ITW n°63: Alain - K fighter.

Hello ,

Today Alain, 63 years old, an epicurean from the start, passionate about mountains, tells us about his fight against a K of the colon, discovered in June 2008. Now in "complete remission" since 2013, yeah!

Because he wishes to testify so that his “accident of life may possibly allow others to better experience theirs”

Thank you Alain, for telling us your story with such sincerity and resilience. I invite you to read his last words of the interview, bathed in great kindness and generosity, because he forgot to put these qualities below ;)

Great discovery.

Let's get started:

Who are you ?

First name: Alain

Age: 63 years old

Profession: Retired Company Managing Director

Where do you live: in Franche Comté

Why do you agree to share your story today?

Because I hope that my accident in life could possibly allow others to live theirs better,

What are your qualities (in a few words)?

Open to others, sociable,

What are your passions (in a few words)?

My family, skiing, mountain hikes, good meals,

What K (what cancer - grade if you wish / stage ditto):

adenocarcinoma of the rectosigmoid hinge, classified T3 NO

When was it discovered? How old were you ?

55 years

Following a colonoscopy, the doctor perforated the wall of the intestine during the examination,

Under what circumstances was it discovered?

I was very tired and thought it was due to intense professional activity, Management of a structure of 250 employees, Many worries, permanent stress, numerous trips,

If you are currently undergoing treatment, or in remission (for how long?)

I underwent the first operation in June 2008 and in 2013 the doctors confirmed the complete remission of the disease.

Can you summarize your (K fighter) story for us ?

Following the perforation during the colonoscopy, I had emergency surgery in June 2008. The operation lasted 4 hours and when I woke up the surgeon told me that he had put an ostomy bag in me. Then the surgeon m announced that he would withdraw it within three months,

I stayed in the hospital for 13 days: great physical and psychological suffering due to the surgical intervention and the insertion of the bag, and the cancer diagnosed. Then 12 sessions of chemotherapy at the rate of one session every 15 days,

Severe fatigue, vomiting, nausea,

No total hair loss phew that was my anxiety,

Following the chemo session at the hospital center I came home with a small bottle of chemo which diffused for two days. I then spent most of my time in bed accompanied by a "bean",

There you ruminate a lot and solitude is your only friend,

But the general condition being good we resurface and this thanks to the family and the real friends who decrease in number during the illness,

After the twelve chemos in December 2008, the surgeon operated on me to restore continuity in April, that is to say to remove the pocket, (it was more than three months!) But it is difficult to carry out an operation when you do chemo,

Difficult operation, more painful than the first, Eight days of hospitalization,

Convalescence and resumption of professional activity after recruiting a DGA!

There is no superman!

I would like to warn hyper-active people that they very rarely think about their health and the preventive medical examinations offered to them,

Let's think a little about ourselves and listen a little to others,

What treatment did you have?

chemo:

12 sessions: FOLFOX then XELODA FOR THE LAST TWO CYCLES DUE to a trombosis problem on the implantable port,

radiotherapy:

No

operations:

two operations,

What tips directly related to K do you want to share ?

Very good relationship with the oncologist, great trust, discussion on the symptoms, the effects of chemo, the treatment,

chemo:

Exceptional nurses always available,

How did you live the day before, the same day, the days after chemo?

and what were your tips?

I was feeling very bad the day before chemo; I didn't want to go there anymore; I wanted to stop everything and a friend (my best) called me the day before to give me courage

I nicknamed it LEXOMIL!!! I never wanted my wife to accompany me during chemo sessions,

2/ hospital: (e.g. contact with nurses / doc / caregivers):

Good relationship when we suffer their presence is fundamental,

A nurse spoke to me one night, during a treatment, it was a great moment of sharing,

3/ “parallel” medicine, if you have done it (what disciplines, what were their benefits):

not used,

What did you do to clear your mind/clear your head (before chemo, surgery & co)?

I listened a lot to Mozart music in particular and Gregorian chants which soothed my anxieties and my fears. It was a kind of communion that I had with the monks,

What practical “well-being/beauty” tips can you advise us?

1/ beauty: your essential products ( the kit for men to discover here )

Product to slow down hair loss,

Perfect hygiene to support the ostomy bag, I had a lot of difficulty accepting it even if I said nothing,

Perfume because I felt like my skin smelled like chemo; I believe it's real

2/ look, (e.g. your favorite chemo, hospital, every day look to feel good):

Always keep a normal rhythm of life: dress yourself, do not stay in a pygama,,

Go out, take short walks,

3/ daily (e.g. sport, food & co, meditation, reading, etc.)

having a good general condition, I always or almost ate normally after chemo

Were you concerned about the views of others, were you afraid that their views would change? What did you do to counter it?

Some people don't know what to say when they come to visit you, they are afraid to use painful words,

Others tell you about their cousin who had the same operation as you and who came out well. They are more competent than the oncologist who follows you!

Others tell you later that they didn't dare call you so as not to tire you,,,,,,

Some people think you're contagious so they stay away from bed and don't kiss you.

Some people can't come see you, it's too difficult for them,

What are the “nugget”/footed phrases (that you remember) that someone said to you during K and that you could have avoided?

If we give you chemo it must be serious (serious)

Now chemo is better than before!

You still look good!

How did your loved ones support you?

Beautifully. My children have always supported me and my wife has always been strong by my side. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart,

They were the beacon in the middle of the storm that shook my boat and threatened to capsize it.

And what advice could you give to loved ones who accompany a K fighter?

Stay who you are, tell the person that they matter to you and that you love them.

Do you find out about K on the internet?

No

If so, what would be the useful (internet) links that helped you during K?

Charlotte’s! (C: hihi, thanks Alain ;)

What has the K changed in your life...?

Now and since I have retired I live in the present moment and live it fully,

I enjoy my family of my five grandchildren,

I take him to the mountains or to Corsica where we spend magnificent holidays,

Free field ;)

tell us what you want (which might not be in my questions):

Let me ask you to take care of yourself,

Go for a regular health check-up and blood test.

Do not smoke,

Drink good wine (being sober means drinking good!) and treat yourself by sharing it with those you love,

Try to tell others that they matter to you and that it wouldn't be as good without them.

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Thank you Alain for your precious, courageous testimony and your kindness.

Gentlemen, you have the floor on Mister K fighting Kit, if like Alain you wish to tell your story, go here , send me your questionnaire and 1 photo of you so that I can draw you ;) to: interview@mister-k-fighting- kit.com

Please note that I do not retouch any Interview, they are completely free, it is your freedom, your story, I just add my personal touch with the illustration, they are delivered as they were sent to me ;)

Many of you send me your testimonies, thank you for your precious trust, for this same reason, the broadcasts of your interviews will sometimes be broadcast in several months, but know that I keep and transmit absolutely ALL the testimonies that are sent to me, Thank you for understanding.

Lots of beautiful positive thoughts to everyone!!