How Treatment, Self-Expression, and Family Support Led to Remission

Adeline’s life took an unexpected turn in September 2015 when a strong pain in her left breast prompted an immediate ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy. Doctors discovered a metastatic stage IV breast cancer that had already spread to her bones, projecting a mere six-month prognosis. Despite the overwhelming news, she resolved to do whatever was necessary for her then three-month-old daughter, Lina. Her father transported her to weekly chemotherapy sessions, and her parents provided housing and emotional support for nine months.

Chemotherapy lasted six months, causing hair loss, mouth sores, skin rashes, and extreme fatigue. Meanwhile, the cancer’s spread necessitated a lobectomy to remove Adeline’s left liver lobe. She ultimately underwent a double mastectomy, followed by breast reconstruction using implants. The challenges—physical pain, financial strain, and shifting relationships—felt relentless. Yet Adeline relied on social aid, found comfort in her circle of close friends and family, and received total coverage for her reconstruction.

In addition to conventional medicine, Adeline turned to complementary therapies. Techniques like relaxation, meditation, self-hypnosis, and gentle exercise (e.g., yoga and Pilates) kept her physically and mentally resilient. She embraced the power of art therapy, channeling her creativity into writing and producing uplifting works, including Le journal d’une amazone, an intimate yet humorous chronicle of her experience. Writing proved therapeutic, allowing her to manage stress and share insight with others who face serious illnesses.

Grateful for her renewed perspective, Adeline sees the battle as an invitation to live in the present, open up to spirituality, and pursue new professional horizons. No longer working as an executive assistant, she aims to transition into positive psychology coaching, leveraging her journey to empower others. Now in remission, she remains determined to fulfill future goals, relishing the time spent watching her daughter grow. Above all, she encourages patients to trust medical advances, embrace personal passions, and approach each day as a precious opportunity for healing and self-discovery.