Northern Lights: Changes In Fashion
After a stormy, cold winter in the northern hemisphere, I think we are all looking forward to spring in all of its glorious aspects: longer days, spring flowers in the gardens, return of the migrating birds, and warmer temperatures.
Spring is also the time when a lot of people change out the content for their closet, putting away the winter boots, warm coats, mitts, and scarves to make room for lighter clothing, both in texture and in color.
As I put away my winter gear, my thoughts wander back four years when I made some really dramatic changes in my wardrobe.
After having suffered several vertebral compression fractures in the early summer of 2009, I lost more than an inch in height, which threw my wardrobe into disarray.
The waistbands on any fitted clothing no longer fit me, and I spent months wearing my yoga pants, since nothing else fit.
I finally recognized that I had to give away a lot of clothes and go shopping for new ones.
I didn’t want to buy any clothes that featured horizontal lines, for that would only accentuate the loss of height. Nor did I want to wear belted clothing for the same reason.
Whenever I was shopping for new clothes, I was careful to ask for advice from the sales ladies. I found that if I told them that I was fighting cancer, they would spend a lot of time helping me to find a new look. The same was true at makeup counters. During that time, I was trying to look as nice as possible to lift my own spirits.
Because I had been injured and the last thing I wanted to do was to fall down again and experience further injuries, I threw out all of my high-heeled shoes. I didn’t feel secure any more walking around in them. I also thought that the strain on my back was too much if I wore heels higher than a couple of inches.
Good shoes help so much with stability and mobility. I have since switched to more athletic training shoes, as well as comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and boots. There are even shoes available now that combine a fashion ‘upper’ with an athletic shoe sole. All of these types of shoes help me to be more active, which has become very important to me.
My lifestyle has changed quite a bit since my initial diagnosis four years ago. It now includes working from home, walking outdoors, going to the gym, exercising in a swimming pool, cycling when the pathways are clear of snow and ice, singing in a choir, and attending a lot of meetings. In addition, my husband and I travel for vacations and to conferences when we can.
More so than before, I now am able to dress for comfort, and do not have to wear professional office clothing.
I now look for casual, well-made clothing that is flattering and easy to move around in. I have had good luck with knits, since they are comfortable, and can be fashioned cleverly to hide figure flaws.
Other fashion items that I added to my wardrobe were shawls that I threw over my shoulders to hide the Hickman catheter, which I had for several months during the transplant process.
I have always liked jewelry and bought a couple of bracelets that are related to my myeloma. One is a silver bracelet sold by my support group that features a powerful cancer fighting statement. Another is a bracelet made of clear and burgundy crystals, the color for myeloma.
I have also invested in nice clothes for exercising, since that encourages me to stay fit. I have found that the synthetic material that breathes and is machine washable works particularly well. I have a dry-fit T-shirt, in red and white, from my support group’s annual walk/run, which I wear with pride at the gym. I have also invested into a flattering swimsuit that helps to propel me towards exercising or swimming in the pool.
One other item that turned out to be quite a fun fashion accessory is the wig that I wore after my stem cell transplant in early 2010. It not only covered my bald head but also served as a hat during the cold winter months. It had no grey hairs in it and made me look younger instantly, which helped me tremendously to get through this difficult time. My hair has since grown back in, firstly quite wavy, and now is how it was previously. My hairdresser has helped me to get a series of changing styles as my hair has grown longer.
As you can see, I have been through some major fashion changes in the last few years due to my myeloma journey. I’m happy to say that I think my wardrobe now suits my current lifestyle perfectly.
How has your myeloma diagnosis affected your wardrobe?
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The quotation for this month is from Coco Chanel (1883 - 1971), a French fashion designer, who wrote "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."
Nancy Shamanna is a multiple myeloma patient and a columnist at The Myeloma Beacon. You can view a list of her columns here.
If you are interested in writing a regular column to be published by The Myeloma Beacon, please contact the Beacon team at .
Hi Nancy,
I'm less than a year out from transplant, so my wardrobe is currently under transformation, but I totally understand your situation.
