When Helen Addis was 39 years old, she was diagnosed with grade three hormone receptive breast cancer. That was in 2018. Today this Warrior Queen is stronger and more beautiful than ever—but it wasn’t an easy journey.
Helen is the “maker of three small humans” and back in 2018, she was leading a full life—never having given cancer much consideration.
“I didn’t have any family history [of cancer] and was fit and healthy so when I found a lump I thought it must be something hormonal. I have 3 children who were five, seven, and nine at the time, so I definitely didn’t have time for cancer! Low and behold, I was diagnosed and my life changed overnight. I had a mastectomy, lymph node removal surgery, 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 15 rounds of radiotherapy.”
Helen is the “maker of three small humans” and back in 2018, she was leading a full life—never having given cancer much consideration.
“I didn’t have any family history [of cancer] and was fit and healthy so when I found a lump I thought it must be something hormonal. I have 3 children who were five, seven, and nine at the time, so I definitely didn’t have time for cancer! Low and behold, I was diagnosed and my life changed overnight. I had a mastectomy, lymph node removal surgery, 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 15 rounds of radiotherapy.”
Being diagnosed with cancer isn’t just about curing yourself of an illness. It’s also about a treatment plan that often wreaks havoc on your body.
“My body changed in so many ways. During treatment my skin was very dry and my scars were extremely sore and itchy. Since coming through treatment my skin is more prone to breakouts and dry patches. I also feel like the treatment has aged me - which is depressing!”
It is often extremely difficult going through cancer treatment and seeing how it affects your body and face, but focusing on your reasons to live, love, and a pig-headed determination to be your best and get well, can positively guide your recovery journey.
“Cancer definitely affected my femininity and perception of my beauty. Having a breast removed, losing my hair, eyelashes and brows made me lose confidence. I found it difficult to come to terms with how I looked. Even going on the school run in the morning was traumatic because I didn’t want people to see me looking so ill—but then I didn’t want to let my children down. It was so important to me to try and look and feel as much like the ‘old’ me as possible.”
Sadly, many cosmetics manufacturers don’t care about the ingredients they use in their products—they care more about the bottom line and quick results. In short, the cream that makes your face glow in the moment will negatively affect it in the long run.
And the mascara that lengthens your lashes wears down your hair follicles. As you grow older, if you have a skin disorder, or undergo chemo, you notice the effect of the harsh chemicals faster because your skin is more sensitive.
“I made a real effort to seek out products which helped me but that wasn’t an easy task. So many products out there are full of harsh ingredients which irritate my vulnerable skin [...] and I was nervous to use anything which might make my symptoms worse.”
Sadly, many cosmetics manufacturers don’t care about the ingredients they use in their products—they care more about the bottom line and quick results. In short, the cream that makes your face glow in the moment will negatively affect it in the long run.
And the mascara that lengthens your lashes wears down your hair follicles. As you grow older, if you have a skin disorder, or undergo chemo, you notice the effect of the harsh chemicals faster because your skin is more sensitive.
“I made a real effort to seek out products which helped me but that wasn’t an easy task. So many products out there are full of harsh ingredients which irritate my vulnerable skin [...] and I was nervous to use anything which might make my symptoms worse.”
The wonderful thing about Helen is that she didn’t give up—she had the courage to soldier on. She faced down cancer by educating herself and other women about it and started an Instagram account called The Titty Gritty (yeah, you got that right!). And, at the end of it, she beat cancer.
The wonderful thing about Helen is that she didn’t give up—she had the courage to soldier on. She faced down cancer by educating herself and other women about it and started an Instagram account called The Titty Gritty (yeah, you got that right!). And, at the end of it, she beat cancer.
As a surviving Chemo Warrior Helen should be oozing confidence—she did it! She survived! She’s an incredible woman. But there are different forms of confidence.
Loving life and embracing it full on is one thing, feeling confident about your looks is another. The right kind of cosmetics help rebuild a pride in your looks, and that’s something we’re super passionate about here at Prime.
“I found many positive changes from using Prime Products. The main thing is the confidence it gave me knowing that the ingredients are [mostly] natural. I tried so many other products which I got a reaction to so feeling reassured made a big difference. Also the lash serum has really given me a boost. After losing my lashes it's so wonderful to have them back again and looking better than ever!”
It’s important for all of us to indulge in self-care.
In fact, it’s not an indulgence—it’s a necessity. More and more research comes out every year about how important looking after yourself truly is—from engaging in social activities, to practicing mindfulness, and exercising. But when your body is exhausted from chemo and other treatments, self-care becomes even more essential.
“I would say to fellow breast cancer thrivers that finding natural products to use on your skin will help you look and feel better. Keep hydrated, do gentle exercise, and use products which are as natural as possible. Your body is going through so much processing the cancer treatment that everything else needs to be kind on your body/skin.”
We’re stoked to hear Helen has embraced Prime’s products and that they are helping her feel as gorgeous as she deserves to feel—she’s an incredible woman through and through!
“I love how clean and natural Prime Prometics feel on my skin.[...] I use the PrimeLash Growth Serum which has lengthened and thickened my lashes. I didn’t have lashes as good as this even BEFORE cancer! I remove my make up everyday with the PrimeSkin Beauty Water which feels really hydrating and kind to my skin. I also use the PrimeLash Mascara which is so light on my lashes and really makes my eyes pop.”
Chock-full of quality humectants like mild glycerin, for supple, hydrated eyelashes. Acetyl Tetrapeptide (together with three other multi-peptides) improves the quality and thickness of your lashes.
The world’s first serum-based mascara that gives you 5x elongation in one clean, glossy coat. It’s water-resistant and encourages better lash growth.
Ultra-hydrating make-up remover for smoother, brighter, and softer skin. Keeps your moisture barrier intact. Melts away make-up—without rubbing or tugging. Preserves your skin’s soft, natural glow.
At Prime, every survivor story shared with us gives us HOPE. We have FAITH that if the Queens in our Prime network can survive and thrive after cancer so can ANYONE.
We are also extremely humbled and proud (an oxymoron, but we’re sure you understand) that we get to play a part in women’s recovery.
To hear that Prime products help women regain their confidence and THRIVE makes us want to dance around the living room singing on top of our lungs! On that note, we’re going to take a dance around the office instead!
The one big takeaway we took from Helen’s story? It’s possible to look and feel better than you did before you had cancer.
The journey can be grueling.
Your body changes.
It’s not always pretty.
Sometimes it’s downright horrible.
But you can come through to the other side as a better human being.
And the wisdom that this journey endows you with adds a deep, almost spiritual beauty that is hard to define. You emerge as a beacon of light—one that shines bright to inspire the world.
So honor yourself… in all your raw, vulnerable glory. Embrace the lines, the scars, the stories of living, morphing, alchemizing.
Know that you are enough and complete—on your own. And the right kind of gentle, graceful, skincare and make-up are always BFFs you can rely on!
Shop products crafted with the very best of ingredients. The right actives, in the right volume for formulas that both transform right away, and heal in the long haul.
For all general inquiries, please contact us at info@primeprometics.com
©2024 Copyright. All rights reserved
