BB Blog — Breast Cancer

October 5th not only marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month but my Daughter's Birthday... and the day I had my second Chemotherapy for Stage 4 advanced Breast Cancer. I was aged 31 and my eldest daughter had just turned 4 a few weeks previously and had started school. 

Shortly after these blurry photos were taken, doing my best to smile (and make sure they didn't realise anything was wrong), the nurse arrived to give me my second course of chemotherapy. This led to me losing my hair and eventually deciding to make Bold Beanies when and if I ever felt better... to make fellow Cancer Hair Loss sufferers treatment just a little bit more bearable. 

I'd had a lot of surgery and found it difficult to lift my arms so therefore couldn't really tie a scarf or keep one in place. I hated my wig as it was just so uncomfortable and made me feel even more self conscious than my bald head. This was the days before the great big internet shopping world and I struggled to find headwear that wasn't targeted at older ladies... to fussy and outdated for me. I wore woollen hats which were often too hot and itchy.

Comfy, soft and stylish cancer headwear for younger women diagnosed with Breast Cancer and others who just need to cover up for their family and get on with their day. 

I had my chemotherapy at home. Something I didn't consider very much and just thought practical because my children were so young, but with hindsight I regret as I never had the chance to bond and talk to other chemo patients. I was left to make conversation with a not too sociable nurse for hours on my own and found it a very hard, cold (probably due to the cold drip) and isolating experience... especially knowing the sickness which was about to follow. 

I've made up for the lack of birthday party every year since btw... I make a point of it :) and the highlight of my year! Well apart from Christmas and Halloween and any other holiday in between that I use as an excuse to decorate our home and have fun with my girls :)  

Stylish pretty headwear for younger women going through Breast Cancer. For younger women with chemotherapy hair loss often with young families who need to get on with their busy days and just cover up to feel more confident and look more 'normal'.

One less thing to worry about, you will breathe a sigh of relief.

They are made using luxury Liberty silky soft fabrics with no unnecessary seams or labels to fit snuggly on a sore head. They don't slip around like a scarf and are very comfortable. Temperature controlling cotton natural breathable material make them temperature controlling so no taking on and off as your head gets too hot or cold. great if you need a peaceful nights sleep. 

Bold Beanies Sleep Caps come in two sizes and a wide variety of plain, customisable, colours and a wonderful array of beautiful Liberty prints.

I'm very proud to be included in the latest edition of Life in North Wales Magazine as one of 8 inspiring women from North Wales.

Emilienne Rebel - Creator of Bold Beanies www.boldbeanies.comWhile battling cancer, the Wrexham mum of two came up with the idea of selling stylish headwear for those undergoing chemotherapy and suffering hair loss.

Read more in the Life in North Wales Magazine here ...

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=fe0e1b72-bdce-40db-b346-e7393ab8a83f

'Explaining her business success, she says its all about keeping it simple.'

"But this is only possible with relentless persistence, hard work, social conscience and a unfailing belief in your service or product" 

Bold Beanies were designed by Emilienne many years ago whilst undergoing chemotherapy treatment for Stage 4 Breast Cancer when she wanted something super soft and comfortable to stay covered up in front on the family, keep warm but also stylish and pretty for a younger person going through cancer. 

These award winning cancer hats are made to exceptional high standards using the best quality cotton based stretchy fabric from Liberty Art Fabrics which is famous all over the world for quality and the best designs. Minimal seams and not irritating labels make for a comfortable beanie. The stretchy fabric allows the cap to fit snuggly but not tightly onto a bald sensitive scalp and stay put whilst you get on with your day or get a good nights rest. Not too hot or cold, the breathable fabric wicks away sweat and keeps the head at an even temperature. 

Will you go for a plain hat or get one customised with a name or slogan of your choice? Or choose from the wide range of beautiful pattered Liberty prints? 

Designed to be worn day or night, on their own or layered up under another beanie or head scarf... show us how you wear yours. Matching scarves and PICC line covers available now. 

I've just stumbled upon this magazine through social media (Instagram) and I just had to share immediately. More than a breath of fresh air, this magazine WILDFIRE is like a lightening bolt... a much needed one for me. I am in awe of the honesty, insight, knowledge, creativity and beauty of this publication (available in print and digital... with a free issue trial).

Here's what April Stearns has to say about why she started WILDFIRE Magazine

"I am now six years out from my breast cancer diagnosis, which occurred when I was 35. Over the years since that terrible day I have found the information and resources aimed at young breast cancer survivors to be lacking – yes, we all know about early detection and mammograms, but what about all the rest of it? What about the mental scars and physical side-effects? Rather than hearing from older women on issues related to lymphedema (though, honestly, I do want to talk about lymphedema, too), I want to hear from young survivors on issues related to this rich post-cancer-diagnosis life that are specific to being young -- dating, fertility, parenting, marriage, reconstructive surgery (or not), “scanxiety,” sexuality (and the pain associated with sex, right?), disease recurrence, etc.

And it turns out I'm not the only one feeling this way.