It is not a big deal for Carol to go out in her local community.

Transcript

It’s really not; it’s not a big deal. There was through the hospital, there’s a, can’t remember what it’s called? You could go to a seminar where they teach you how to put on make-up and how to tie scarves, and I did go to it. And it was very helpful to be around other women who were going through the same thing etc., etc., etc. But I find I, I’m fine I could put on eyebrows, so sometimes it depends on where I’m going. In my local community I just go out as I am. I always wear a head scarf I’m not quite ready to go out bald but when I’m going a little bit further out and I don’t really want any questions or funny looks or anything like that, I’ll put eyebrows on. It makes a big difference, it makes a big difference but that’s about it.

And the community has been very supportive. I go into the grocery store and somebody’s always asking how I am? If I need anything? If I can do anything? Neighbours have helped. People involved with their kids, involved with my kids, they’ve given lifts, they baby-sit, so it’s been good, it’s been a very good experience. I’ve had a lot of help from friends, from family and from just the community at large, it’s been good.

Again, it’s hard. You just don’t realize it colours all of your life. I’ve actually been gaining weight which I understand is actually pretty common in breast cancer, but I’m like: I’m sick, I’m supposed to lose weight. You know people are saying “Oh you look great Carol.” I’m like “Yeah but I don’t feel great sometimes.” So it’s hard. It’s hard sometimes because when I really don’t feel well I stay in the house, and then when I feel okay I’m out and you know I have to do the groceries. I have to run errands, I have to do all that sort of thing. People are like well you look fabulous, you look great Carol you know and I’m like okay but I still don’t feel well.

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• How it affects family and friends – Carol
  It is not a big deal for Carol to go out in her local community.