Pink October in portraits
Pink October is the month dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. On this occasion, Manora Bijoux is honoring Caroline, Vanille and Sarah. They tell us how they got through this ordeal with humor and positivity.
Caroline
From Lille arriving in Marseille, Caroline, 34 years old, has never lost her way.
How did you discover your breast cancer?
I was 31 when I felt a swelling in my chest. After an inconclusive palpation at the gynecologist, I decided to have a mammogram a few months later and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Psychologically and physically, the announcement was hard to take. After speaking to one of my friends who also had cancer on the phone, she changed my perception of things.
How did you find the strength to overcome this stage?
Crying wasn't going to cure me and I preferred to laugh about it. Going to chemotherapy dressed as Wonder Woman, having my head shaved by my friends; I tried to make the painful moments as beautiful as possible. Better to laugh about it in these hard times.
My parents, both suffering from cancer, were very combative and I kept this image. My family, my friends and my partner have been of daily support to me.
How has the illness changed your life?
I learned a lot about myself and my personality. Before I was chasing a permanent job in a company, now I have discovered a more creative and independent aspect of myself. We are rediscovering ourselves a lot, our priorities are no longer the same. I co-founded the Gang des Cranes Rasés association and I am self-employed in the organization of wellness trips. Since my cancer, I have listened to my body and let go to enjoy life to the fullest.
What message would you like to share?
It is important to self-examine regularly because cancers also affect young women. Do not hesitate to consult and take several medical opinions. And if that happens, bounce back and keep smiling. Know your priorities and turn the negative into a positive.
Caroline is on Instagram: @lepetitmondedecaroline
Shaved Skull Gang Association.
Vanilla
How did you discover your breast cancer?
I carried out a genetic study because my mother had ovarian cancer and we had several cases in the family. Following the examinations, I was a carrier of the BRCA1 gene - associated with breast cancer - but until then nothing alarming, I was monitored preventively.
My mother was finishing treatment for ovarian cancer when two years later she was diagnosed with bladder cancer. So I was 27 years old and shortly after this news, I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer during a routine gynecological appointment. My tumor had grown and treatment had to be rapid. I followed a course of treatment that could be described as usual: chemotherapy, a mastectomy and finally radiotherapy. I received very good medical support.
How did you find the strength to overcome this stage?
My mother had just been diagnosed with a second cancer. We both found ourselves in the same sauce. I was as afraid for her as she was afraid for me. It was very difficult for our family but I could count on them. With my mother, we accompanied each other to chemo, we were a great strength for each other.
I also wrote a blog to tell my story and talk about cancer in a positive way. It did me a lot of good to write about this and raise awareness about this disease because it affects everyone, regardless of age. In people's minds, cancer is linked to death even though we don't necessarily die from it. It was important to emphasize that the outcome is not necessarily fatal. Thanks to the blog, I was able to participate in events, meet an incredible community and make great friendships.
How has the illness changed your life?
I feel like I have a revenge on life. Now, I don't want to give up any piece, carry out all my projects and sometimes I even become impatient about it.
In my relationship with myself, I listen to myself, I take care of myself and I prioritize myself over others.
What message would you like to share?
Fear does not avoid the danger. I recommend getting tested and visiting your gynecologist regularly. The word cancer can be scary but the outcome is not necessarily negative. It's normal to be afraid, but you have to see the light at the end of the tunnel and surround yourself with positive people.
Sarah
Sarah is an actress, comedian and author. She used humor as her weapon against her breast cancer.
How did you discover your breast cancer?
I was 30 when I made an appointment with my gynecologist to renew my pill. She felt a cyst and ordered a mammogram, implying that it was benign. During the examination, the radiologists saw that there was something, while my gynecologist was reducing it. The results came back, and on Christmas Eve, I was told that I had breast cancer. It was the emotional shock. I had surgery the following month, without really knowing the degree of seriousness. I was lucky not to have chemotherapy. I underwent radiation therapy and invasive hormone therapy for several years.
How did you find the strength to overcome this stage?
As long as there is laughter, there is life. Humor comes naturally to me, it allowed me to gain perspective. When I did the radiation sessions, I was the Cheerleader on “cancer”, with my mother we ordered Ben&Jerrys before the operation, we got lost in the hospital like in Fort Boyard…I wrote down all these anecdotes that I later transcribed in my show.
I continued to perform on stage during the treatment period. It allowed me to fight. I didn't talk about it professionally because the illness took up so much space that I preferred to escape by playing on stage.
How has the illness changed your life?
I first wrote a book because I felt a need to pass it on to help other people who were going through this. It was obvious to talk about it and ultimately I co-wrote the adaptation of the book into a show. I perform it in the theater, particularly for associations and hospitals. I met some wonderful people and that was the best thing that happened to me. I felt real sharing, understanding and solidarity with people who experienced the same thing.
What message would you like to share?
“Never give up” is a bit of my mantra. I hope to give hope to be here today and especially to have had a baby after cancer.
Podcast: @sanspluiepasdarcenciel
Show: K surprise
Book: Sarah, 30 years old, my cancer - Not even afraid
Photo credit: Natacha Lamblin