Cancer has a way of changing your life in an instant. Nine years ago, I became one of the many women who heard the words, “You have breast cancer.” I remember the fear, uncertainty and overwhelming questions that followed. But I also remember the people who surrounded me with love and support through one of the most difficult seasons of my life.
My name is Vicky LeMahieu, and I am a nine-year breast cancer survivor. Today, as co owner of K Lorraine Salon Spa Boutique and coordinator of our Beautiful Warriors program, I have the privilege of turning my experience into an opportunity to support other women facing cancer.
My cancer was not found on a routine mammogram. I noticed something looked different, so I made an appointment with my doctor. After a mammogram and ultrasound showed nothing, a surgeon examined me and confirmed my fears. An MRI revealed lobular carcinoma. I still remember my doctor calling and saying, “You have lobular carcinoma. When can you and your husband come in?”
The tumor was too large to remove, so chemotherapy came first. After eight rounds of chemo, numerous trips to the emergency room, a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction, I was finally cancer-free.
Throughout my journey, I was fortunate to have an incredible support system—my family, friends, coworkers and CrossFit community. Their love made an enormous difference, and I knew I wanted to give that same support to others.
Before my diagnosis, I volunteered with the American Cancer Society, teaching women about makeup and wigs. However, group events were held on a set date, which didn’t always work for someone going through treatment. I wanted to create something more flexible and personable, where each woman could decide when she was ready to come in and receive the beauty support she needed.
My business partner, Kathryn Hillstrom, and I created the Beautiful Warriors program in 2019. It is a free program designed to help those affected by cancer feel confident in how they look and feel throughout treatment.
Your changing reflection can be one of the hardest parts of the cancer journey. We don’t want you to feel like a stranger in the mirror. At K Lorraine, we are here to help you feel like the beautiful and strong warrior you are, inside and out.
We help with wigs, shaving heads, eyebrow makeup and growing new hair. Because I remember how physically difficult treatment felt, we also added complimentary massages and facials.
Since 2019, we have welcomed more than 100 Beautiful Warriors. Watching their journeys has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life.
If you know someone fighting cancer, reach out. Offer to pick up groceries, take them to treatment, make dinner or simply sit with them. Sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest difference.
And remember: you know your body best. If something looks or feels different, get it checked. Your health is worth the conversation.
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