Wendy's Blog

Brainstorms and Eye Candy

2011-01-03T19:17:00.002-06:00

Greetings!!!

Happy New Year to all; I think it's going to be a good one. Well, I said I would tell you how I did at truly enjoying the holidays. It was somewhere between success and failing miserably. I did manage to enjoy the hugs I got but my mind wandered towards work issues more times than I can count. I did enjoy a few mornings walking in the crisp morning air but I didn't find the time to play my guitar or violin. Oh well, there is no sense in beating myself up...I will move forward into the New Year fearlessly trying to wring the life out of each day, each moment. Hope you do too!

I was thinking about how we refer to parts of the body when we express ourselves and it's kind of funny. Here's one example. " It's important to keep your ear to the ground and keep your eyes open for new ideas but make sure you don't put your foot in your mouth when you explain your hair-raising idea to the bubble head beside you or the eyecandy next to them may poke their nose in and twist your arm and you'll be forced to kick their butt and start brainstorming all over again."

How many body parts can you connect with everyday expressions? I'll have more on that next time. For now, be well, keep your chin up and give somebody a leg up whenever you get the chance. Stop pulling your hair out and dip your toe in new waters if you need a new idea. Keep abreast of what's happening, don't be an airhead and always cover your a_ _!

Bye for now.

This Moment!

2010-12-20T20:42:00.003-06:00

Greetings,

Carpe Diem, seize the day...I say, take that further and seize Each Moment! At this time of year, it's hard to not feel nostalgic. I remember Christmases past; some good, some not so good. There was one thing that always happened though; I took away memories, sweet moments, frozen in time, to take out and examine whenever I chose and sometimes when I didn't choose. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and I feel myself being propelled along at warp speed. The next thing I know we are into another year and it's over. This year, I am going to try, and I mean really try, to appreciate and savour the sweet moments and I hope there are alot of them. I am going to melt into each hug, enjoy the chill in the morning air and relax in the beautiful warmth of the firelight. Yes, I really am going to try, hard!!! We need to take a deep breath and give ourselves permission to slow down, enjoy and to live. Please join me. "Remember, this particular moment will never come again." I wish you Happiness, Good Health and many sweet memories now and in the days to come. Merry Christmas and Joy in 2011.

Next time, I'll let you know how I did. Good luck.

Giving Back

2010-12-13T19:26:00.003-06:00

Greetings,

We all have different ways of giving back. At this time of year, especially, it's important to think of others that may not have as much as we do. The next book I'd like to share with you was written as a way of giving back to women with breast cancer and their friends and families. Kris Carr is a spunky young woman that gets breast cancer. She chooses to look cancer in the eye and say, #**#!! you! In her book she shares alot, including ways to cope and live and smile. It is funny, captivating and serves as a learning guide for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis. Kris is not only inspirational, she is really the girl next door, so anyone can relate to her story. She is an actress and photographer and has many artistic friends including Sheryl Crow, who writes the foreword for the book.

In the back of the book, there is a really good resource section with cool websites and information. The book is called "Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips", and it covers everything from fashionable hospital gowns to journalling, to what to do when you lose your hair.

I think you'll enjoy this book with it's great photos, cancer posse, and wonderful quotes. It's a keeper.

Until next time, stay safe, give someone a hug and breathe.....yes, don't forget to breathe!

Curves are Beautiful

2010-12-06T18:27:00.003-06:00

Greetings,

Well, here we are right before Christmas and many of us are thinking about food, of all things. There is party food, dinners with family and friends, treats for the children and of course, candy canes! Now you may be thinking, what is she talking about now? How does food relate to regular topics on her blog?

The next book I am going to share with you is about food, body image, hunger and beauty and how they are all related, especially for young (and young at heart) women today. The book is called "Hungry", and it was written by Crystal Renn, a stunningly beautiful young woman who got "discovered" and became a model. She struggles with the fact that she has womanly curves and feels she has to deny not only her curves, but her appetite as well. The pressure exerted upon us by the fashion industry and society in general is so strong. I find myself asking, why does it have to be this way? Aren't we more enlightened than that? Obviously not, considering the prevalence of eating disorders and poor self images. This book is well written and gives an intimate look into how Crystal found herself and then gave herself permission to just be. There is no question that Crystal Renn is beautiful, but until she believed it herself, it didn't really matter.

My message to you is... you're beautiful! Take a look in the mirror and start believing it. I think you'll enjoy this book. Happy reading and don't beat yourself up for indulging a little bit. It's really ok.

