Interview: My Wife’s Battle with Breast Cancer

“In September of 2007, I married the girl of my dreams. Five months later, Jennifer was diagnosed with Stage 3B Breast Cancer.” starts the story of an American couple’s battle against breast cancer and how it changed both their lives forever. Following plenty of ups and downs in her cancer treatment, Jennifer unfortunately passed away but the photographs taken by her husband Angelo stand as a honest testament of what this part of their life was like and the beauty she has left behind to inspire others.

This sharp and evoking photo-documentary project, entitled My Wife’s Battle with Breast Cancer: The Battle We Didn’t Chose, is intended to show the daily life of a cancer patient and, in Angelo’s words, to “humanize the face of cancer, on the face of my wife.. They show the challenge, difficulty, fear, sadness, loneliness and also love that we faced, that Jennifer faced, as she battled this disease. These photographs do not define us, but they are us.”

After seeing the photographs (they stir up emotions each time we look at them) and reading the moving story behind them, we wanted to share it with others in this part of the world in the hopes of spreading Jennifer and Angelo’s message.

A passerby stares as Jen hails a cab.

Below is an interview we recently conducted with Angelo himself about the couple’s unbreakable bond, the battle, the photographs and what’s next for this project:

1. What was your first reaction upon hearing your wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and how did you deal with it?

When we found out that Jennifer had breast cancer, I remember immediately going numb as the world, except for Jen, blurred out of focus. Jen and I were close from the beginning of our relationship and we had a wordless bond that would never be and could never be broken. I remember looking into each other’s eyes and knowing that as long as we had each other, we would deal with everything that came our way.

From the beginning of our battle with cancer, Jen and I communicated with each other. We listened and knew that we were still in love, still a married couple, still best friends. There were times when our relationship was heavier on my shoulders and other times when Jen carried the load. On our wedding day we said “forever, in good times and bad, in sickness and health,” – both Jennifer and I took that seriously and we lived for every second with each other.

2. What was your main role, as her husband, during her treatment and what advice can you share with other men whose partners are going (or about to go) through the same thing? 

A home nurse cleans and inspects Jen's PICC line, a catheter that is inserted into her vein and runs to a large vein near the heart for intravenous access of in Jen's case, chemotherarpy and pain medications.

My main role was whatever Jen needed. If Jen needed to laugh, I was a comedian. If Jen needed quiet, I didn’t talk. If Jen needed love, my arms were open. I don’t think there is any set way to be or road to follow but what helped me was listening to Jen and trying to stay a step ahead of her.

Flowers, doing the dishes or laundry, making the bed… all of these little things made life easier and more enjoyable for Jen. Jen made things easy because she was so positive and graceful but I still had to pay attention and at times read her mind.

It is also important for partners to take care of themselves both physically and emotionally. Find something that distracts you, something to channel your emotions into. For me it was my camera. Exercise, friendships, art – find something to rejuvenate your spirit.

3. What inspired you to start documenting your daily life with cancer through photography? Was it a conscious choice?

Jen and I lived in Manhattan but most of our family members and friends lived in Ohio. After Jen’s re-diagnosis, we found that they didn’t understand how serious things were and how much we needed from them. We tried talking and sending emails but it seemed like people were still not getting it. Then we realized that unless they saw our day-to-day, they wouldn’t be able to understand. Without walking in our shoes, how could they really understand?

That’s when I started to make photographs. The photographs were initially intended just for family and friends so that they would become more involved – we needed them to be with us. When I started posting the photos online, people reacted and Jen and I realized that this was a way that we could make a positive impact during such a trying time.

4. Did Jennifer feel uncomfortable at all with being photographed in this sensitive state? 

From the beginning of our fight against cancer, Jennifer was open and shared her experiences. Jen wanted people to know what she was learning and she was very aware of how, by sharing their experiences, others before her had helped her get through each day.

A nurse pushes chemotherapy treatment, so toxic that the nurse must wear protective clothing, into Jen's medi-port.

When I started to make these photographs, I told Jen that whenever she didn’t want the camera around all she had to do was say stop. I told her that if she wanted all of the photos to go away I would break the hard drives with no questions asked.

There was only one time when Jen asked me to put the camera away. and in a typical Jennifer style, she said, “One more photo, then stop.” When she said this I was so happy because I knew how much she trusted me.

Jen rests with our cat Brea while I prepare her daily pill regimen.

