The perfect wig led to an amazing dress shopping experience for a bride-to-be after getting engaged during breast cancer treatment. 30-year-old Parker DeWeese knew there was a history of breast cancer in her family, but nothing prepared her for the news she received after discovering skin changes around her breast. “I had a strawberry mark, so I went to a dermatologist,” DeWeese says. “She said, ‘I don't think that's anything on your skin, but what's this lump that I'm feeling underneath it?’” While self-examination is important, lumps aren’t always apparent when breast cancer develops, especially for younger women with dense breast tissue. “It wasn’t until I had a medical doctor palpating the area and saying, ‘Feel here, this is an abnormal lump,’ that I found it,” DeWeese says. Follow-up testing led to a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer, which was seemingly unrelated to her family history of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. She also tested negative for genetic markers, including BRCA genes. “There’s nothing that can prepare you for that,” she says. “Especially that time between diagnosis and actually meeting your doctor and coming up with a care plan.” Click here to learn more about breast cancer, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University. Like her grandmother and great grandmother before her, DeWeese soon began treatment at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), where she teamed with the experts at the Stephanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center (SSCBC). “My care team is beyond amazing. They explained all of our options, and that really shifted my perspective,” DeWeese says. “Eventually, I underwent five months of chemotherapy, 30 rounds of radiation, a lumpectomy and a year of immunotherapy.” Along with her OSUCCC – James care team, DeWeese received support from her loved ones during treatment, including her then-boyfriend, Gustin Webb, who adapted to their new normal to deliver a life-changing holiday surprise. “We had to cancel our annual New Year's Eve trip, which was where he had planned to propose,” DeWeese says. “He quickly got with my parents and came up with an alternative plan. I thought we were just taking pictures by the tree, and next thing I know, he's on one knee proposing to me — that was the best Christmas present ever. “I had no idea of his prior plans to propose or his planning with my parents, so it was truly magical. My nurses and care team were so excited when I came back to chemo with a ring on my finger!” The engagement brought joy, but also a new to-do list, which was complicated by DeWeese’s ongoing treatment. One of her top concerns was chemotherapy-related hair loss, and how it would affect the dress shopping process. “The last thing that I felt like doing was going dress shopping because I was experiencing a lot of emotions with the hair loss and everything else,” she says. Soon, though, DeWeese thought of Hope’s Boutique at the SSCBC, where she had visited since childhood during her family members’ treatment. Hope’s is a full-service, non-profit retail boutique catering to women with cancer, providing consultation and customizable products, including wigs. “I made my appointment for a wig fitting and was matched with Nicole (a Hope’s Boutique consultant),” DeWeese says. “She came ready with tissues and a twinkle in her eye. She really loves her job — everybody does there.” Click here to learn more about the OSUCCC – James’ Hope’s Boutique, including products, services and online shopping. DeWeese was accompanied at her wig fitting by her dad, who brought pre-treatment pictures that were used to identify a wig and provide styling inspiration. “She knew exactly what we were looking for, and then she assured me that she can do bridal styling with the wig,” DeWeese says. “She was able to turn my hair into a masterpiece so that I could go dress shopping.” Thanks to Nicole’s expertise, the wig maintained its style through two weeks of shopping, during which DeWeese was able to take it on and off while finding the perfect dress and sharing the experience with her mom and cousins. “It was better than I could have imagined,” DeWeese says. “Having a wig that was styled made the process of looking in the mirror a little more tolerable during such a difficult and emotional time.” DeWeese is sharing her story to provide hope and inspiration to other patients, and to encourage them to communicate with their doctors, nurses and support staff during treatment to make sure their unique needs are being met. “It's important to be open with your care team about your journey,” she says. “Everyone here at The James wants to hear your story and help in any way they can.” DeWeese’s Hope’s Boutique experience is a great example of the comprehensive commitment to care at the OSUCCC – James, which continues after treatment, throughout survivorship. “Nicole is going to swing by my wedding to throw my hair up in an up-do this December,” she says. “I'm very excited!” Click here to learn more about support for cancer patients and caregivers at The Ohio State University.