Bye for now.

Perseverence

2010-11-29T16:21:00.002-06:00

Greetings,

I have marvelled at the perseverence of some people. They literally don't quit until they get what they want, achieve what they are trying to achieve or decide to choose a different path altogether. What about those survivors out there that have learned to adapt to their situation, whatever challenges that brings. My hat is off to those of you that have had to overcome physical injuries and painful recoveries. It can make you stronger can't it?

One man named Aron Ralston had to make a tough decision; die or lose an arm and maybe still perish. His book, Between A Rock and A Hard Place, is the story surrounding that choice. It is his heartbreaking account of what happened on one of his many hikes into back country. It is heart wrenching and triumphant and very well told. Aron's story touched me and reminded me what so many of my patients have had to deal with throughout their lives. It makes me thankful that I have the skills to help, even just a little. I highly recommend reading this book if you want a truly inspiring story. James Franco is portraying Aron Ralston in the movie, 127 hours. It promises to be a good one and some are talking Oscar for James Franco.

Be sure and check it out!!!

Read a Good Book Lately?

2010-11-22T16:17:00.003-06:00

Greetings,

I know it has been a long while. What can I say;life is busy. Winter has arrived and there is plenty of snow. What better time to curl up and read a good book. Over the next while, I hope to share some of the great books that I've read with you. I would really like to hear about the ones that you've enjoyed too. I do read alot and my idea of a good book is one that either teaches me something, inspires me or allows me to escape completely between its covers.

Marsha Hunt is one tough cookie. She was immersed in the music scene of the 70s and hung out with Mick Jagger et al. What a brilliantly confident woman at home in her own skin. She looks just as beautiful in her 2005 picture as she looked back in 1968. Her story showcases how strong and resilient women are. It also illustrates for me, how breast cancer does not and cannot diminish someone. That actually applies to any disease. Cancer cannot take a person's soul. Disease and health issues challenge us. Sometimes, it gives us permission to show who we really are. Happy reading and stay warm!!!

What makes a Good Prosthesis?

2010-07-13T19:34:00.004-05:00

Greetings!!!

What makes a good prosthesis?

Well, I think the most important factor is how the prosthesis makes the wearer feel. Does the prosthesis fit well and look good? What does look good really mean? To me, it means does the prosthesis look natural; does it blend in with the body in a natural way? People tend to notice an absence or hole in the body contour. Does the prosthesis fill the gap so the body contour is smooth? How does the wearer move while wearing their prosthesis? Are they moving in a fluid way or are they contorting the body unnaturally. Does the prosthesis help the wearer perform functions closer to their pre-injury way of functioning? Whether the colour of the prosthesis matches the skin tone or has a bold design, it should look like it belongs to the wearer and whether obvious or not, it should reflect the wearers' personality. These are all things for a Prosthetist or Anaplastologist to strive for when creating a prosthesis for someone. Working together with a client to design and fit the best possible prosthesis gives me so much enjoyment and satisfaction. I really do have one of the best jobs in the world!!!

Until next time, keep smiling!!!

Sweet Summer Sunshine

2010-07-04T16:24:00.002-05:00

Greetings!

Well summer has arrived and hopefully you are taking some time to enjoy the nice weather (we won't discuss the rain, hail, tornadoes and man-eating mosquito population that is taking over the world).

You may wonder what happens when you have a prosthesis made in the winter and then you get tanned and the prosthesis colour doesn't match anymore. There are a couple of ways to approach this dilemma and it is always something I discuss during the initial consultation.

If you don't get tanned and/or the colour change is subtle, then there is no problem. Some people choose to get two prostheses made; one in a summer colour and one in a winter colour. If this is not an option, then the prostheses can be made in a colour that is in between winter and summer; it will then be a reasonable match all year round. There is the option of using sunscreen so that the tanning is not so obvious (this is a good thing to do anyway). Finally, someone that is going to be getting a prosthesis made can maintain their colour by using self tanner or a tanning bed so that they are one colour all the time. If someone gets a prosthesis made and really finds it helpful (you never really know until you begin to use it), it may be a good idea to have a 2nd prosthesis made and it can be made in a different skin tone. It is important to address this issue in the planning stage and decide which option will work best for your situation. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you protect yourself from the sun and minimize the exposure your prosthesis gets. UV rays will damage your silicone prosthesis over time.

Keep smiling and slap on that sunscreen and don't forget to stop and enjoy!!!

The Body Beautiful

2010-06-15T19:29:00.003-05:00

Greetings!!!!

