Maggie's in the News - Life tips to help lift cancer patients' heads high

The Standard - Carain Yeung 03-01-2017

Plastic beads, cotton and stockings can be turned into temporary breast prostheses after breast-removal surgery, but not many are aware of this. And that simple but helpful life tip, plus many more, is what a non-government organization wants cancer patients to know.

Patients often do not get practical life tips when in hospital because doctors and nurses are busy and they sometimes feel nervous to ask, said Helen Lui Wong Yun-fong, head of Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre.

Located at the green area of Tuen Mun Hospital, the center offers free practical, emotional and social support to cancer patients.

Many breast-cancer patients seeking assistance at Maggie's do not seem to have much knowledge about the disease and the treatment, said Cherie Lo Wen- chee, a specialist nurse in oncology who serves as a support specialist at the center.

Lo said Maggie's steps in to offer practical help, including conducting a breast-prosthesis-making and bra- fitting workshop.

"We had patients who approached us four to five years after recovery, telling us that they still could not accept the fact" that they had mastectomy - or breast-removal surgery - said Lo, who is an instructor in the workshop.

She added patients often have low self-esteem, feeling they are less of a woman, especially those who have had both breasts removed.

To remedy that some patients go for breast-reconstruction surgery or choose to wear permanent silicon prostheses. But they have to wait for six to eight months after surgery and chemotherapy.

"Some patients shared in the workshop that they had to arch their back when they go out or cover their front with clothing or backpacks," Lo said.

She added participants usually were surprised at first when they were told that simple materials like beads, cotton and stockings can be turned into comfortable temporary prostheses. Toward the end of the session, participants try on their prostheses and bra.

"After getting compliments from their peers, they usually leave with their head held high," Lo said.

Lui added: "We believe that if the patient is positive, cheerful or confident, or play a more active role in the process, it will be better for their treatment or recovery process."

Lui said the center offers a variety of programs, including a makeup workshop, in which it partners with high-end brands. This helps them set aside some of their worries as patients, Lui said.

Some patients tend to disguise their feelings or hide their condition from their family and friends.

Cancer is never pleasant news to anyone but, Lui said, in many cases relatives and friends would like to learn about their loved ones' condition as early as possible so they may provide support.

Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer affecting women in Hong Kong.