Surviving Breast Cancer - Hatiheri

 

Recently I was asked to speak at a graduation for business women. I know I was shocked too!

I met some wonderful, positive, motivated women there. One of the gorgeous ladies I met was Tish.

She is a Breast Cancer Survivor and small business owner. I was so impressed with her zest for life and business idea that I asked if I could share it here on Seven Cherubs. I love to support women who are trying to help others and who are an inspiration in how they spend their time and focus.

Here is a little about her and her business:

Tish was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in January 2009. Her first surgery was in February 2009 and quickly followed by a second surgery also in February 2009. Chemotherapy started in March 2009 with her final chemotherapy in July 2009. 

Her first radiation session was in August 2009 with final radiation in September 2009. Tamoxifen started October 2009. All treatments were at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

It constantly amazes me how fast Cancer can change your life. The speed with how treatment takes place and the emotional, physical, spiritual and mental preparation that immediately needs to be addressed blows me away. I so admire women who fight it, live it and with courage do all they can to rid it from their bodies.

For Tish her tumor was close to her chest and heavy, thus pulling on her breast from the inside and creating a "dimple". She couldn't feel a lump, and neither could her doctor but thank goodness her doctor did his job and sent her to a clinic (although she had to wait 2 weeks for the appointment) for a mammogram, which led to an ultrasound and then a core needle biopsy - all on the same day!

"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 at age 34, many friends sent me beautiful 
scarves as a thoughtful gift. Unfortunately, many of the scarves, although gorgeous, 
were impractical for several reasons." 

These are not things you usually think about until confronted with the reality:

• the material was too thin, even when doubled over - you could see my bald head!

• the material was too slippery - I couldn't tie it and it wouldn't stay put with no hair to attach it to

• the shape was too rectangular or long - so I couldn't easily make it into a headpiece

• the shape was too small - so I couldn't tie it on securely

• the patterns were bright and cheerful - but didn't match anything in my wardrobe

• the patterns were attention-grabbing - and I didn't want to draw attention to my head-wear

• the scarf was small or narrow - and left the back of my neck too exposed

• the scarf had tassels, which although pretty, were impractical

During chemotherapy and radiation she suffered from many side-effects including ongoing fatigue. Other side effects included: inability to think straight, word loss, nausea, constipation, achy legs, achy joints, dry eyes, body hair loss, body hair thinning, mucositis, neutropenia, blotchy rash, hot flushes, oral candidiasis, loss of (some) tastes, odd metallic taste in mouth, burnt feeling in mouth, depression, anxiety, radiation burn, tinnitus ... basically, it was not pleasant!

 Tish looking awesome with her new look!

In rare moments of lucidity she thought of how her situations could be improved. Apart from the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation, her main concern was the new experience of being bald. It was not just the feeling of looking different but also the little things like being cold on the back of her neck, and not having protection from the sun, wind, stray branches and cupboard corners.

 

Last day of Chemo! 

Thus Hatiheri was born. 'Hatty-Hairy' {Tish} has first hand knowledge of being bald due to chemotherapy and knows exactly the unique challenges this brings. When Tish did feel ready to go out in public and later returned to work part-time she had difficulty finding a scarf that matched her wardrobe. She did not have the energy or interest in matching her wardrobe to a scarf. That was the last straw and she decided to create beautiful, easy to wear head scarves that were suitable for both indoors and outdoors.

These scarves are reversible and come in a variety of colours.

 

Her website has a list of resources for family and life after cancer support,

a shop to purchase scarves, and her personal treatment photo's from her Breast Cancer experience.

 

Tish feels that these scarves filled her own need and hopes that others will benefit from her experiences. She does not feel joy knowing that others are suffering but feels joy knowing that she can hopefully help someone out.

Her website is: HERE

Her facebook page is: HERE

 

* I was not paid in anyway to do this post. I think Tish is awesome and wanted to help others. I also love to give meaningful gifts at Christmas and thought this might be helpful to some women. Lastly, I just wanted you to know that Tish has a wonderful head full of curly hair and is looking stunning!