Did you know that there are at least 4 options for women following a mastectomy? #1 is accepting your body in it's new form and wearing nothing. This is a bold move for some but it is an option and quite a practical one for some women, particularly those women that undergo bilateral mastectomies.

#2 is wearing an off-the-shelf prosthesis in the appropriate size either in a pocket bra or a regular bra with a pocket added. This also works well for many women and it is relatively easy to find a shop that offers this service. You can even buy one online if you know your size. The downside of this option is you are limited to the sizes and designs that the manufacturing companies make.

#3 is having a custom breast prosthesis made to fit you and look like you. A custom prosthesis is designed to fit your lifestyle and needs and it is made to fit your unique body contours. This is a great option if you can find someone near you that provides this and you can afford the extra cost.

#4 is surgical reconstruction, which is becoming a more popular choice. A skilled surgeon is crucial and your overall health will be a factor. For some women, breast reconstruction is quite successful but for others it can be a nightmare of complications and multiple surgeries coupled with a long recovery. There are risks with any type of surgery and lymphedema can be one of the aftereffects. If surgical reconstruction is done immediately post-mastectomy, then a woman never really has to see herself without a breast of some kind and when the surgery is successful, there are no prosthetic challenges to worry about.

The important part of all this is...women need to know about all the options so they can choose what is RIGHT FOR THEM. There is no wrong answer! The other important part is...there should be equal funding for all the options. If you choose the prosthetic route it should be paid for (any type of prosthesis), just like surgery which is completely 100% covered.

Lastly...why is a Breast Prosthesis the only type of prosthesis that comes out of a box??????

Keep smiling everybody...tomorrow's a new day!!!!!

2010-06-08T22:12:00.002-05:00

Greetings!!!

I've rented a violin for awhile for several reasons. I've always wanted to play; I already play the guitar; I really like the string instruments! Anyway, there is another reason I want to try the violin. Many of the people that come to see me have had a finger or partial hand loss and sadly many of them are musicians. It is great how people with hand injuries adapt and find ways to do things. Musicians have special challenges and while many do adapt and learn to play once again, some musicians need some help with an adaptive device or a prosthesis. It's simple, the best way to appreciate the problem is to play the instrument or at least have an idea of the challenges connected with a particular instrument. It's the least I can do; hopefully I will gain insight into how to help better. Of course it will involve a certain amount of torture for anyone that is in hearing range but they'll just have to understand that it's for a good cause. Next; the cello, the flute, the accordion, well...........

If you have a suggestion that would help guitar players or any musician, please share.

Stay tuned (ha ha) for more on this subject. Until next time keep smiling!!!!!

A Picture is Worth 1000 words.

2010-05-27T22:05:00.004-05:00

Greetings!!!

Have you ever seen a photograph that makes you take a 2nd look and then a 3rd? Some photos have the power to move you, to draw some sort of emotion out of you. I have been taking pictures for as long as I remember and it is an artform. I have worked with several talented photographers, Ruth Bonneville, Dustin Leader and Dave McKnight to name a few. It is wonderful to see the beautiful pictures that they produce. They capture precious moments. Take some time to look at your photos; life can get so busy that we forget to enjoy them. This is a picture that I took in England of the" stairs to nowhere". What does this picture make you think of?

Keep smiling and don't be afraid of technology, whether it's a camera, a computer or a 3d scanner. It can open up a whole new world.

2010-05-19T15:33:00.003-05:00

Greetings!!!
Today, I'd like to talk about several people that are pretty special. They do a great job of helping people and they don't expect anything in return. They are a few of the unsung heroes in my life and believe me I am fortunate to know so many.
First is a lady named Shirley Nicholson http://www.smallbusinessassistant.ca/ If you need a bookeeper, office organizer and master networker, Shirley is your gal. She has helped me in so many ways and she is always so willing to share information with her network. Whether it's finding a home for a retired greyhound, spreading the word about an event or just lending a sympathetic ear, she is always available. She is prompt, trustworthy and a whiz with numbers. I could not do without her. So thanks my friend; see you in June.
Next is a lovely lady named Cathie Chapman. I met Cathie in 2005 and I wish I had more time to spend with her. She is a Senior Sales Director for Mary Kay and I so hope she gets her pink cadillac this year. She deserves it. Cathie is the epitome of elegance and grace and she sure knows alot about skincare and makeup. If you have had challenges with the effects of chemotherapy, Cathie can help you. She is very familiar with the Look Good Feel Better program and she gives her special touch to everything she does. Visit www.marykay.ca and have some fun with their virtual makeover. It's free and fun and hard to get off (to make dinner etc.) Thanks Cathie for being you. Hope to see you soon.
Please stay tuned to hear more about some of the great people I've met. If you'd like to share about anyone, please feel free.
Keep smiling!

