A bit off topic......sorta.

When I was diagnose with my recurrence, I decided to look at my best because I was about to loose my left breast for the second time. I lost 23 pounds with a keto diet which gives you immediatly a younger look and a better skin. I also folllow Angie from the Youtube channel Hot&Flashy. There are things you cannot do especially under chemo like Retinol/Retin-A or electronic devices like Nuface wearing a port. The most effective product for me is the vitamin C serum and the Cerave moisturizer. Another Youtuber was testing the Matrixyl from the Ordinary and I did it during chemo. It was a complete game changer. I recommend it to everyone.

Lily - the most important consideration with dermal fillers (besides going to a very qualified doc) is whether the type of filler is reversible or not...eg: you take one look in the mirror and see Bozo the clown staring back at you...you want to stick to the instantly reversible. Juvederm is one of those reversible type GENERALLY...so no absolute guarantee that the doc can put it back in order and you could be stuck with unsatisfactory results for 6-12 months....again this doesn’t often happen, but there is a small risk. Personally I decided against it because of the small risk of long term bad results (if it’s gonna happen, it’ll happen to me;) and the fact that it’s injected HA worries me. If you’re comfy with the small risk, definitely check it out with your MO first.

YATCOMW - I use Organika brand....from grass fed bovine, so no hormones or antibiotics etc. May not be for you if you’re vegan though. If you’re interested you can get this at Costco (best price) or amazon. Tastes a little bit funky, but added to coffee, smoothies or baking and it won’t come through. One tablespoon per day is the max you should take.

Another side note...retinol has probably made the biggest impact on my skin...fine lines and wrinkles aren’t wiped out ( only surgery can do that, no thanks!)but are definitely less noticeable (40-50% according to friends) and skin texture softer and smoother. Retinol takes time though, and consistent use...at least 6 months before you see good results....worth the wait.

First and foremost skin care regimes MUST include a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least a 30 spf rating, EVERY single day....especially you’re using acids or retinol...they put your skin at more risk for sun damage by nature of their action.

I guess my last paragraph should have been first ))))

Misstic-Thank you for posting. Looking up Matrixyl now!

Retin A --- prescription only and takes time,, but your makeup will glide on in a month or so and it removes fine lines over time.

Edit- asked my ONC at my appt yesterday about Collagen and she said it was absolutely ok to take it.

So true Misstic, I'm not Stage 3 but I don't want to take any great risks for sure.

jessie123, how often did you apply your retinA? And how long before the flaking and roughness subsided? I was told on average it could take 3 months. I've started out applying once a week and will move up over time. The hardest part is wearing foundation the few days after use because of the flaking, although it's light, it still looks yucky.

glad you mentioned this. After my chemo and breast surgery (7 yrs ago) I have noticed my face wrinkling super fast. I used to pride myself on having a good complexion attributing it to my parents who both have great skin. Even all of my siblings have young looking complexions, so I attribute my wrinkles to what I've been through, and even though I am thankful to be alive, It is depressing to look in the mirror .