Dear Dr. Ellen: I have recently been undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. I will be done with my treatments in June. My problem is that I have lost all of my hair and a great deal of weight and I can't stand to look at myself. My husband still loves me and tells me I look beautiful. My two children, who are both teenagers, are always complimenting my latest wig or outfit. My friends let me know that I am looking good as well. All of that doesn't seem to change how shocked I am every time I look in the mirror. I know you have had breast cancer as well because I've heard you say it on TV and wondered if you have any advice you can give me. - Sarah

Dear Sarah: While you are going through this whole ordeal, I would use your husband's, your children's, your friend's and your extended family member's eyes to see the beauty in you and I would put your own eyes on hold for a while. You cannot see what they see at this point because of everything you are going through. The saying, "Time heals all wounds," really applies here. There is no substitute for time! In time, not only will the physical scars heal and become invisible but more importantly, the psychological scars will heal as well. You and I are both so lucky to have wonderful husbands who love us from inside out and not the other way around.

You should definitely plan to get away and celebrate after this whole ordeal is over. It is important now to have something to look forward to at the end of your chemotherapy. It will help you get through this faster. I felt exactly the way you do even when my hair started growing back. My straight hair started coming in curly and everyone would say I looked so cute and I would think they were nuts or just didn't want to hurt my feelings. Now I look at some of the pictures back then and I can see why they said what they said.

Another thing that is important at this time is to be part of a support group. Hopefully, you already are but if you don't have one in your area, you should start one. I think it is comforting to talk to women who have been through what you are going through as well as women who are dealing with the same issues as you are. It feels so good to know that you are not alone or crazy, feeling and thinking as you do. I wish you all the best and I'll say a little prayer for you. - Dr. Ellen