2010-05-18T22:34:00.001-05:00

2010-05-18T22:17:00.002-05:00

Greetings!!!
Have you ever had a good idea and not done anything about it? Did you regret it later? Well, I think one of the keys to success is being able to identify an opportunity when it comes along. Sometimes an opportunity will fall right into your lap and at other times it will be more subtle. Sometimes an opportunity will present itself on the heels of a mistake or something that didn't work out so well. Of course that's when you are at your lowest and timid about everything but...that's the time to be OPEN; look for the OPPORTUNITY! The bottom line is How can you Appreciate EPIC SUCCESS unless you have some EPIC FAILS first!!! Believe me, I've had some doozies.
Lately, I've had the opportunity to learn more about new technologies. I recently attended a course that got me fired up. The course introduced me to 3D scanning and digital Data Manipulation. I am learning alot and especially how these technologies can help me do my job better. I think technology is the way of the future and it makes more sense to me to embrace it. Exercising the mind is a good thing and knowledge is power, so get out there and learn something and then...share it with someone!!! You just never know who you will meet and what fantastic things you'll come up with. If anyone out there is interested in Digital Data Aquisition, Manipulation and Rapid Prototyping, please give me a call. We can put our heads together. Oh, and keep smiling!!!

Spring is here!

2010-04-28T11:21:00.002-05:00

Here are some flowers that I photographed 2 years ago. They were covered with snow at one point! We'll be seeing lots of blooms soon.

2010-04-28T10:36:00.002-05:00

Greetings,
Spring is definitely here and it is welcome. In this part of the world the weather has been stellar! Many people are getting out their lawn mowers and roto tillers to prepare for planting. Have you ever seen someone mowing the lawn in sandals or not wearing safety glasses when using a saw or weed whipper? It makes my heart skip a beat every time I see this and I will often walk right up to the person (so they can see me, I don't want to startle them!)and educate them. I suggest in the nicest way possible, to stop and get the right equipment on so that I don't get any more work. If you see someone doing something potentially dangerous, please feel free to go up and tell them that Wendy doesn't want anymore work and please stop what they're doing. It only takes a second for someone's life to change forever. Let's take care of each other ok?
I was recently in Edmonton at the Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine for a seminar on Digital Technology. What a wonderful time I had and I learned so much. It was so refreshing to be in a room with so many experts from around the world openly sharing information. There are marvelous things happening in the fields of Prosthetics and Anaplastology and Digital Technology and I'm looking forward to learning alot more. More about this soon.
Wherever you are, enjoy the day!!!

2010-01-31T20:15:00.004-06:00

Greetings!
Well, we are well into a New Year and so far, so good. I am planning on a number of changes this year and I hope they will be positive. CHANGE IS INEVITABLE.
Have you ever wondered why some people deal with change easily and others have great difficulty?
Some people let the waves of life wash right over them and other people feel that they are constantly treading water; struggling.
I think the difference is that if you EXPECT change, it is easier to manage. If a change is UNEXPECTED, it can cause all kinds of reactions; from shock and fear to surprise and apprehension.
Over the years, I have come to EXPECT change. After all, change will come whether I like it or not. So, now I do my best to EMBRACE change. It is not always easy and it takes alot of practice, but instead of fighting change, try EMBRACING CHANGE. You may dicover that CHANGE can be GOOD. Change can lift you, rejuvenate and energize you. Change can keep you from getting bored. It keeps you on the edge, so you never become complacent about LIFE.
So, take a deep breath and think about, first, EXPECTING CHANGE and second, EMBRACING CHANGE. Don't worry; if you slip up and freak out over an unexpected change, it's ok. Just keep trying!!! Good luck and may all your changes this year be GOOD ONES.

Stay tuned for some awesome fashion tips and a peek at my new clinic.
Keep smiling.

2009-12-20T20:33:00.002-06:00

Greetings!
We all feel like hiding sometimes. After experiencing an injury or illness, the tendency to hide may increase. It is so important to give yourself time to adjust your body image. As humans, we have a wonderful ability to adapt but it can be a painful and frustrating process. It can take awhile too. Be gentle with yourself. Losing a body part is hard but it doesn't diminish or make you less. Take the time to heal. Be creative; you may discover a new way of doing something and eventually you will be comfortable with the new you.

