Napi Horsemanship

Here are some tips and tricks that have helped me through my cancer diagnosis and treatment!

Checklist:

This is more of a salve than a lotion. It’s amazing for scraps, scabs, and irritated skin. I’ve used it on scars as well. We accidentally found out it works incredibly on diaper rash too. I could use this on my scalp as well to keep it hydrated but haven’t tried it yet. This brand is Honest.

I got an organic shampoo and conditioner since my hair loss was uncomfortable. I wanted to set up my scalp up for success and to not have anymore sensitivity issues. I really enjoying this brand, Canviiy.

I bought another product from Canviiy and it’s a balm for my scalp. This is my main go to for scalp hydration as of now. It’s a light weight formula with a cooling and refreshing feeling. It doesn’t matter if I apply this at the beginning or end of my skin routine. I do wash my hands after application though to remove the product off my fingers. This is something I apply outside of the shower though.

This is my last product I use in the shower, a face wash. It’s an Australian branded company called Sukin. It’s a foaming face cleanser. And continuing the theme its a company that uses all natural products.

I also use my youngest daughter’s body wash, Dove Sensitive Skin in the shower for my body wash. Any baby soaps and lotions are recommended.

I tried to keep the skin care simplified. If you want a little more information on the skin products I use please go read the blog post I wrote Skin Care 101 🙂

My chemotherapy made me lose just about all my hair on my head, the rest of the hair is slowly making its departure from my scalp. I decided my style for head covering. I would recommend doing this and getting everything before you make the shave or it falls out. My head covers mostly consist of beanies and my boyfriend’s baseball caps. I’ve had some awesome homemade beanies made for me as well by friends. I accidentally ordered a silk beanie and would recommend getting at least one, especially if you are going to be losing your hair. It was my biggest relief as my hair fell out in larger amounts. I have two scarves I’ve been messing around with as well but I use those more when I “dress up”. Also still working on perfecting the technique of scarf wearing.

I had a PICC line (central line in my left bicep) for two months and this was the best cover out of the three I bought. The company is MightyWell and you can find them online or Amazon. All you have to do is measure your upper bicep and right above the elbow to find your size.

There are a few companies out there that offer central line clothing. You mostly see PICC and Port adaptive clothing. I can’t bring myself to spend 40 bucks on a shirt that isn’t even cute. So I got a small hand sewing kit and a 9 dollar sweater off amazon and made a PICC line adapted sweater. Hospitals are cold and I want to be comfy for blood draws and my week long stays for chemotherapy. But now I have a port so I am going to get another 9 dollar sweater and this time make a Port access point.

I also got a Port and PICC friendly lime green jacket from my Aunt for my birthday. That was my one splurge on port clothing.

There’s big plans in the near future to hit up a thrift store for some more finds to sew into cancer functional clothing. If you have a central line and would like some cute cloths with access points let me know, we can discuss more through my contact page!

If you have a port on your chest like me anything button up works well along with low cut tank top, could pair the two together for port access days. Anything low cut too. I have another picture of a quick port access I put in at my hospital stay below as well. I can unbutton it so when they need to needle stick it it’s easily accessible. Then I can just button it up when they’re done.

Perks of being in a Cannabis friendly state! I only ingest cannabis through edibles these days. I found this brand WYLD and instantly fell in love. I got the pear flavor that has THC and CBG. Mostly you hear about THC and CBD but this CBG is pretty impressive stuff! It works with the central nervous system and I have had amazing luck with my nausea during my stay for chemotherapy. I got pain relief after my spinal tap as well from this edible. They’re ten milligrams per gummy which is my preferred amount to take at a time with cannabis. Usually in a day I do anywhere between 20 to 30 mg. I will always have a pack of this in my hospital bag.

This is the first purchase you need to go make if you don’t have a water bottle already. Even if you don’t have cancer, go get yourself a water bottle. Water is so important and its helped my body with the process of chemotherapy. Keeping the body flushed helps your organs, like kidneys, with the breakdown of chemo. I got this guy from amazon for less than 20 dollars. It holds 27 oz of fluid though, which is a large Starbucks drink 😉 It also has a straw which is always a huge perk. Greens also my favorite color too.

Knowing I was going to be bald soon I knew I wanted to do some extra things to help me dress up a little more on the days I might need a little boost of moral. My ears aren’t pierced because I have…. Had? A needle phobia. So I found this adorable shop on Etsy and got some hand made cuff earrings. The store is called ForYourEar! I love them. I wear them with my ball caps and beanies and they look so great.

I love supporting a small company that does all this all by hand. Being able to support smaller companies is quickly turning into a fulfilling way to put my money back into the economy.

My nails have been growing out as well because I’m no longer wrestling ponies in the dirt and mud. It’s just another self care habit I’m picking up to help myself feel more like a functioning member of society. I feel like the little things can add up and make enough of a difference on the days that you need it.

Mostly it’s living that you need to put at the top of your check list. Don’t forget in the midst of all of the bullshit that you are still alive. Take every day how you need to. For me being outside is so important. Being able to see my girls happy and healthy, learning about the world around them. This is my sanity. It’s what makes this whole thing somewhat bearable.

I have learned a lot about connection in these last few months. How important it is. My family is my foundation and I know I couldn’t do this without them. Cancer is scary and sad. But you not only have to fight physically but mentally too. I almost would go as far to say that the mentality is more important than the physical. I was a firm believer before diagnosis that every day is not guaranteed. Now that I have a life threatening disease this value has only grown more important to me. Don’t let the negativity win, continue to live your life. Those little things do add up.

Hang in there and always feel free to reach out to me! Thank you for reading and your support.