer patients to feel the strength and encouragement during their journey with cancer.  I encourage all cancer patients to participate in the Look Good…Feel Better program because everyone deserves the rewards and benefits.