BB Blog

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.

A PICC line is a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter. PICC means Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters

It is used to give you chemotherapy and other medicines. A doctor or nurse puts it into a vein above the bend of your elbow. It can stay in place until your treatment is over.

You will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area before the PICC line is put in. Your doctor or nurse will gently thread the line along the vein in your arm until it’s in a large vein in your chest. You will have an x-ray to check it’s in the correct position.

The PICC line is held in place by a dressing, which is usually changed every week. The cap at the end of the line is replaced each week to reduce the risk of infection. The line is flushed regularly to prevent it becoming blocked.

Bold Beanies PICC Line Covers can give you peace of mind against any catching the tube on clothing or in bed. Super soft, stretchy and breathable cotton material, our PICC Line Sleeves also come in beautiful Liberty prints and practical plains which can also match our cancer treatment hair loss hats.

Bold Beanies are Comfortable and Soft Chemotherapy Beanie Headwear.

Designed by a Breast Cancer survivor for extra comfort and ease when you need it most. 

Some days you just won't feel spending time and energy tying a scarf over your balding head... or even feeling like wearing a wig, you will just need a head cover that slips straight on with no lengthy lifting of arms to cover up for your loved ones and keep warm... a Bold Beanie! Perfect loungewear around the house, in hospital or out and about. A great sleep cap that won't slide around. 

The quality breathable natural cotton fabric will keep your head at an even temperature. Their simple design has minimal seams for comfort and no irritating labels.  

Be #comfyforchemo in your Bold Beanie. 

Are you looking for Cancer Hats for Men? Are you a man losing your hair with chemotherapy treatment? or just looking for a soft breathable layer under all types of helmet and hard hats? STILL TIME FOR DELIVERY FOR FATHERS DAY!

Bold Beanies are simple soft breathable headwear for Men with Cancer Hair Loss. Silky soft, thin stretchy fabric beanie hats made with limited seams and naturally stretchy to fit snuggly on the scalp for the most comfortable fit... so comfortable you will forget you are wearing it and free to get on with your day or get a good nights sleep. They don't slip around like a scarf and provide a breathable, temperature controlling head gear which wicks away sweat too. 

Going gradually bald as a man and loosing your hair suddenly are very different things. Sudden hair loss from an illness like Alopecia or having chemotherapy treatments for cancer can leave you feeling very cold as well as feeling exposed and a lack of confidence. 

Men, like women will lose hair all over their bodies with aggressive chemotherapy. A man's face can look very different with no eyebrows and he will realise that eyelashes serve a purpose of keeping dust etc out if the eyes.

Felling comfortable and covering up is therefore very important to men as well as women with cancer. Bold Beanies come in two sizes and in an array for masculine plain colours (which can also be customised with a name or slogan of your choice) or fab Liberty Prints for men. 

Made in the UK. Fast Worldwide shipping available. 

In case any of you missed the Guardian article by Victoria Lavin last Thursday please find the link below. An wonderful read. 

"Cancer is not a battle, hair loss does matter – and even doctors like me can’t prepare for the effects of chemotherapy".

She continues to write in the Guardian article about how her experience of having Breast Cancer will shape her future career. 

"In August 2017, during the last month of my maternity leave, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer Initially, I was plagued by memories of the young patients I had discharged home or to the hospice for end-of-life care. Thankfully they are few – but they are the ones you remember. My experience of being on the other side of the consultation desk will shape my future career and it has helped me to understand what goes on for patients. It has been an education in patience, humility and gratitude.

First, there were the well-meaning stock phrases which I had so often used: “You’re so brave; you can fight this”. Really? Yesterday I was a 34-year-old clinical oncology trainee and mum of two, and today I’m a professional cancer warrior? Cancer didn't feel like a fight to me and I won’t be asking my patients to go into battle in future.

The biggest ego-bruising revelation was learning who makes the difference. As the doctor prescribing the treatment I always felt my role was the most crucial. For the patient, however, it’s the healthcare assistant who smiles when you walk in and gets you seen on time; the volunteer who brings you a cup of tea; the complementary therapist who offers reflexology and a chat during treatment; and the nurse who gets the cannula in at the first attempt." (AMEN to that!)

"Hair loss is something we often gloss over in busy clinics. I have been guilty of simply handing over a wig leaflet as the patient walks out of the door. It matters. It changes a person’s whole identity. I worried what my children would think and that it made me look like a victim. In the end, my daughter said: “Mummy, you’ve got no hair like Grandad Pete” and carried on making her Disney princess puzzle."

Feel comfortable and more confident in a Bold Beanie... made by someone who understands how it feels to lose your hair with Chemotherapy.