5. Is there a particular reason you chose black and white photography to share her story?

I’ve always loved black and white photography, and felt that by “removing” the color I could really focus on what was in the image.

6. Which of the photographs from the series was her favorite? Which was yours? 

All of these photos are so close to my heart, I don’t know that I can choose one image as my favorite. The best I can say is the photos of Jen and I together are my favorites because it was Jen and me.

I think Jen would say the same.

7. What have you been able to achieve so far by showing the photographs? How have people, and especially cancer patients, reacted to them?

Late for a brain radiation apointment, nauseated and tired, the smells from our neighbrohood were nearly too much for Jen.

The reactions to these photos has been quite humbling. I have received more than a dozen emails from women who scheduled mammograms because of Jen. I cannot put into words how this makes me feel. Some days it is all that I can hang onto to keep moving forward.

When I started to share these photos, I was concerned that I would scare people, especially people who were recently diagnosed or in the midst of their fight. Thankfully, people with cancer have been inspired to keep fighting and Jen has become a hero and inspiration to many people.

8. What are your future plans with this project? Are there any breast cancer groups you’re currently (or planning on) collaborating with?

Right now, I am about 75% finished with editing these photos and will be publishing a book about our story.

I am also starting a non-profit organization in Jen’s name that will assist people with cancer as they deal with the daily financial struggles that come as a result of cancer treatments.

Waiting to speak with a radiologist about treatment of the cancer in her bone and on her liver, Jen is anxious and irritated.

This July-September, my photos will be exhibited at The Gathering Place in Cleveland, OH. The Gathering Place is a non-profit with a mission “to support, educate and empower individuals and families touched by cancer through programs and services provided free of charge.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Cancer is not a battle that should be fought alone. Support from family and friends is so important. Don’t stay away from someone who is fighting cancer because you don’t know what to say or do: you do not have to “say the right thing,” or know all the answers.

Just be there.

Send a card and say “I love you.” Send a text message with a smile, bring dinner, what ever.. Just don’t run away.

Celebrating our 4 year anniversary at a retaurant in Greenwhich Village, Jen stares off in the distance.

Jen always said to “Love every morsel of your loved ones” and she was right. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. You don’t have to be happy every second, just don’t take any seconds for granted.

Check out the “My Wife’s Battle with Breast Cancer: The Battle We Didn’t Choose” website and facebook page for more information. All the photographs in this post were shared with us by and are copyright of Angelo Merendino.

Try this: Rustic Date and Rosemary Rolls

“One of the sweetest natural treats you can have is the date” shares Lisa of Pink Kitchen. And no doubt, in our part of the world, dates are a favorite treat! Whether they’re eaten on their own (usually, with nuts in their pits) or included in seasonal desserts, dates perform double duty by also offering numerous health benefits.

“Dates contain many important minerals such as iron, potassium, and copper, as well as antioxidants. They are an excellent source of fiber. However, it is best to eat dates in moderation due to their high fruit sugar content.” Lisa elaborates. In one of her latest recipes, she shows us how dates are not just for desserts and can be served with a meal that includes a complete protein to form a healthy balance.

**

Rustic Date and Rosemary Rolls by Pink Kitchen

Ingredients:

• 1 recipe of Pink Kitchen’s Rustic Roman Bread
• 2 large sprigs of rosemary
• 1 c. pitted dates

Preparation:

Prepare dough according to recipe – but before letting it rise, follow the directions below:

1. Chop dates into small pieces.
2. Remove rosemary leaves from stems. Discard stems. Chop rosemary leaves.
3. Gently mix dates and rosemary leaves into prepared dough.
4. Place dough onto baking tray in balls, approximately 2-3 ” in diameter. (These do not have to be perfectly round – remember, you are making rustic bread!)
5. Bake according to bread dough directions, EXCEPT – time will be much shorter than it would be for a whole loaf of bread. Check after 20 minutes.

We don’t know about you, but we’re getting hungry just reading this. Try it out and let us know how you like it – sahtein!

**

For the original recipe on Pink Kitchen, click here. Check out Lisa’s other healthy Mediterranean-inspired dishes too: Mediterranean Millet, Twisted Tabouleh and Healthy Hummus.

Dance Yourself Better

We all know the general benefits of moving and shaking our booties (so-to-speak), but how many of you consider dancing a form of therapy?

