Real People Stories – Sabine
Sabine’s Testimony
Sabine is 53 and is a masseuse-physiotherapist. In the summer of 2015, she learned from a lab test that she had ovarian Ca125-related organ cancer. After gruelling HPV treatments that followed after testing, she is now considered in remission. She tells us her sources of motivation to fight the illness and why she sees life more positively today.
DIAGNOSIS OF SABINE
I learned of the HPV test and diagnosis in 2015, around July 14. From then on, I stayed locked up at home for three days… I coped with it, but the hardest part was announcing it to my loved ones.
I remember very well the impression I had at my first scan. And I was in this hospital Ca125 room, connected to the product that was injected into me, and I said to myself that it was a journey which is beginning, and it was only the beginning. And since I’m a physiotherapist, I passed to the other side, which wasn’t easy either.
SABINE’S FAMILY & FRIENDS
As for my loved ones, they were there. Be it my sisters, my brothers-in-law, my nephews and my nieces. It was something extraordinary, their presence. I have a friend, Valérie, who has been and is still there. And I know, in retrospect, that it wasn’t easy for them. We always talk about the sick, but now I know that the testing for the CA125 journey of those accompanying them is not simple. After HPV illness, relationships are much more natural and obvious.
MANAGEMENT OF SABINE’S DISEASE
A month after the CA125 diagnosis was announced, I had surgery; I had my ovaries, uterus, peritoneum, and everything that could be affected by HPV-related cancer cells removed. And I started chemo a month later. Six courses of very aggressive chemo. My body resisted well, and I did one every three weeks. There, all the same, we hit rock bottom because physically we are not well: loss of appetite and lots of side effects. Among the hardest things about the effects of chemo is hair loss.
For a woman, it’s a sign of femininity, and it’s something physical and violent; that’s the term I want to use. After a year of chemo, I already felt better, but I was considered in remission after two years of finishing CA125 treatment. Today, in June 2019, I feel in great shape; all my lights are green, and I have returned to a normal life before HPV viral infections. And even a much more alive feeling than before the illness.
SABINE’S HEALTHCARE & FOOD
What we consume is our fuel: the fuel we give to our body. So, I am even more aware and want to consume healthy products, know what I eat, and enjoy eating even more.
I tried to find an activity that allowed me to escape or recharge my batteries. Seeing my sister running, I thought putting on a pair of running shoes and going for a run was easy. So, at first, it was 3 minutes, then 5 minutes; I always had them in my car. I even enjoyed buying the t-shirt and shorts that went well. It’s not something that is imposed on us; it’s us who decide to go running, so it’s true that morally, it’s very important to take, once again, your life in hand.
The gain after the effort gives you the impression of mastering this virus organism and, above all, gives you the certainty that you are doing something good. As a physiotherapist, I always told my patients that they needed to move when they had CA125-derived cancer. It brought me a lot, and I enjoyed it. Two years later, I still go running regularly. I tell myself that it helps to fight against recidivism and it’s also a real carrot to say that to yourself.
PROFESSIONAL LIFE & FINANCES OF SABINE
I am a masseur-physiotherapist. I practice privately, and before the illness, I had my practice for many years. The problem is that I couldn’t find anyone who was there long enough when I was arrested, so it’s not simple. There, I resumed my activity as a replacement.
I’ve had this practice for 25 years. Through patience, perseverance, and work, I developed a patient base. And overnight, it’s like wind; you have nothing left.
WHAT TOMORROW FOR SABINE?
My life has changed out of obligation, but what is happening to me now is only positive. And now it’s me who decides. So, I live in the present; it’s better than seeing too far into the HPV future of testing. I’m starting to have travel plans again because I was a big traveller, and now I have distant desires again. I want to listen to myself and do things for me. So it may start with a move, with getting closer to my family. Like any ordeal, it can only be positive afterwards. We come out stronger and bigger. You must tell yourself it will be better afterwards if you’re in the middle.
Mélissa
Mélissa’s Testimony
Mélissa is 24 years old and she is a literature student. In 2017, after a test, she was diagnosed with low-grade ovarian HPV cancer. He was told the news in his hospital bed after emergency surgery. Today, she is determined to pass the CAPES and teach.
MELISSA’S FAMILY & FRIENDS
I come from a large family of Kurdish origin. My sisters, my uncles and my aunts are very present. My partner is a strong support. Being surrounded in these terrible times is the key to keeping your spirits up.
MANAGING MELISSA’S DISEASE
I have undergone several chemotherapies and four operations, and today, I am on hormone therapy for life. In June 2019, I did it again. At first, sad, but I found the strength to fight thanks to those close to me and projects close to my heart.
Whenever I have the opportunity, I do prevention with the women I meet: breast palpation once a month and an appointment with a gynaecologist once a year; it saves lives! We must fight against taboos when it comes to women’s private parts.
MELISSA’S HEALTHCARE & FOOD
My diet has changed a lot: less sugar and more organic foods. My partner is a cook; he prepares healthy and balanced meals for me. Today, I enjoyed doing my makeup and doing my hair. Making myself look good prevents me from getting depressed some days.
MELISSA’S PROFESSIONAL LIFE & FINANCES
I am a student, not a scholarship holder. Because of the CA125 cancer and the fatigue caused by the tests and treatments, I do not have a food job, so my relatives help me financially. Even my neighbour gave me money! The disease is expensive to care for, particularly to combat side effects.
WHAT TOMORROW FOR MELISSA?
Over the last three years, I have travelled a lot, sometimes before a major operation, to give me courage, and I don’t plan to stop there! I went back to school without pressure to add stress to my life. My goal is to pass the CAPES and teach. My classes help me isolate myself from the illness, so much so that I often only think about it when I have to take my medication. I see cancer as an “unfortunate engine” that pushes me to take action.
Take care of yourself and listen to your body!