ITW n°46: Annabelle - K fighter.
Hello ,
Today Annabelle, 40, tells us about her fight against "non-specific infiltrating carcinoma", a real K fighter currently being treated who even tells us: "I love going to chemo. I have the impression that there Nothing can happen to me." wow!! amazing!
Great discovery and we send you lots of strength Annabelle.
Let's get started:
Who are you ?
First name: ANNABELLE
Age: 40 years old
Profession: Care assistant
Where do you live: near the chestnut grove (vendée)
Why do you agree to share your story today?
Cancer is a nasty disease, only those affected can really understand our feelings
What are your qualities (in a few words)?
uhh I think I'm very dynamic and open-minded
What are your passions (in a few words)?
I like hiking in forests, puzzles, reading, it's still difficult to immerse yourself in 1 book during illness
What K (what cancer - grade if you wish / stage ditto):
non-specific infiltrating carcinoma stage 4 with bone and liver metastases. All my life I will remember this name.
When was it discovered? How old were you ?
September 23, 2015: Breast MRI and verdict
Under what circumstances was it discovered?
Right intercostal pain, abdominal ultrasound (nodules and liver). Breast echo and bingo it's there.
If you are currently undergoing treatment, or in remission (for how long?)
I have been in chemo since November 9th. 3 Mondays out of 4
Can you summarize your (K fighter) story for us ?
No cancer in the family, no reason for it to jump out at me. When I found out, I immediately thought of death. It's awful to think that in a while I won't be here. During this period I put my husband through an ordeal. I apologize again.
The desire to get this illness out of me then took over. And there, I no longer recognized myself. I was super active. Super motivated to go to Nantes. There I knew that I was being injected with the miracle product that would cure me.
I like to go to the clinic on Mondays. It reenergizes me.
What treatment did you have?
chemo:
CHEMIOLOGY 3 Monday out of 4. D1: taxol-avastin. D8: avastin. D15: taxol-avastin and the 4th Monday is RTT
radiotherapy:
not for the moment
operation :
we wait to see what the chemo will have destroyed
other:
January 29: scanner and oncologist. I will finally know if the chemo is working.
What tips directly related to K do you want to share?
(your feeling with the doctor, your good treatment organization plans, anything that seems useful to you ;))?
1/ chemo: (ex: your tips, the helmet, your affinities with nurses):
I wear the helmet during every Taxol chemo. It's effective because my hair just thinned out. I'm starting to lose my eyelashes but it's weird and it doesn't bother me. A little pencil on the eyes and there you go. The eyebrows are thinning but that's okay.
How did you live the day before, the same day, the days after chemo?
and what were your tips?
I love going to chemo. I feel like nothing can happen to me there. The day before I was excited to leave. I think the day of chemo is cool. But in the evening after 3 hours of driving and so much chemo I am completely HS Normal I think. After 9 chemos fatigue sets in.
2/ hospital: (e.g. contact with nurses / doc / caregivers):
The nurses are overwhelmed (poor people) they are running everywhere. But they are very nice, always smiling. Great service.
My oncologist (and yes it’s mine). He's super awesome, very cool. How will I live without them afterwards?
3/ “parallel” medicine, if you have done it (what disciplines, what were their benefits):
Not much, 2 sessions with the psychologist, a sophrology session. On the other hand, I regularly see the socio-beautician. She gives me facials and advises me.
Otherwise I take homeopathy for my pimples. The chemo caused me to break out in spots on my face and scalp. Not cool, it burns and itches.
What did you do to clear your mind/clear your head (before chemo, surgery & co)?
I have 3 children who pull me up. I don't have time to be bored. And then I have my little husband who is adorable so I have to take care of him too.
What practical “well-being/beauty” tips can you advise us?
1/ beauty: your essential products (e.g.: creams, varnishes, scars, oils, etc.)
micellar water and moisturizing facial cream. For my hair it's a product that my doctor prescribed. I use Uriage, Avène and La Roche-Posay products.
2/ look, (e.g. your favorite chemo, hospital, every day look to feel good):
jeans and t-shirt
3/ daily (e.g. sport, food & co, meditation, reading, etc.)
I go for a walk with friends, I eat everything, I'm super greedy!!!
4/ hair problem (eg: did you wear a wig, scarves, hats)
no hair loss so it's like before
Are you concerned about the views of others, are you afraid that their views will change? What are you doing to counter it?
At times I feel people's eyes on my head. My hair is lighter, you can see more of my scalp. I live it well. What I experience very badly is “the friends” who have moved away. No more news. The disease is scary but it is still me who carried it at arm's length.
What are the “nugget”/footed phrases (that you remember) that someone said to you during K and that you could have avoided?
A sentence that I can't stand because I've heard it too much: "You have to be strong, I hope you are well surrounded. You will have to fight."
I don't want to fight, I just want to get rid of this cancer. That's all.
How did your loved ones support you?
My mother was very present when the results were announced. How could she hold on? Hearing that your daughter has cancer is the worst thing you can tell a mother.
My husband, always so exceptional. Very positive so at home everyone is doing well.
And what advice could you give to loved ones who accompany a K fighter?
Listen and support. Reboost from time to time because I need it. It's not easy every day
Do you find out about K on the internet?
After I was diagnosed with cancer I had to spend 10 hours out of 12 looking for information.
If so, does it make you feel good?
Nothing interesting, it worried me. I quickly gave up and I don't feel any worse.
If so, what would be the useful (internet) links that helped you during K?
yours that my friend Isa introduced me to and “ my cancer my femininity my advice from little Julie ”
What has the K changed in your life…?
(for example: your vision of the world, your priorities, your essentials, refocusing those around you, in your work, your philosophy..?)
I'm positive about a lot of things. There will never be anything worse than this cancer. My children and my husband are my priority. They were before but now it's even worse. All my friends who support me. What a joy to have them. My director, very human. I can't wait to get back to work.
Free field ;)
tell us what you want (which might not be in my questions):
I want all the metastases to come out of my body. They scare me!!!!!
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Thank you Annabelle for your testimony!
If like her you want to tell your story and share your tips, go here , send me your questionnaire and 1 photo of yourself so that I can draw you ;) to: interview@mister-k-fighting-kit.com
Lots of beautiful positive thoughts to everyone!!
@ very quickly
Charlotte