I've lost 22 pounds in the transplant process, so most of my old clothes no longer fit. I am no longer working, so I have no need for career clothes, and am living in exercise clothes mostly because that is what I can find that fits my changing body and is comfortable. I have suffered vertebral and other fractures, and my skeletal shape isn't the same as before. After six rib fractures, I find the pressure of a bra around my ribcage unbearable. Having experienced two foot fractures as well as neuropathy, comfortable shoes are a must. I need to find new clothes that make me feel comfortable and good about myself. I'm fairly young and have a young child, so I'm not ready for dowdy clothes and "practical" shoes!
Thanks for writing this column. To some it may seem superficial, but I can totally relate. I would love to see your myeloma jewelry and the clothes that are working well for you...maybe on a Pinterest page?
Jeanne
Hi Jeanne, I am sorry to hear about your troubles with myeloma. That first year or two can be quite difficult, or at least that's what I found. I can relate to how you have had pain from fractures and really need to find comfortable clothes that fit (camisoles?). This I found to be challenging, but comfort is not at all trivial or superficial! And there are lots of stylish clothes out there...just a matter of trying some on. I now can shop a bit more in the 'petites' section, for tops, for example.
The silver bracelet contains a message...'#### cancer, embrace life!' It's out there online too....the swarozski crystal bracelet was made as a fund raising item at my cancer centre. You could order it in all colours, according to your cancer type.
So fashion is still fun even if we have suffered from myeloma, and I can imagine that you will look really stylish too. when my children were young, I also wore washable clothes, easy to move in, since that is a lifestyle that requires flexibility in fashion.
Dear Nancy,
Yours was the first article I've read that addresses body issues and wardrobes to match our new bodies. THANK YOU!!!!!!
I was diagnosed in 2011, have had a SCT, and have had many compression fractures and separated ribs. I lost 3 inches, my waist, and gained a protruding belly, even after the loss of 20 lbs! The pain from the compression fractures dictated new clothing that felt comfortable and fit my new body. I am grateful for my life and for the remission I enjoy. The most difficult transition has been mental, learning to embrace my new body and a life that has been transformed by multiple myeloma.
I appreciate your helpful insights, and more than anything, a sense of belonging to a club ( that none of us chose to join) where we know we are not alone in our journey.
Thank you, Bev
I do not have MM but know someone who does. Hence, I receive & read all the Beacon emails. I pray for all of you every day. I just wanted to pass on a suggestion regarding footwear. A friend recently suffered a severe ankle & foot injury. Previously, he wore loafers with no socks all year long. After his injury, he was required to wear sturdy shoes that provide support. He was referred to a brand called SAS and said they are the most comfortable things he's ever worn on his feet. Friends of his rave about SAS & say they last for years. The brand doesn't have a huge selection of "pretty, stylish" shoes/sandals for women but they do have a few. (Many are a bit "orthopedic" looking). The shoes are handcrafted in Texas and are sold in many stores across the US. I believe they can also be purchased online. My friend told me his were pricey but worth every penny due to extreme comfort. I am a long time Type 1 diabetic and experience neuropathy in my feet. I know what it means to find a good comfortable pair of shoes. I hope to be able to purchase a pair of stylish SAS everyday loafers in the near future. Hope this may help some here who need comfortable footwear. God bless all of you warriors.
Thanks Bev for your thoughts too! I think that one of the most disconcerting things for me was when I realized that everyone in my life was suddenly taller than before! That took a bit of getting used to. I like the new fabrics that stretch and 'breathe' more than ever now. Athletes wear such clothing, and so can we!
Kat, thanks for that info about footwear. When I went to their website, I was startled to learn that I have already been in a shop in Nanaimo BC. that carries those shoes. My mother, who is in her 80's , has issues with finding comfortable shoes too, and we had driven to Nanaimo from Courtenay, B.C., just for her to try on some more comfortable shoes. I wear 'running shoes' quite a lot, but their are also high quality comfortable, stylish shoes to try. It's worth paying a little more for shoes that give good foot support and they last for several seasons too.
I wear the SAS shoes all the time. I have been diabetic for 45 years since I was 14. I now suffer from Charcot foot & these are very comfortable & sturdy. They are not very fashionable but comfortable.