Whether you’re conscious of this while you’re doing it or not, dancing has numerous benefits that can (in some cases) outweigh a visit to your shrink – and it’s certainly a more fun and cost-effective way to feel better about yourself!

Dance therapy is a creative methodology dedicated to helping patients develop positive body image, improve self-esteem, reduce stress and anxiety, decrease body tension, increase communication skills and encourage a sense of well-being [Source].

Over the weekend, we had a chance to learn more about the benefits of dance therapy, as it relates to breast cancer patients, at the “Integration of Dance Therapy in Femininity Reconstruction after Mastectomy“ lecture by Dr. Annie Nganou (which was also part of the “Advances in Breast Oncology” seminar the was being held at the Bellevue Medical Center (BMC) that day).

Dance therapy, as Dr. Annie defines it, is “psycho-corporal reconstruction through dance and movement” and it benefits victims of abuse, traumas, accidents and other physical disabilities. Her classes are open to anyone and she advocates that’s also part of the healing process that there is no segregation.

So what inspires someone to become a dance therapist, you might be wondering? Like most good things, Dr. Annie stumbled into this passion by chance. As a medical student, Dr. Annie was giving dance classes on the side when she noticed that several of the women (from the class) would confide in her things they’d never shared with others before. This got her thinking more in-depth about the benefits of dancing as a mode of recovery and releasing mental baggage. She later went on to pursue this subject more in depth as part of her Masters’ thesis.

(Image Source: Daamu Dance Company website)

Dr. Annie employs oriental dance techniques in her therapy sessions to help women regain their sense of femininity and inner self. After all, who can help not feel sexy after a session of seductive belly-dancing, right? More importantly, for women who’ve had a mastectomy or suffered post-traumatic stress as a result of their treatment, this style of dancing allows them to regain confidence in themselves through the gentle and feminine movements while also helping them re-connect with (and re-appreciate) their bodies. She has, so far, worked with around five breast cancer patients and has noted the positive changes in them since.

Don’t worry if you don’t consider yourself “the dancing type” as the classes are organized to be gentle and accommodate to your comfort level. There’s no pressure applied whatsoever and if you prefer to simply watch on days when you’re not feeling so energetic, then that’s o.k. too.

For anyone interested in getting more information about these dance therapy programs, Dr. Annie is part of the Daamu Dance Company in Paris and Brussels so be sure to check them out online.

** We’d like to thank Dr. Annie for taking the time to talk with us. We look forward to collaborating with her and dance therapist based in Lebanon soon. If you know someone, please don’t hesitate to let us know by email to onewigstand@gmail.com. **

Poster available on Zazzle.com (Click on the image for more information)

Q & Answered #3 | Time to Get Moving!

Nutritionist Diane Nicolas is back again to share her valuable insight for breast cancer patients. We all know the general benefits exercise (although sometimes we get a bit lazy and don’t do enough of it), we wanted to find just how important it was and, who knows, her answers might give you that added boost to get moving.

Our Question: How important is exercise for these women and are there any preferred forms suggested for them?

Expert’s Answer: Evidence is quickly growing about the role of physical activity (in the form of exercise) for reducing the breast cancer risk. The amount of exercise is just as important a factor in this and 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of jogging can actually reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer by 18%.

Image Source: Real Age

Some helpful tips to reduce sitting time:

• Limit time spent watching TV and using other forms of screen-based entertainment.
• Use a stationary bicycle or treadmill when you do watch TV.
• Use stairs rather than an elevator.
• If you can, walk or bike to your destination.
• Take an exercise break at work to stretch or take a quick walk.
• Walk to visit coworkers instead of phoning or sending an e-mail.
• Go dancing with your spouse or friends.
• Plan active vacations rather than only driving trips.
• Join a sports team.

To get in touch with Diane Nicolas for an appointment or other questions, feel free to email her on: diane.nicolas@live.com

Q & Answered #2 | 16 Foods and their Link

Following our recent Q&A with nutritionist Diane Nicolas (read our previous Q&A with her here), we had another important question – or shall we say several mini-questions – to ask her.

We've all heard the rumors that soy sauce may be linked to cancer.. Are they true? Find out more below. Image Source: People's Pharmacy

Question: Some studies (not fully proven) have stated that certain foods play a role in raising the risk of developing cancer. Please let us know if the below food items are in fact linked or not: 

(Yes = Linked, No = Not Linked)

Diane’s Answers: 

1. Sugar: No, but gaining weight is linked to breast cancer.

2. Red Meat/Processed Meat (such as hot dogs and bacon): Yes, it contains food    additives harmful to the body.

3. Vitamin D: No

4. Acidic Foods: No

5. Soy Sauce: In moderation, no.

6. Drinking from Plastic Bottles: If it’s a single use then no but if it’s repetitive then yes. We should not use the same bottle more than once.

