Camo for chemo

Cancer survivor spreads Chemoflage Inc. to help women stay positive through treatment

By ALLISON KENNEDY - akennedy@ledger-enquirer.com --

When Cookie Aftergut was treated for breast cancer five years ago, she didn’t have ready access to information outside of her drug and radiation therapies — information such as sound nutrition, exercise, makeup and scalp care for when her hair fell out.

“The doctors, unfortunately, are most interested in giving you chemo and their mission is to get you well. Until you have lost your hair, it’s hard to relate to someone who has gone through it,” said Aftergut, who lives in Dunwoody, an Atlanta suburb.

Though appreciative of the work of oncologists, Aftergut sought to fill a void.

Chemoflage was born.

In its fifth year, Chemoflage Inc. provides educational forums for women in the early stages of cancer. Chemoflage was first named ChemoChic in 2003 but underwent a name change two years ago.

It has expanded from Atlanta and is having bi-monthly meetings at the John B. Amos Cancer Center in Columbus. Next month, Aftergut takes Chemoflage further afield: to Washington, D.C., and to another new location: Peachtree City, Ga., south of Atlanta. A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Chemoflage teaches women who are newly diagnosed how to best care for themselves — and even presents some awkward topics including low libido and vaginal dryness. Aftergut continues her twice-monthly meetings at Nordstrom’s in Atlanta.

Aftergut has been recognized nationally with two major awards: As a 2006 Yoplait Champion, given to “ordinary” people who improve others’ lives; and the Lyn Wasserman Award at Atlanta’s 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer in 2005. Wasserman is a three-time breast cancer survivor.

Aftergut is assisted in her presentations by her friend, Claudia Forman, who has had breast cancer twice; and Tracy Dean, a yoga instructor, teaches as well but she was out of town for the recent session in Columbus.

After a sluggish start nine months ago in Columbus in which only a few people showed up, Forman encouraged Aftergut to try again. They returned to Amos on July 15 and had eight patients in the class. Matt Sherer, the new administrative director of the Amos Cancer Center, also attended.

She’s buoyed and thinks 10 would be an ideal number to work with. The three-hour workshop combined detailed nutrition tips from Beth Bussey, a Columbus Regional dietitian; hair and makeup tips; and exercise ideas. It’s all free, and includes lunch, as Chemoflage is supported by grants and donations. The next session in Columbus is Sept. 16.

Aftergut shared with the women, seated around tables, her own story of diagnosis and treatment.

“Attitude is the very best thing. . . . After I got the news, my husband and I spent two hours with the oncologist,” she said. Aftergut, now 65, was diagnosed in 2002 and had a lumpectomy. She then had eight rounds of chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments.

“I took a walk after my surgery,” she said. “It had been raining and it was misty. I saw a rainbow. It was my sign that I was going to be fine.

 

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