Thursday, November 5, 2009

Like mother, like daughter

My mother and I are vastly different. We often don’t see things the same way and have opposite approaches to most everything in life, from motherhood to style. Still, I will say that when it comes to fashion I do take a few cues from Mom -- in my own way. I also have been known to ask her advice on what to wear to particular occasions when I find myself in doubt. So when I was wondering recently what one typically wears to chemo infusions she was the first person I asked. I specifically wanted to know what she wore to her treatments two years ago.

Mind you, my mother was the original fashionista in her day…so I planned to take what she said with a grain of salt. Mom puts make-up on to go to the mailbox…she wouldn’t dream of ever appearing out of the house in sweats and is a woman who was once known to go months without ever wearing the same garment, let alone the same outfit. Rain or shine, sickness or health, old or young my mother has always been put together appearance-wise. During her cancer treatment I never once saw her without full make-up and styled wig -- plus dressed cute…even if it was just for a visit with her grandchildren.

But I never went to infusions with her. Back then Daniel was a baby and her chemo day was a day Michael worked. So her answer to my inquiry about chemo clothes surprised me: She wore the exact same thing for each and every single treatment. Right down to her shoes. When I asked if it was because others were uber casually dressed she surprised me again and said no. Mom noticed what everyone else wore, of course. She said sometimes women came from work and were dressed rather nicely…and yes, some women came in the equivalent of sweats & t-shirts…but still others came in some version of jeans and a blouse. She never noticed anyone wearing the same thing twice, and apparently she usually saw the same people treatment after treatment. However for some reason my mother chose to practically wear a uniform for the only time in her entire life. It hangs now in her basement. She’ll never wear any piece of it again and says she’d like to burn it…but it’s still there, collecting dust hanging from a pipe in the ceiling. It was as if she didn't want cancer to touch any of her real clothes...a way of holding the awful reality at bay, perhaps. Clothing as a defense mechanism, if you will.

As I have been getting ready for my own treatment I once again cleaned out my closet…just like I did at the beginning of summer before my impending mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. At first I figured that once again I would only need comfortable, practical clothes – lamenting the fact that many of my winter things won’t get much use this year. Since I will be avoiding crowds and other unnecessary exposure to germs at the height of cold & flu season, I won’t be venturing out to do my holiday shopping or go to large festive gatherings.

But I decided not to take my cues from my mother’s wardrobe choices this time after all. Instead I am planning chemo outfits that yes, are comfy, but are also pieces that make me feel good about the way I look. My favorite cardigan, the soft new black sweater I bought, my most sparkly pins and the best fitting jeans I own…these are the things I will try to wear to chemo. And if I am able, I will snap a picture before leaving for each treatment since it is likely to be some of the only outings I will go on.

Because even though that’s not how my mom did it, I learned the value of putting my best foot forward from her…learned that appearances matter. Of course I know they matter not so much in terms of the impression you make on others…but more importantly, because of the way it effects how you feel about yourself on the inside.

Thus, I’ll wear some cute clothes for chemo and try to look at least a little nice. Guess I am my mother’s daughter after all – but totally in my own way, of course.

6 comments:

Sheila said...

Wow, that surprised me, what your mother did - I don't know that I would make that same choice, either, but I can understand why she did it.

I prefer your choice - to wear things that make you feel good and put your best foot forward (a great motto to live by). Good luck, hon, I'll be watching for your outfits. :)

Jean said...

How interesting that your mum did that. And surprising that she still has the outfit.

I like your idea of dressing for comfort and style, a great choice.

Yes, you are taking after your mother in some ways. And what a great role model you are for your own daughter. In years to come she will learn to appreciate her incredible, determined, talented and loving mum and know how lucky she is to have learned from you. x

Kayleigh said...

Thank you, Sheila!

It really is very strange that my mom did that...quite out of character. But like you, I can understand why...especially now.

And you are right, it is a great motto to live by, isn't it?

Thanks again!

Kayleigh said...

Thanks notSupermum -- great to "see" you here...you've been missed :)

What lovely sentiments, thank you so much! I hope you are right, that my children can take away such positive messages from witnessing this experience.

Thanks SO much again...hope to "see" you at your blog soon, too!

The Small Fabric Of My Life said...

Kayliegh - I was so glad when I saw you had left a comment on my blog. And what a lovely positive post. I wish you well on your new journey and although you will be travellign a different one to your mother the destination will still be the same. The horrors of the Big C will be left hanging in the basement of your life.

Kayleigh said...

Jane...oh my, what a PERFECT image -- I absolutely love it! The thought of cancer hanging from a rusty old pipe in the basement...collecting dust because it is a thing of the PAST.

Wow.

Thank you!!! :D