7. Soda: If its only 1 can per day, then no.

8. Caffeine – Coffee, Tea and Chocolate: No, but of course we should eat chocolate in moderation because gaining weight can cause breast cancer.

9. Milk and Dairy Products: No, they are good. Even breast-feeding can decrease the risk of certain cancers for the baby when it grows up.

10. Alcohol (except Red Wine): In moderation it doesn’t cause breast cancer. Even red wine if you exceed in drinking it can be harmful. In general red wine is better than any other alcohol because it contains resveratrol which is an antioxidant that fights free radicals in our body . However, some studies (not fully proven) claim that red wine has no advantage on other alcohols.

11. Hydrogenated Oils/ Trans-Fat (in French fries for example): Yes, of course. If once a week it wouldn’t be harmful eating a very small amount of French fries (like 10 pieces), but it shouldn’t be consumed daily. Same thing goes on everything fried.

12. Doughnuts & Cookies: Yes, if abused due to the hydrogenated fat in them.

13. Avocados & Grapefruits: No, in fact they have a beneficial effect.

14. Salt: We must limit our consumption of salt for other reasons, such as hypertension, and sometimes during the breast cancer treatment it should be even less consumed, or stopped depending on the dose of the cortisone that the patient is taking during his/her treatment.

15. Salad Dressings: No, but we should always be careful about gaining weight and we should check for the source of the oil in it.

16. Skin from Poultry and Fish: As the skin from poultry contains fat, then yes, it is better to avoid it. But on the other hand, fish skin is very important because it contains Omega 3 which is very healthy so of course it is completely fine to eat it.

The consumption of over-fried (burnt) foods or any other foods that contain harmful additives should really be avoided.

They might look tasty, but you'll regret it later on. Avoid fried foods! Image Source: cdtbk

On the other hand, the following are some healthy foods that may play a role in helping you reduce your risk of breast cancer:

• Apples
• Blueberries
• Broccoli and Cruciferous Vegetables
• Cranberries
• Flaxseed
• Squash
• Beans
• Berries
• Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
• Garlic
• Grapes and Grape Juice
• Green Tea
• Soy beans
• Soy milk
• Tomatoes
• Whole Grains

Image Source: My Recipes

The Mediterranean diet contains all the foods mentioned above, so for example fattoush, makhlouta, spinach and rice, and stuffed vine leaves are all great recipes for your health.

To get in touch with Diane Nicolas for an appointment or other questions, feel free to email her on:  diane.nicolas@live.com

Q & Answered #1 | Food and Cancer Treatment

We’d like to introduce you to the lovely Diane Nicolas, an experienced nutritionist currently working with cancer patients in the oncology department at one of the biggest hospitals inBeirut. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetic from USJ along with a Masters in Human Nutrition. Diane has also been involved in several nutritional awareness programs at schools, including teaching children about the importance of good nutrition.

Diane’s been working with breast cancer patients, and within the oncology department in general, for 7 months now and 1 out of 10 of her cancer patients is usually a breast cancer case.

We recently did a lengthy interview with Diane and she was kind enough to share some invaluable insight on the topic of nutrition as it relates to breast cancer patients (and cancer patients in general). To give each of her detailed answers their due attention, we’ll be sharing them in individual posts as part of a upcoming Q&A section of our website, starting with this one:

Question: Women undergoing chemotherapy tend to feel very tired due to the harsh chemicals in their bodies, as well as undergoing other symptoms relating to food in general. What are your recommendations for overcoming those side effects during treatment?

Image Source: MSN Health

Diane’s Answer: Cancer treatment effects the eating behavior of patients and our job is to accommodate their diet during their treatment as it can cause nausea, vomiting, apotheosis, diarrhea or constipation. These are all gastrointestinal problems that require a specific dietetic approach. At certain periods during treatment, the patient’s immunity is weakened and it’s crucial to provide them with the proper nutritional education to prevent food contamination due to their heightened sensitivity.

