Dr Juliana has more than 10 years of experience in Family Medicine, Aesthetic Medicine and Women’s Health. Being a strong advocate of disease prevention, she maintained a healthy lifestyle and had no family history of cancer. Yet, at the young age of 38, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Since my diagnosis, I have met some wonderful cancer survivors who consulted me for advice on aesthetic treatments. I felt inspired to help those who may have lost some confidence in their physical appearance as a result of their cancer therapy.
This is where I first came across the term “Onco-Aesthetics” whose purpose is to improve the psychological well-being of cancer patients by addressing the attitude towards their psychophysical care. “You have to live, not just survive” perfectly encompasses the goal that onco-aesthetics aims to achieve.
However, having been through it myself, I do believe it is important to not rush into any treatment but focus on giving our bodies and skin a chance to recover through sufficient rest, healthy dieting and regular exercise.
Reflecting back, I knew that my dry and sensitive skin was going to deteriorate during my cancer treatment and so I made changes to my skincare regime to ensure that my skin was well taken care of.
I focused on skin hydration and making sure that I used products that were mild and gentle. One of the first aesthetic treatments that I chose to do after completing my main cancer treatment was actually laser hair removal because I had started growing a lot of unwanted facial hair about two months after completing my chemotherapy!
Looking back, I see the experience I have gone through with cancer as a blessing in disguise. I now live every day with greater tenacity and joy. I am very lucky to have discovered my condition at an early enough stage and been given a second chance at life which I am so thankful for. Read more about early detection and screening for cancer.
The journey for any cancer patient is a difficult one. I hope to be of service to those who may need some assistance in improving their confidence in their road to recovery. We are not cancer patients. We are cancer survivors.
Let’s celebrate life after cancer!
Cancer treatment plans may differ from person to person as it depends on the staging and type of cancer they have. My breast cancer was hormone receptor negative and HER 2 receptor positive for which I was advised to undergo chemotherapy, radiotherapy and Herceptin treatment. While my cancer diagnosis essentially put my baby number 2 plans on the backburner, I was determined to fight my cancer as my priority.
I researched a lot into the body changes I was likely to experience during chemo and prepared the best I could for it. I anticipated dry and itchy skin, dry mouth and ulcers, nail changes, hair loss, nausea and tiredness.
I found that regular hydration was an important step to control the side effects to my skin and was a strong believer in prevention. Despite the gruelling side effects of chemotherapy I would still religiously apply my skin, nail and oral care products on a daily basis to minimize side effects.
Hair loss was inevitable for the type of chemotherapy drug that was selected for me and despite the use of a cold cap I still lost about 70% of my hair. I had cut my usually long hair to a short bob prior to starting treatment but eventually had my head shaved after my second cycle as the hair loss was too emotionally challenging. I learned to embrace my new shaven look and took to wearing headscarves when out of the house. It was such a relief and an immense feeling of emancipation when 4-5 months after ending chemo I finally grew enough hair to leave the house without a head cover!
Nausea and tiredness were very emotionally draining on me and despite my usual positive disposition it did manage to push me into a period of sadness during my chemo cycles. I tried to overcome this by taking daily walks and planning little things to look forward to. As challenging as chemotherapy was, I persevered through it as best I could. My body and mind slowly but surely recovered leaps and bounds after the treatment had ended.
Start your skin health restoration journey with us today!
Mon-Fri :8:30am – 5:30pm
Sat :8:30am – 1:00pm
Sun / PH :Closed
Mon-Fri :8:30am – 5:30pm
Sat/Sun / PH :Closed
Fusion Medical was set up in the year 2015. Our founders, being passionate about offering one-stop quality healthcare services at affordable rates, decided to set up an Executive Medical Centre equipped with diagnostic and imaging equipment under one roof to provide convenience to our patients. Diagnostic and imaging equipment include X-Ray, Ultrasound, Treadmill, Echocardiogram, Tonometry, Mammogram, Retinopathy and Bone Densitometry.
Our clinic is centrally located in Wheelock Place, giving you easy access to quality healthcare services whenever you need it. Appointments are easy, too. Request an appointment online or call us.
Our female doctors offer a broad range of screening and medical services, personalised just for you. Doctor-patient relationships can last a lifetime, and we believe that it is important to have a doctor who truly understands you. We strive to do the best we can to make you feel comfortable.
We are committed to meeting your specific needs at our clinic. Our clinic is fully equipped with diagnostic and imaging equipment to provide one-stop convenience for you.
Start your skin health restoration journey with us today!
Mon-Fri :8:30am – 5:30pm
Sat :8:30am – 1:00pm
Sun / PH :Closed
Mon-Fri :8:30am – 5:30pm
Sat/Sun / PH :Closed