Thanks for telling us about the shoes, Terri J. Sorry to hear that you suffer from Charcot foot though. Maybe these shoes would also help people who are suffering from neuropathy caused by myeloma treatments. I wouldn't worry about them not being fashionable. Running shoes aren't all that fashionable either and people wear them day in and day out! Just whatever helps us to keep moving is what counts, I think.
It dawned on me that this would be a great place to share tips about dealing with compression fractures. Here are some of the things that have made me more comfortable in addition to what was mentioned:
- Non-binding clothes
- Gap Body fabrics feel so good (t shirts, soft soft workout wear or pjs)
- Camisoles instead of bras
- Pants with drawstrings or very flexible waist bands.... Nothing binding.
- Silk sheets for easy access to getting into and out of bed. No twisting or friction.
- A silk pillowcase for the car seat to easily turning in seat to exit the car
- A small travel, self-inflatable cushion from "Relax the Back". It rolls up quite small and self inflates. Great to take with you...everywhere.
- Proactive pain management. I find great relief in Flector patches and Tramadol.(which doesn't make me loopy)
- Listen to your body and be flat when you have to.
- Warm water -- lying in a deep tub or hot tub.
- Anti-gravity chair for reading. (Relax the Back)
- A mattress that both supports your body but doesn't hurt your spine, ribs, etc. (The cost of the Tempur-pedic mattress was worth it!)
I would love to hear what helps others. Bev
Those are great ideas, Bev! I hope that others join in with their tips too. I remembered something too that helps with the small amount of foot neuropathy that I still have. I wear 'sleep socks' so that I don't get cold feet at night, and they help me to sleep better!
I hope that your compression fractures are healing though, and that the pain is lessening. The changes that you have made to your lifestyle will probably help with the healing!
Hi Nancy,
What a wonderful column. Body changes - OMG - have I had some. I am still 10 kg heavier than I was when I was first diagnosed. After my spinal fractures (missing 4 cm) & initial treatment with dex, my body has never been the same.
I sew a lot & one of the women who owns the local sewing shop just so happens to work as a nurse in the oncology department at one of the local hospitals. She gave me great advice when I was starting treatment to make soft pants with a wide soft waistband (not elastic) to deal with the expansion that can occur & also to help when the stomach gets sore. I can remember a women having chemo for breast cancer bemoaning the fact that she had to wear pregnancy clothes.
The other thing I made for myself was I converted four pyjama tops (button down the front type) so that I could get unchanged by myself when in hospital - when I had lines in through my PICC line. To make them I slit the arm from collar to wrist and then sewed in press stud tape along the slit. At one hospital I had an argument with a nurse because she wanted me to wear an open-at-the-back gown - No way Jose! - I got into my modified pyjamas. Much more comfortable & less revealing.
Over here there is a program called "Look good Feel good" which is run by volunteers in association with the local oncology group & cosmetic companies. When I attended there was lots of laughter as lots of bald headed women were trying on different wigs - some were pretty wacky. The most important aspect of the day is to know that you are not alone & that you can still look good.
Shoes, alas, I love high heels - I refuse to throw them out - or lend them to my daughter. She would stretch them! Unfortunately I can't really wear high heels, maybe I could for ~5 mins then sneak out & put on the flat sensibles (they just don't look the same)
.
Take care,
Libby
Hi Nancy, I think I am the only guy here to post (Terry=Terence), but I have noticed a few body changes after treatment which probably are due to dex. I am about 20 lbs more than I was when diagnosed, but the weight gain is not really fat per se, more like bulky muscle. It's weird. My ring finger is also thicker and my wedding ring is hard to get off now and some pants a bit tighter now!
All the best. Terry L.
Libby, thanks for telling us how you coped with wardrobe while in the hospital. Those sound like really good ideas. I think that you must have adjusted the PJ tops by using velcro ... is that the same as 'press stud tape'? I still have to remember to wear short sleeved tops when getting my blood draws from the inside of my elbow.
'Look Good Feel Good' sounds like a nice program, and I think a lot of cancer centres have such programs too.
