This time, we spoke with E-san (50 years old), who participated in the BAREN fitting event. E-san, who works as a hairdresser, encountered BAREN's scarf hat with the thought of wanting to be stylish before undergoing breast cancer treatment, and we heard about her positive attitude towards treatment.
Profile
- Name: E san
- Age: 50 years old
- Head size: 55.5cm (before hair loss)
- Wearing size: M size
- Treatment status: After breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy planned
How I learned about BAREN
――Please tell us how you learned about BAREN.
When I found out I would be undergoing chemotherapy, I thought there would be various things I would need, so I looked at hats and such. I had the impression that general medical hats were mostly plain. And, I thought there would be various things I would need, so I looked at hats and such.
I thought it was so cute, and when I saw it on Instagram, I thought it was incredibly cute.
Reason for participating in the fitting event
――What prompted you to participate in the fitting event?
I could have bought it online, but since I could actually see it and try it on, I thought I wanted to go while it was open. It just happened to be open today, so I applied.
After actually trying it on
――How was the fitting event?
Everyone was cute, and I was really torn. I was a bit nervous at first, but everyone was kind. The screen looked cute, but when I actually wore them, they all looked wonderful, and I was indecisive.
What I thought would be cute was indeed cute, but there were also things I hadn't really picked up before that seemed cute too. My initial target was marine yellow. I thought it would be bright and uplifting, but when I tried on the dot chiffon navy, it was really cute. I'm glad I actually wore it and touched it.
――How was the fit?
At first, I wasn't quite used to it, but after doing it several times, it became quite comfortable. Since I still have hair, it might feel different from when I don't have hair, but I was able to wear it quite smoothly. It feels really nice to the touch and is soft. Since the inside is cotton, I think it's good for the skin.
I have sensitive skin, and I often can't use sunscreen, which makes my skin turn red quickly. So I wanted to use something gentle on my scalp.
Thoughts on treatment
――Did you have any anxieties about treatment?
The most anxious moment was when I was told it might be cancer and when I was told I would need a full mastectomy; that was the hardest part. Now, having gone through it, I feel quite positive. Chemotherapy is scary, but it's necessary to heal, so I think I'm looking forward.
If possible, I wanted to enjoy fashion as well. I had quite a bit of that feeling before the surgery. I thought a lot about whether this was okay, whether this method was right, and whether this hospital was good, but now that I've made my own decisions, I have no choice but to move forward.
――Was there support from those around you?
There are many people around me who have supported me greatly. I talked to friends and also had people who have experienced the same illness, so even though they weren't seniors, I could hear their stories. When I was hospitalized, I became quite friendly with the people in the same room, and we exchanged LINE contacts, so we can communicate about things like, 'I came to the hospital today.'
Thoughts as a hairdresser
――You work as a hairdresser, right?
I'm a freelance hairdresser and work in hair and makeup, but I feel like I might not be able to do it during chemotherapy. I do intend to, but as a freelancer, I work on-site rather than in a studio, and I have to carry a lot of equipment back and forth each time.
I was a bit concerned about my physical strength. I thought I might not be able to say, 'I can't go today because I'm not feeling well' on the day, so I plan to take a break while observing my condition for a while. But if I find that I can actually go, I do have the desire to resume. For a while, I want to observe my condition and gradually start again.
Summary
From E's story, the positive feeling of wanting to be fashionable even while facing treatment was impressive. As a hairdresser, E, who has a high interest in fashion, is likely to resonate with many people in her approach to facing treatment while maintaining her individuality with BAREN's scarf hat.
For those who want to enjoy fashion even during treatment, if you are looking for medical hats or care hats, please check out BAREN's products. You are sure to meet a new version of yourself.
