Women With Chemotherapy Hair Loss: Embrace Your Style, Increase Self Esteem to Reduce Depression

www.titillatingturbans.com

An Interview with Laurie Andreoni, President of Waking Dream Designs, Inc.

How Was Your Life Affected by Breast Cancer?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June, 2008. Thanks to early diagnosis and the influence of so many women who were long time cancer survivors, I focused on the high chances of recovery. The perspective that carried me through was to see the years ahead as a dark adventure, full of unknown challenges that would force me to find solutions to help all of us that face this journey through cancer.

As I approached chemotherapy and radiation, I didn´t feel so adventurous. I became obsessed with the fear of how I would deal with hair loss. My doctors encouraged me to continue working as much as possible during cancer treatment, so I knew I would be in public almost every day. As a doctor myself, it is important that I maintain a positive, encouraging attitude and provide a healthy role model to my own patients. That would not be easy to do if my embarrassment over my appearance contradicted my words, no matter how chipper I seemed.

At the cancer treatment centers, I felt deep empathy for other women who wore kerchiefs and caps that made it so obvious that they suffered from hair loss. Whether or not they felt sick, many of them expressed that they were terribly self-conscious about the way they looked, and that constant reminder of their illness made them feel so discouraged.

What inspired the idea for Titillating Turbans?

To add insult to my own condition, once I lost my hair, my scalp became so sensitive from other chemo side effects that I could not wear a wig. I experimented with wrapping scarves of all sizes until I came up with a turban effect that was actually more flattering than my hair had been! Every time I went to the chemotherapy and radiation centers, the nurses would come around to see what new wrap I was wearing. Best of all, the patients would always brighten up and excitedly asked me where they could find one.

The wrapped turbans made everyone well, titillated - at the site of them. And the idea of Titillating Turbans was born!

Because wraps can be challenging, I wanted to create something that would be easy for anyone to just plop on their head, with a variety of styling options. There were no patterns similar to my turban, so I started snipping and stitching fabric until I developed a workable pattern. I made a prototype, found a sewing contractor that would do small runs, and set up a website. By June, 2009, a year after my initial diagnosis, I had all the business aspects complete, and a new line of headwear that makes women perk up and smile from the moment they see the variety of gorgeous colors and wear the soft fabrics.

How do you hope this will help other women?

I now have a greater compassion for those faced with not only cancer, but all the stressors related to living with cancer. Cancer patients often have a hard time just getting up, yet still must attend to the tasks of the day, medical appointments, a job and a family. When someone barely has the energy to put on lipstick, you would think appearance is not important, but that need to look good, to be accepted and admired, never goes away.

There is a strong connection between confidence and good self esteem, both of which are a natural defense against anxiety and depression. Just as depression and stress lower your immunity, a good sense of self esteem and a positive attitude boost your immune system. In other words, when you look good, you feel good, heal faster and are more apt to be active, socialize, eat healthy and generally take better care of yourself than you would if you were depressed.

I hope Titillating Turbans will be an encouraging link in that chain of recovery. They were created to help women remember they are so much more than their hair; each person has a unique style and beauty that comes from within. No matter what happens to our bodies, we are creative creatures and will find a way to decorate and celebrate who we are, connect with others and share the healing wisdom that awakens as we embrace each moment of this precious life.

For more information please visit www.titillatingturbans.com, or call 877-4LUVTLT (877-458-8858)