Having cancer, and feeling good

NST: A shop that helps breast cancer patients look better, feel better and get better is opening its doors to men — with accessories that will help guys cope with the cancers they have.
Wigs and hats, and special underwear that can conceal colostomy bags are just some of things men recovering from cancer will soon find at Amanita, a unique boutique that serves the community of Malaysians who live with cancer.
Amanita began in Ampang last year as an all-girl store that sold lacy bras, swimwear and singlets with sex appeal specifically to women who have had a mastectomy. The second store, which opened on Jan 9 at the Cancer Centre in the Subang Jaya Medical Centre, will address all cancers and all people, including children, says Amanita founder Dee Sidhu.
It stocks wigs, hats, headgear, scarves, bras, swimsuits, blouses, nightwear, sportswear and lounge wear for cancer patients. It also stocks compression gloves, sleeves, socks and stockings and suitable exercise accessories.
Forthcoming products include hats with built-in hair and various hair accessories. Soon, it will also have a range for children including cute Legionairre’s hats.
"Hair loss is a major issue for most cancer patients," says Sidhu, "so we will be stocking wigs and products for hair, as well as skin and nail care, and sun protection. When you look good, you feel good."
People recovering from cancer treatments deal with extremely dry skin, hair loss and brittle nails. Those with other illnesses, such as diabetes, need to be extra careful.
" The chemical-free skin creams are soothing and effective," says Sidhu. "There is also a selection of aromatherapy and other products to help the patient relax and be comfortable."
Breast prostheses, in addition to aesthetic reasons, help to maintain posture and spinal alignment.
After a mastectomy, a woman's remaining body weight shifts into a new centre that will eventually affect the spine and overall posture. If not addressed this can lead to severe back pain and permanent disability.
Amanita also stocks books on cancer, its treatments, diet and lifestyle. Some books are intended for children.
Subang Jaya Medical Centre executive director Datuk Dr Jacob Thomas says the Cancer Centre aims to grow into a holistic treatment centre.
"Medical treatment is one thing, emotional support is just as important to recovery," says Dr Thomas. "Patients who have a positive outlook are more likely to comply with treatment regimens and do better in an overall sense."
Dr Thomas says SJMC will work with Amanita on meaningful outreach programmes that take cancer education to schools and the community. "We hope this translates into patients seeking treatment early."
A school programme, for example, will help children understand cancer when one of them has been diagnosed with the illness This means they learn about the illness and how to deal with others who have cancer.
The adult programme helps cancer patients and their caregivers deal with appearance, exercise, nutrition, counseling and sharing.
In April, Amanita will hold a professional breast care nurse training course in Kuala Lumpur for 25 Malaysian nurses, which has been accredited by the Edith Cowan University, in Perth, Australia.

* For more information on Amanita, please visit www.amanita.com.my or email dee@amanita.com.my