Real People Stories – Sabine

Sabine is 53 and is a masseuse and well known physiotherapist. The story about her is that in the summer, she learned from a lab test that she had 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 Variant test and its early diagnosis was in 2015. I was scared. What was going to happen to me? I got over it but the hardest part was sharing the news with family and friends.

I remember the feelings I had when I got my first scan. And I was in this hospital Ca125 room, connected to some machine with something that was injected into me. I said to myself that it was a journey which is beginning, and indeed it was only the beginning.

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 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, for the ca125 result, 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, hair is a sign of your femininity. So losing it is something like physical violence. 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 things to do that would allow me to get away from everything and recharge my health. 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 and physiotherapist. And I practice privately, and before the illness. I had my own 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 because I had no choice. But what is happening to me now is really positive. And now it’s me who decides in my life. I live in the present. And 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 check, she was diagnosed with low grade ovarian disease. She was told the news in hospital bed after the emergency surgery. Today, she is determined to get past this and has a dream to teach others.

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 any resistance when it comes to women’s private parts.

MELISSA’S HEALTHCARE & FOOD Choices

My diet has changed a lot. Now I have less sugar and more organic foods. My partner is a cook too, which helps alot. 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 always explain to people that I am a student, not a scholarship holder. But because of the CA125 cancer and the fatigue caused by the tests and treatments, I do not have a full time job. And so my relatives help me financially. Even my neighbour gave me money when I needed it! The disease is expensive to manage, particularly dealing with the side effects.

WHAT About TOMORROW FOR MELISSA?

Over the last three years, I deciced to travelled a lot. Sometimes I did it before a major operation. The purpose was to give me courage. But I don’t plan to stop there! I went back to school without pressure to add stress to my life. My classes help me to avoid thinking about myself and the illness thats inside of me. And so much so that I often only think about it when I have to take my medication.

Take care of yourself and listen to your body!

MHRA verify here

B – 12