You Don't Owe Anyone Optimism
Toxic Positivity, Clean Beauty Scams, and the guide that ACTUALLY helps
A Note from Allie:
I’ve been in full-on planning mode lately. Trying to finalize my Europe trip (leaving this Friday)!!, debating whether I’m channeling “quiet luxury” or “coastal chaotic,” and realizing (again) that packing cubes don’t solve existential crises. My husband, Jordan and I are traveling to Istanbul, Croatia & Montenegro which is going to be so fun! If you follow my personal IG or The Chemo Club IG keep an eye for some “easter egg” drops of possible Chemo Club new merch launching this summer!
At the same time, I’m juggling my full-time job while trying to truly launch The Chemo Club (like actually get it off the ground in a meaningful way). Some days I feel unstoppable. Other days I question if I’m doing enough, fast enough.
But this week is giving me a jolt of excitement: I’m recording an upcoming podcast with Siggi Clavien, the incredible founder of De-Liver-ance. A radical new take on liver health and detoxing that actually makes sense for survivors. He’s the real deal, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
More soon…just know if you’re also trying to do 12 things at once while pretending you have a capsule wardrobe… I see you.
❣️ ICYMI: The Chemo Survival Guide Is for More Than Just Day One
If you downloaded the Chemo Survival Guide, you know it’s more than a checklist. It’s a companion.
But here’s a little secret: it’s also meant to grow with you. Whether you’re on round 2, in remission, or supporting someone else through it.
You are the first to get access to the other guides we’ve created as well:
♡ Clean Living for Cancer Care
♡ Skincare During Chemotherapy
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🤍 This Week’s Mood Board 🤍
I’m all about the yellows, oranges & neons this summer
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🤍 Things Worth Taking Note of This Week 🤍
✨ When optimism becomes oppression – Why “staying positive” can sometimes silence real emotions. This amazing article from Very Well Mind explains hows it can actually become harmful.
✨ The $722 skincare routine no cancer patient asked for: Who is this actually helping? Nothing aggravates me more than influencers (or “skinfluencers”)who hawk products to hawk products ESPECIALLY when it comes to health & wellness. Not only are they usually “influencing” toxic products, but they also have zero idea what affordable means. When it comes to your skincare do NOT feel like you need to purchase every product under the sun. Stick to the basics and remember QUALITY > QUANTITY.
✨ What we’re actually using on treatment days, because 15-step routines are a lie!
♡ Deep Cleansing: Choose a fragrance-free, creamy cleanser (like True Botanicals or Cocokind’s Oil to Milk)
♡ Moisturizer: Opt for a rich, unscented moisturizer with ceramides or oat extract (like Alpyn Beauty or Ursa Major)
♡ Lips: Swap petroleum balms for shea butter or lanolin-based options (Ilia Reviving Balm or Tower 28 Hydrating Treatment)
♡ Deodorant: Aluminum-free and baking soda-free (Primally Pure or Native Sensitive)
♡ Sunscreen: Use a mineral-based SPF with zinc oxide (like Suntegrity or Kinship)
I’ve made it easy for you - all these items can be found here.
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🤍 Headlines That Matter 🤍
✨ Proper Hotels Remove Seed Oils from Their Menus
In a major wellness move, Proper Hotels is replacing industrial seed oils with nutrient-dense fats like avocado and olive oil across their kitchens. A win for anyone who cares about inflammation (and flavor)! This is a massive move from a hotel brand. We love to see it!
✨ Olivia Munn’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Olivia Munn shared her diagnosis this week, crediting early detection to a proactive OB-GYN who ran a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score + genetic panel: even when her mammogram was clear. A powerful reminder to self-advocate and push for better testing!
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🤍 Startups to Know: Healing in the Details🤍
Small brands doing big things for healing, comfort, and recovery:
♡Juna♡: Plant-based tinctures for stress and sleep - save 20% when you sign up!
♡Bala♡: Weighted wellness tools for gentle movement - save 15% off (make sure to check out their collab with Pucci)!!!
♡Nourish♡: Insurance-covered personalized nutrition (Dietitians covered by your insurance).
♡Skinesque♡: Simple Korean skincare for sensitive skin. Currently all products are 50% off!
♡Bink♡: Beautiful bottles that make hydration easy. Truly beautiful. hey are glass and 10% off!
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🤍The Chemo Club’s POV🤍
You don’t owe the world a brave face. You don’t have to be productive while healing. And you absolutely don’t have to shrink your pain to fit someone else’s comfort zone. Healing is messy. It’s nonlinear. It’s sacred.
At The Chemo Club, we don’t gloss over the truth. We write it down and pass it around.
Want more? Follow along on [Instagram] for daily rituals, product picks, unfiltered thoughts, and quiet rebellions.
And if this helped you, forward it to someone who needs to feel seen this week!
You’re not alone. Not today. Not ever.
Love, Allie
Founder, The Chemo Club