Here are some little known facts about the word GLAM.  It was first used in 1963.  It has many definitions including Webster’s Dictionary, which defines Glam as extremely showy, to its appearance in the slang dictionary as the short version of glamorous. Their example,“Hey-that is a glam prom dress!”

This April marks the fourth anniversary of my treatment for Breast Cancer. As I sat in my chair receiving chemo my outlook on the world was small.   My concerns were narrow in focus and immediate.  They mainly dealt with the day-to-day, even the moment to moment, centering around how I would feel, how my family would cope and most of all constantly worrying the question– would I be well?

"Cancer will bring about a change, but the nature of the change is up to you."  -Britta Aragon

Help! I have trouble drawing on my eyebrows. Any suggestions?

Shannon wrote us to discuss her eyebrows. Like many women who loose their eyebrows from chemotherapy, she is unhappy with the way she looks when she draws them back on. Shannon — take heart! You are not alone. I gave Groucho Marx a run for his money when I first gave it a try.

Drawing eyebrows on is tricky and takes practice. Here are some suggestions and options to make eyebrow wearing easier.

Valentine’s Day conjures up images of a romantic night filled with dinner for two, drinks, and special gifts. When I was recovering from chemotherapy my idea of a romantic night was putting on my favorite pajamas and sleep cap, snuggling in bed with my husband Brian and if I was feeling particularly loving, letting him have the remote and some of my chocolate pudding. (Loved that pudding!)

Thankfully Brian didn’t always let my chemo fatigue or other cancer related side effects get in Cupid’s way. On holidays, special occasions, or just out of the blue, he would kick things up a notch. He would turn a mundane evening into a romantic night complete with (you guessed it) dinner for two, drinks and special gifts.

Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy treatments, especially on the heels of the busy holiday season. For women in treatment who are used to running the show, losing energy is an especially unpleasant surprise. But thanks to designer Marc Jacobs, we know that being stylish means making any look our own, including looking good, even while lounging.

Taking time to recover and relax is an essential part of maintaining your personal style. No one can look their best without rest! Many women don’t anticipate how tired they’ll feel after chemo treatments, since the meds zap your red blood cells, leaving you wiped out. We have some secret weapons to help you weather the fatigue.

It’s an unhappy fact; “chemo brain” is real and it’s a pain. If you’re used to multi-tasking at work and home, and you’re the go-to person for upcoming events, activities and information, that may have to change. Chemotherapy is likely to impact your ability to recall everyday information and concentrate on specific tasks.

Research shows that women with cancer are more restless at night and the body’s basic circadian rhythms that control our sleepiness and wakefulness aren’t different enough, meaning you can often feel a little asleep and a little awake. Here are some techniques that may help battle this inner confusion.

It’s not too early to start thinking about Valentine’s Day and how to tell that special woman in your life just how remarkable she is. How about making her breakfast in bed or a gourmet dinner just for two, accompanied by a dozen red roses. But we’re not talking about just any roses.