" The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace." Mother Teresa

I wish you peace and happiness this Christmas season and if I can be of service to you, let me know.
Keep smiling!
Wendy

2009-10-20T20:54:00.002-05:00

Greetings!
Well it is finally here...the best little accessory you'll ever own. Have you ever bent over and realized you are showing off a little more geography than you planned? Are you at that wonderful stage of life where one minute you are freezing and the next it feels like you are in the tropics dressed in a down filled parka?
Well, the Cleavage Camo may be the answer for you!!!
This nifty accessory attaches to your bra and gives a bit of coverage to that area that I call the"magic triangle". Now if you don't want to cover up completely, then choose a lace camo. If you want to wear that "down to there V neck" but you don't want to cover yourself with lingerie tape, then try a camo instead. It will stay in place, in fact you won't even notice it's there!!!
Cleavage camos are made with the softest fabrics (they have to pass my test for softness and I'm hard to please) and they are versatile and beautiful too.
So, tell your friends and visit the online store. See the lastest and expect more soon. Hey, a Cleavage Camo would make a great Christmas present. I don't know how you can get the bra strap measurement without some ingenuity but I know you'll find a way.
I'm really happy to be able to share this unique solution to a common problem.
Stay tuned for more next time!!!
Bye for now and keep smiling.

2009-10-14T08:46:00.004-05:00

Greetings!
I have a Hero.
His name is Gok Wan and he is the host of the British TV show "How to Look Good Naked". He takes average women (with body issues;don't we all have those) and helps them see themselves as the rockin' ,hot gals that they are. Isn't that what we all need sometimes? Someone to point out our "great bits", instead of all our shortcomings. He talks about bangers and bad (horrid!) underwear and he shows the ladies how to dress their curves and put their best foot forward. And NO COSMETIC SURGERY!!!
Gok Wan is my hero and I would love to meet him sometime; he just makes me (and alot of other people) smile.
Well, a trip to Britain is not possible right now so I'll keep watching the show. It reinforces the fact that we all have our insecurities but we can overcome and be FABULOUS! Check it out on W channel on Tuesday evenings.
Accentuate the positive; that will downplay the "bits", that you don't like as much. One of Gok's favorite tips is to use a belt to show off whatever waist you've got. Try an empire waist and a belt to show it off. It works! Oh and stay tuned for the Best little accessory you'll ever own. Coming SOON!!!!!
Keep smiling.
Wendy

2009-10-05T19:01:00.002-05:00

Greetings!
Society has led us to believe that if the outside package isn't perfect, then the inside of a person must be flawed also. There is incredible pressure to look a certain way to be accepted. If we don't have two arms , two breasts (they should be the same size too), two eyes and ten fingers and all our body parts, then are we "LESS"? Are we not whole? Is a man less of a man if he has lost a hand in an accident? Is a child that is born missing a foot( or anything else for that matter) less than perfect? Is a woman less womanly because she has had a mastectomy? I say NO, NO, NO!
We are the sum of our experiences and the human form is perfection including the differences. Without our scars, and unique characteristics, we are all the same. How boring is that! So remember, there is beauty in all people. Look a little deeper and you WILL FIND IT!!!
We are WHOLE. Removing a body part does not diminish. It forces an adjustment in body image, that's all.
For those of you looking for that fashion tip, try a bold pattern in the bodice area. A beautiful pattern can draw the eye but it won't highlight subtle differences. Pick colours that compliment your skin and hair. More about this later.
Keep smiling!
Wendy

2009-09-25T20:46:00.003-05:00

Greetings!
What's your favorite colour? Mine is cornflower blue or the colour of morning glories. When I see this colour it lightens my mood and makes me feel good. I think that everyone has a colour(sometimes more than one) that makes them look great. That certain colour can make your skin glow and your eyes light up. When you find out what your special colour is (people will tell you...you look so beautiful in that colour etc.), you should wear your colour often. It will help make you look your best and in turn, give your confidence a boost!!! So, think about colour the next time you are looking for a top, scarf or dress. Brighten things up; enough black already.
Here's a thought for next time: What makes a person "whole"? Does losing a body part to trauma or disease make a person less? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Keep smiling.
Wendy

We're New

2009-06-25T12:41:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone, as you can see we've been very busy here at Lifeart recreating our new website with a view to providing you with more information.

Have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to add a comment or email us at lifeart@shaw.ca

Keep smiling. Wendy