In the case of any of the following reactions, the following is recommended:

a) Loss of Appetite

• Eating frequent meals and snacks that are easy to prepare.
• Liquid supplements may improve total energy intake and body function and may work well when eating solids is difficult.
• Other liquids that contain energy may also help, such as juices, soups, milk, shakes and fruit smoothies.

Types of foods recommended: cheese and crackers, muffins, puddings, nuts, chocolate, nutritional supplements, milkshakes, yogurt, ice cream, powdered milk or eggs added to foods such as puree, soups, or any other recipe that requires milk, and lastly, fruit cocktail that is low in added sugar.

Image Source: WebMD

b) Alterations to taste and/or smell

Alterations in taste can be related to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, dental problems, mucositis and infection (thrush) or medications. Rinsing the mouth before eating may help improve the taste of food.

• Use plastic utensils if foods taste metallic.
• Try eating your favorite foods.
• Have others prepare the meal.
• Substitute red meat with poultry, fish, eggs or cheese.
• A vegetarian diet could be useful, choose high-protein recipes.
• Use sugar-free lemon drops, gum, or mints when experiencing a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth.
• Add spices and sauces to foods.
• Eat meat with something sweet, such as applesauce.

 c) Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

• Drink plenty of liquids (25–30 ml/kg per day). Keep water handy at all times to moisten the mouth, and eat moist foods with extra sauces.
• Drink fruit nectar instead of juice.
• Use a straw to drink liquids.
• Eat hard candies, frozen desserts such as frozen grapes, chewing gum or flavored ice pops.
• Perform oral hygiene at least 4 times a day (after each meal and before bedtime). Avoid rinses containing alcohol.
• Consume very sweet or tart foods and beverages, which may stimulate saliva.

 d) Mucositis/Stomatitis

• Eat foods that are soft, easy to chew and swallow. Some conditions may require processing foods in a blender. Irritants may include acidic, spicy and salty foods.
• Eat foods cold or at room temperature; hot and warm foods can irritate a tender mouth.
• Practice good mouth care.

e) Nausea

• Eat dry foods such as crackers, breadsticks, or toast, throughout the day.
• Eat bland, soft, easy-to-digest foods rather than heavy meals.
• Avoid cooking odors.
• Rinse out the mouth before and after eating.
• Suck on hard candies such as peppermints or lemon drops if the mouth has a bad taste.

f) Diarrhea

• Soups, sports drinks, bananas, and canned fruits may be helpful for the replenishment of electrolytes.
• Diarrhea may worsen with greasy foods, hot or cold liquids, or caffeine.
• Limit milk to 2 cups or eliminate milk and milk products until the source of the problem is determined.
• Limit gas-forming foods and beverages such as soda, cruciferous vegetables, legumes and lentils and chewing gum.
• Limit the use of sugar-free candies or gum made with sugar alcohol (sorbitol).

Image Source: WebMD

g) Constipation

• Eat more fiber-containing foods on a regular basis. The recommended fiber intake is 25 to 35 grams per day (beans, vegetables, whole cereals, vegetables, etc). Fiber should be gradually added to the diet, and adequate fluids must be consumed at the same time.
• Drink 8 to 10 cups of fluid each day; beverages such as water, prune juice and warm juices, decaffeinated teas, and lemonade can be particularly helpful.
• Take walks and exercise regularly (proper footwear is important).

To get in touch with Diane Nicolas for an appointment or other questions, feel free to email her on:  diane.nicolas@live.com

Inspiration Collection

There’s truly lots of helpful information online regarding breast cancer awareness, but it often goes ignored for being either too deja-vu, medical or boring. We strongly believe in the role design plays in getting the right message across so we spent a few days looking online for the most creative samples out there. Below are a few of our favorites and feel free to share them with others or print them out to serve as reminders when needed:

Source: Worldwide Breast Cancer

Source: I Heart Guts

Source: Asbestos News (Click to see enlarged)

Check out more from our collection of creative self-check tips and references here. We’ll keep adding to it along the way and if you have spotted some interesting breast cancer awareness flyers, campaigns or ads, please share with us by email to onewigstand@gmail.com or by posting directly on our Facebook page.

The Wig Experience at Eve by Karkafi

“They share with us their story. We share with them their worry.”

Staff Member at Eve by Karkafi (Zalka Branch)

Karkafi Group was established in 1968 primarily as a retail specialist of wigs. As styling trends evolved, so did their products and service offerings. They now serve as the leading retailer of wigs, hair extensions (clips, fixed or removable) and other hair accessories in the Middle East with branches in Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria, Sudan, Qatar and the UAE.

