All of us, in one way or another, have been effected by a loved one or a dear friend battling cancer. My mother passed  away from cancer in 1994.  My mother inspired me to dress the way I do because she truly was a stylish lady.

I have a guest post for you today by Jackie Clark, who does outreach for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. Lovely ladies, we know that every woman wants to feel good about themselves.  Jackie discusses how to stay positive and how to not to let cancer or anything get you down.  Often I talk about fashion; but to me, it is more than just clothes. It’s how you feel inside. The clothes are an adornment that accentuates all the good qualities you already have inside. Please remember that having a good attitude is such a feeling of empowerment.

Whether you are battling cancer, feeling depressed or not having a good day; I have a verse for you. It is Joshua 1:9 (AMP) – which says, “Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Here are the words of wisdom from Jackie Clark ….

Whether it’s mesothelioma or leukemia, dealing with any type of cancer can be difficult and depressing for most women. Cancer weakens the immune system and depletes energy levels. Instead of going out with your friends at night, you just want to stay at home by yourself. Having cancer can also wash your skin out and make your hair fall out, which can make you feel very unattractive.

Even though cancer is a terrible disease to have, you shouldn’t let it get you down. You should stay positive and go out with your friends every once in awhile. You should also keep up with your appearance, so you feel beautiful and confident when you go out in public. In addition to wearing makeup and wearing a wig, you should also wear the latest fashions. For example, you can wear a halter dress when you go out on a date or a pair of skinny jeans when you go out with your girlfriends.

Wearing the latest fashions does not mean you have to spend a lot of money on designer brands. You can save a lot of money on your clothes by bargain shopping. Look in the sales ads to find out which days certain stores are having sales. If your favorite store’s sale day is Sunday, for example, you can save up to 50 percent on some clothing items that day. It will make you feel good to get so many clothes for a cheap price.

LRS look page http://www.qvc.com/

After you get a cancer treatment from your doctor, you will likely feel weak and tired. Give yourself a day to rest. Then, spend a day bargain shopping with a close friend or two. Shopping for clothes will make you feel much better after getting a treatment. Don’t hesitate to try some clothes on in the store and model them in front of your friends. Ask them which outfits look best on you. Then, choose the outfit that looks best on you and wear it out the same night.
Don’t let the disease keep you from wearing the latest fashions and looking your best. Let you inner beauty shine out with a cute new top or your favorite pair of skinny jeans. Remember that you are beautiful, despite your cancer diagnosis.

Side note from Jackie regarding her article:
I feel that the reality of cancer treatment whether it is chemotherapy, radiation or surgery is grueling. A woman going through cancer knows the pain and exhaustion of treatments. I purposefully keep the tone of these articles light spirited as to encourage women to feel strong and beautiful despite the challenges they are facing. I am not a doctor and my articles are merely to show women that cancer doesn’t have to define you. The article of course is exaggerated, but I do that on purpose. I know several cancer survivors personally and they have all come to me saying how they would take their last bit of energy and fix their hair or wear a lip gloss during treatments. One mesothelioma survivor would put diamond earrings in before each of her appointments.

My writing is intended to inspire women with cancer. They are by no means prescriptions or Things To Do once diagnosed. Each article should be read with a grain of salt because cancer varies, treatment varies, and women are all in different places in their lives. Some are survivors, some are recently diagnosed, and others are mothers or daughters. I hope that readers take the nuts and bolts of my writing which is feeling beautiful despite cancer and follow my tips and suggestions when able. Even if a woman is at her worst she can say just once even to herself ‘I am Beautiful.’ Saying this can truly help her through her next round of treatments. Beauty, Strength, and Confidence are all connected and for this reason I write to inspire women during their toughest challenges.

More information about lifestyle and fashion is made available through the team at mesothelioma.net as well. Read more here.