Just fix up the best you can and put on a big smile!!! They know what you are going through and will only see your smile!! If you have to leave to go to the bathroom they will understand. Good luck I will be praying it will be a good day for you!!

Be yourself and don't worry about how you're being perceived by others. You're a survivor and be proud of what you've endured in this journey. The only time I felt self-conscious was when I had my ostomy bag and was worried that my shirt would fly up when I was giving presentations.

Also, most everyone that knows of your condition has extreme empathy and would not knowingly make you feel self-conscious.

The fact you're going back to work is something to celebrate! Give 'em hell!

Dale

Hey Cape, You are the only one who notices how you look, we are all a little self-conscious, I understand. Just put on a smile, and a little lipstick, and you will be fine. It's so great that you are going to work, make it a fun day and when the meeting is over, buy yourself something you will enjoy. Take care & hugs.

The shorter the hair, the bigger the earrings. : ) So I ve been told.
I use a concealer, a liquid foundation followed by a mineral compact.
I then add a little eyeliner and some cheerful lip stick and gloss. Some blush on the apples of your cheeks gives you a nice bit of shine.

Than I try to remember most people spend 90 percent of the time thinking about themselves.....let your wonderful personality shine through and remember to have a great time getting "Back in the Saddle" I know I ll be thinking about you shining in that meeting!

Cape, I went for a job interview for a promotion mid chemo. I thought I'd be nervous, but I just did the legwork and handed the rest over to God. You'll be fine, let that inner strength guide you. Deep breathes. Remember, nothing is difficult to the brave and faithful, or beautiful, and you my friend are very very beautiful. So GOYA and kick some butt YEAH!!! Let us know how it goes. Coogee xxx

Oh, I got the job :}

Aha, MPC & GG said what I was going to say. People spend most of their time worrying about their own appearance and don't notice ours nearly as much as we think. Wear a nice outfit and and put on make-up. I've always tended to get dark circles. When I Iost my hair people told me I looked like Sigourney Weaver (in Alien, obviously), lol. It's the only time in my life I regularly wore earrings - it helped.

I understand your fears, though, because I was terrified the first time I went back to work after surgery and chemo. (That was 12 years ago, BTW, and most people I work with don't even remember I had cancer.) One thing that helps me is to think about famous people who have been very open about their cancer, like Lance Armstrong, Christina Applegate (who talked about her mastectomies), or Justice Ruth Ginsburg (who sat on the Supreme Court while going through chemo for colon cancer). It's not such a bad club we belong to!

Thanks so much everyone! Here's to lipstick, blush, earrings and a smile ---- and I need to remember that the healthcare associated with this gig pays the medical bills. Everyone here is so loving and thoughtful, and it feels so much better to get my petty fears out of my own head and get feedback from others.
With prayers of healing for all of us, and lots of gratitude for your support,

Cape Cod

Hey Cape;
What works for me is a silky halter top (no bra), a short skirt and thigh high boots. I don't bother with putting on any makeup. The fact that I'm a guy, 58 years old and overweight is the ticket to my success. Just kidding! Listen to sunngal, coogee and mypretty & you'll be fine.
John

Hi Cape - You will be surprised how much support you will get - don't underestimate the good in people - besides, doesn't just about everyone have someone that they know or care about going through some type of illness? And don't forget to always picture everyone naked :)) !!