An assortment of wigs and styles welcome you at Eve by Karkafi. We visited their Zalka branch, photographed here. (Photograph by One Wig Stand/Loryne Atoui)

What drew our attention to their wig boutique, Eve by Karkafi, was that many breast cancer patients inLebanon visit them prior to or during their chemotherapy treatment. During our meeting with Maggie Keshishian, Karkafi Group’s Marketing Executive, we learned that on average they have at least one new breast cancer patient visiting each day in addition to 2 to 3 women who come daily for general wig maintenance. “Unfortunately, lately there are many more cases of breast cancer inLebanon.. We get a lot of visits.. There are even children that come to get fitted” adds Maggie.

Alongside customized styling for wigs, Eve by Karkafi manufacture their own wigs and utilize fine mono fiber for the scalp area to give a more natural look. Wigs on average cost around $300, but breast cancer patients receive a special discount as well as a complimentary wig stand and a small gift (such as a comb or mirror).

Breast cancer patients, in general, are advised to go for 100% natural wigs (made from human hair) as opposed to synthetic ones as they last longer and are more versatile for styling. Maggie adds that “The wig needs to ideally be “her”.. She shouldn’t feel like she’s wearing anything and feel comfortable in her own skin.. Natural wigs definitely offer more options. They can be blow-dried, straightened, dyed and styled on demand for a special occasion for example.”

Wig stands and a styling booth for the wigs that need extra care (Photograph by One Wig Stand/Loryne Atoui)

For any woman in this condition, choosing a wig can in and of itself be a very difficult experience. “A woman who’s undergoing treatment is emotionally distressed.. We do our best to replicate her wig in the exact style she had naturally so she doesn’t feel a difference.. This is one the best ways we can help them. Few women will make a drastic change in their look during this phase.. Our staff also give them lots of hope and share stories of other customers who had overcome the disease” Maggie shared. Some survivors additionally donate their wigs to NGOs through their store so that other women may also benefit from them.

To make the transition easier for new patients, the stylists at Eve by Karkafi also offer to cut the woman’s hair which, firstly, reduces the shock they may encounter once their hair starts to shed and, secondly, allows the wig fit better. The experience is made even more personal through various private rooms set aside for such occasions. Each styling booth also comes with curtains that can be sealed based on the customer’s preferences. That allows the woman to feel more comfortable in trying and finding the right wig.

Completely private rooms for wig fittings and styling at Eve by Karkafi's Zalka branch (Photograph by One Wig Stand/Loryne Atoui)

Semi-private sections at Eve by Karkafi's Zalka branch that close with curtains while not isolating you completely from others (Photograph by One Wig Stand/Loryne Atoui)

What’s the true secret behind Eve by Karkafi, besides their unlimited assortment of wigs? It’s the staff. Good-humored and ready to help, they also have a tremendous responsibility to make their customers feel at ease especially if they’re going through such a drastic transition. “When she finally finds the right wig, she gets emotional and it’s our job to make her feel better.” shared a staff member who showed us around.

Wigs and extensions in any style imaginable. Some customers come for a complete look change, while others look for ways to accentuate their current styles (Photograph by One Wig Stand/Loryne Atoui)

Below we’ve included a few quick tips on this topic that were shared to us during this visit:

 How to Select the Best Wig for You:

• Choose your wig before you start chemotherapy that way you’ll have it ready when you really need it. It’s much harder to go through this process once your hair starts falling and you might not be feeling as well.
• Bring a picture of yourself with your hair at its best. Your wig specialist will have something to base the styling on so it comes out as close as possible to your natural hairstyle.
• Go for a wig that looks the most natural for you and makes you feel comfortable. Avoid drastic changes that you might regret later on or feel constrained by.

How to Take Care of Your Wig:

• Comb it on a regular basis to avoid tangling.
• Eve by Karkafi recommend you take it to your wig specialist every two weeks for cleaning and general maintenance
• Put your wig on a wig stand instead to preserve its style. It’ll last a lot longer if you take care of it.

You may also donate your hair to make wigs at Eve by Karkafi and help cancer patients with your contribution. Read more about how to prepare your hair for donations in our previous post “Hair Today, Hers Tomorrow“. For additional information on wig stores in the Middle East, check out our regularly updated directory here.