The Mint Jubilee Resource Center - A Personal Journey

By Dawn Isaac

Ten years ago my closest friend was diagnosed with cancer. She was a strong woman, a physician by training, and she accepted her diagnosis with both a clear understanding of what might happen and a spunky resolve to fight the disease. My job was simple -provide her with daily encouragement and support.

For a cancer patient chemotherapy and radiation are familiar treatments. But because of the toxic nature of these treatments a common side effect is the hair loss. My friend's experience wasn't that different from thousands of other cancer patients, and after a few treatments her hair began to fall out. But what I began to notice is how this physical change was so upsetting to her and more importantly how it affected her outlook on life and cancer. Initially I was surprised, but after months of helping her through treatment I began realize how this seemingly small side effect can affect a patient. To my friend, it was more than hair loss. Through her eyes she was looking into a mirror and seeing a different person. She was losing control of one of the most familiar aspects of her life - how she physically looked.

Eventually my friend lost her battle with cancer, and I have never forgotten what we went through together. It's why I do what I do today. For ten years I have specialized in the area of image enhancement, specifically related to the support of cancer patients. Currently, I am the director of the Mint Jubilee Resource Center at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center .

Image enhancement is about proper training and giving patients the emotional support they need. When we work with someone in the Mint Jubilee Resource Center Image Enhancement Lab we focus on the whole patient - mind and body. It is a comprehensive approach to healing that is echoed throughout the Brown Cancer Center and it's what makes us different.

My role in the Image Enhancement Lab is the result of over nine years of diverse training in psychology, anatomy, physiology, a board certification in mastectomy and extensive training in wig care and construction. From the film industry I have also learned techniques from major special effects studios that taught me how particular ingredients affect skin, as well as color theory and how colors in our environment affect us. These tools are used everyday to meet the needs of our patients.

On the practical level we work with cancer patients, fitting them with bras and prosthesis. We make sure the wig they have is the right color for them and give patients the tools to cope with the loss of eyelashes.

On a psychological level we simply listen, empathize and understand. For example, we help them understand how others may see them and that people may never know they have lost their eyebrows if they use special techniques of camouflage.

On a spiritual level we listen and encourage.

We offer our patients a lot, and it all started with simple friendship. I never forget my friend, who toward the end of her life could not talk, but as soon as I would come into the room she would point to her head, as if to say, "Look at me! Help me put my wig on! This is not me!"

I see that same expression today as I work with patients at the resource center. I always keep in mind their sense of dignity and help them any way I can.

SIDE BAR

The annual Mint Jubilee gala, held on Kentucky Derby Eve, provides support to the Mint Jubilee Cancer Resource Center and the James Graham Brown Cancer Center . The black tie event includes a red carpet entrance, cocktail reception, dinner, live stage show and dancing. The Mint Jubilee attracts celebrities and media from all over the country. Tickets are available for $300 per person. Tables, special entertainment packages and sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information call 502-961-0588.