I still like all sorts of shoes too, even though I don't usually wear heels anymore. When one of our daughters got married a couple of years ago, I bought an outfit that all matched ... dress, jacket, shoes and purse. I wore the shoes for the wedding photos, and then had to take them off and put on flats, since my feet were so sore. Sigh! The shoes looked good in the photos, but I really couldn't wear them for long. Now our other daughter is getting married in September. I went back to the same shop (really dressy clothes made in the U.K. - great for such occasions), and got yet another outfit that all matches. This time, the shoes are 'open toed'. I hope that helps my feet and that I can keep them on for the whole evening, including the dancing!
Thanks for writing in Terry! Did you know that you can take your wedding band in to a jeweler and get it re-sized? It's not expensive to do, and it will be more comfortable too. Sorry to hear about the weight gain. It's sure a problem for lots of people as we get older, but I think that problem can be even more challenging if one has to take steroids. I exercise as much as possible (hence the wearing of running shoes) but its a real challenge for me also!
The weight gain and fluid retention from the dexamethasone has been the worst part of my CyBorD regimen. +25 pounds overall. Up and down 10 lbs each week. Oncologist does not want me dieting; moderate exercise and eating healthy, he says. Still, the weight seems to go up each week. Like Terry says, it doesn't appear to be fat. Maybe more muscle mass than fat, because my clothes fit mostly.
I see the doctor this Thursday and am discussing options to get this weight back down again. I am still in induction so my options are more limited right now.
Sorry to hear that Randy! If you find out some strategies for keeping weight under control while taking 'dex' it would be nice to hear about that. Seems to be a problem for a lot of patients!
I had problems like that too, but since I was not as active then as I am able to be now, due to injuries, I chalked it up to doing less exercise than before. The fractures were difficult to deal with, although I managed to at least get up and walk while using a walker for support. I am indeed fortunate to have recovered from that time and now am back to walking several kilometers a day when I have the time to do so.
Hi Nancy,
Velcro & press stud tape are two different things, it's probably called a different thing over there. I didn't use velcro as, it would come apart easily when you are tossing & turning (well I do). Press stud tape, a long piece of tape that has a studs every couple of centimeters. Sometimes instead of a button to do up jeans there will be a big stud. The two parts of the stud are pressed together to do up. The tape I used had small plastic studs every ~3.5 cm.
Winter is coming here - the leaves are already turning.
Take care,
Libby
Thanks Libby, next time I am at a fabric store I will check that item out! I like quilting, and always have sewed too. Here, early spring is apparent. I saw a 'gopher' today, and the birds are returning. A bald eagle was soaring on thermals above the river valley yesterday.
Thank you Nancy for an excellent article, which appears to be more applicable for women facing MM and other cancers. This seems to confirm that cosmetic, weight and sartorial concerns are greater for female oncology patients than men. As a man (I have the European name for John), I have to admit these have been the least of my concerns. Even hair loss for me has led me to have a buzz cut, which is so easy to take care of.
I realize that I have been very fortunate to have comparatively few side effects despite many therapies on my almost three year MM journey. I have been able to keep up with some yoga, push ups and abdominal crunches, as well as hiking and even some skiing. So my weight is where it should be.
However, in no way do I mean to minimize the concern you articulate so well. My belief is that the best holistic approach to dealing with MM (or any chronic disease) is to incorporate some energy medicine and mind-body techniques, leading to an unimpeded flow of Chi (prana, kundalini, bioenergy, etc.), which I consider the best definition of optimum health. How about a column on that? Namasté to all! Jan
Namaste Jan! It's nice to hear from you and I hope that everything is going better for you also. I am not into 'Chi' as such, but if you are, it would be great to hear about that, maybe in a forum post or in your own guest column? I have tried yoga but mostly now walk a lot (often with our 'grandpuppy'), go to the gym, the swimming pool ... am waiting for the snow to really melt back to get outdoors on a bike. My family doctor has encouraged me to do 'cardio' type exercise for my health.
I think that both men and women worry about weight gain, because we perceive it to be a health issue. Weight gain and fluid retention with steroid and other drug use is a medical problem that I think is beyond me to comment upon though.
Sartorial concerns and hair styles are more personal, I guess. Probably we women are more socialized to worry about them, although I must say that some of the comments to this column were just as much about being comfortable as being fashionable!