Cancer Capsule Wardrobe

Does what you’re wearing have a big impact on how you are feeling? If so, a cancer capsule wardrobe might be just the thing for you. 

Why develop a personal style just for your cancer diagnosis? 

Wearing clothes like a suit of armor to undertake the fight of a lifetime. 

Ease.

Simplicity.

To reflect the “patient” role that is different than any other.

Clothing and accessory needs are also different during treatment.

So, what did I wear when fighting for my life?

A jean jacket.
A tank top.

A wireless sports bra.

A long, flowy skirt.

Birkenstocks.

Obviously, I was receiving treatment in warmer months – but let me share why this worked for me. 

The jean jacket gave me flexibility to take off and put back on in case of chills, hot flashes, cold waiting rooms, hot patient in-take rooms, blood draws, IVs, etc.

The tank top allowed quick access to all the spots my medical team seemed to want to see.

The wireless sports bra meant I could wear it into radiation, so it was easier to get in and out of treatment and I didn’t have to change into a hospital gown – my radiation was on my abdomen and I pulled my shirt up and slid my skirt down.

The skirt was good for catching a breeze. But I also felt really physically vulnerable during this time and it felt good to be covered up.

My birks were great because they were comfortable walking around the hospital, parking lots, doctors appointments, etc, – there is a A LOT of getting around as a patient. But also super easy for slipping into and out of as I got on tables, scales and examination chairs. 

Developing your own personal style is a process that involves self-expression, experimentation, and confidence. But it’s totally next level when you’re thinking about your style during cancer treatment. Here are some steps to help you cultivate your own cancer style:

Self-Reflection: Start by thinking about your treatment cycles. Are the concentrated with weekly chemo and daily radiation? Or will you have a longer treatment calendar – consisting of months or even years? Is your current wardrobe super lounge friendly, or built for the office? Do you want to stay as true as possible to your pre-diagnosis look or are you ok with taking a break and wearing whatever feels best? Aligning your style during treatment with your experience as a person who is receiving and recovering helps create daily ease and reduce decision fatigue.

Inspiration: Seek inspiration from your current closet. What makes you feel loved? In what clothes do you show up with confidence? There is so much vulnerability in the medical world, so take good care of your emotional and spiritual self. 

Experimentation: Approach your cancer style with a curious mindset. It will likely take a couple of tries to get it right for your diagnosis and treatment plan. Things that are likely to influence your decision making – does your medical team need access to your arms (IV), chest (port), breasts, moles, abdomen, pelvis, legs, face or head for treatment? Do you have burns or discomfort from radiation? Can you tolerate lifting your arms to put on/take off a bra? Can your skin tolerate a zipper or underwire? Would a cami with built-in bra feel better? How about seams? Will your medical team make a recommendation for clothes? Are you running hot or cold? Want layers or as few clothes as possible? Does a heavy blanket feel comforting or confining?

Identify Clothing Go-Tos: Know which clothes feel best for your treatment plan, and for the way your body is responding to treatment.  Keep those pieces close by. In the treatment world it often feels like you’re in an emergency or a waiting game. So if you have a favorite cardigan or a port friendly dress that makes you feel like you – keep it handy so you can meet what’s coming with your own suit of armor ready to go.  I learned to prioritize comfort and fabrics that are breathable and allow for ease of movement. I also decided on a minimalist approach – very mix and match with a couple of long flowy skirts and tank tops, a favorite jean jacket, a long cardigan with pockets for my phone and ID, a backpack for my computer, treatment notebook (managing schedules & questions) and a long charger.

Confidence: Receiving treatment is such a vulnerable and emotional process, full of ups and downs. Wear what makes you feel good – so you can move through appointments with confidence, ready to talk with your medical team, speak kindly to yourself. Your cancer capsule wardrobe should help you feel like you’ve suited up to show up for yourself.