– Spring 2013: Although I was in good overall health, for several months I had been feeling tired, needing naps, and experiencing fleeting feelings of exhaustion. I decided to consult a doctor specializing in morphological medicine, anti-aging, and micronutrition . An initial blood test revealed a severe B12 deficiency and inflammation. My body was fighting something! I was also gaining weight around my stomach, which is not surprising at 55 years old. However, I am quite slim (1.92 m – 90 kg), so we decided to do an ultrasound scan to see…
This step was important, as the symptoms of a large stomach and fatigue should have been cause for concern months ago. Without this doctor and his thorough investigations, it would probably be too late today.
– November 6, 2013: The ultrasound reveals the presence of ascites in the abdomen. I know this does not bode well and contact the doctor, who gets me a CT scan appointment the same day (yes, it is possible). Initial verdict: Peritoneal CANCER!
– November 13, 2013: An emergency appointment is made with a doctor who makes an initial (correct) diagnosis and refers me to a specialist center. Thank you!
– November 29, 2013: Consultation at the specialist center, the diagnosis is confirmed (peritoneal pseudomyxoma) and the date of surgery is set for December 16.
– December 16, 2013: Surgery + HIPEC. Removal of the gallbladder, spleen, colon, parts of the peritoneum, 1/3 of the stomach, scraping of the pancreas and diaphragm. No stoma.
The first few days are very difficult (and what can I say about the nights?), but the epidural and morphine pump make them bearable. In bed, I can only lie in one position because my body is connected to a dozen tubes, which are themselves connected to bottles, bags, or boxes. I try to alternate with the chair, but it takes the nurses a long time because of the tubes, and I can’t sit for more than half an hour.
Every day, my wife brings me food because I find the food here disgusting. Her presence by my side for three weeks is a huge comfort to me. This is possible thanks to the “La Maison de Pari” care facility and the wonderful people who work there. To them and to the volunteers, I offer my gratitude and admiration.
Little by little, the drains are removed, allowing me more and more freedom of movement. I can shower on my own, walk a little…
January 6, 2014 (D+20): return home, 25kg lighter. I am very tired, everything is an effort, but I can take care of myself. Meals are still complicated and I have to eat very little (in small portions), otherwise I am in for pain and vomiting! But I have an appetite, which I maintain by looking at recipe books… I force myself to do lots of little exercises, mainly walking, around the table, then around the house. I had to keep the urinary catheter, which is really uncomfortable and causes more and more pain. A resistant bacteria means two visits to the emergency room.
It is important to take care with disinfection measures and to change the bag frequently.
– January 24, 2014 (D + 38): follow-up visit. Verdict: low-grade disease, no chemotherapy. My urinary catheter is removed. Life can really begin!
The following days are spent walking a little more each day. I experience intestinal discomfort, pain after meals, vomiting, blood in my stool… But nothing catastrophic compared to the previous month.
– February 20, 2014 (D+60): this day is important because I set myself the goal of hiking alone above Lake Bourget, with a 470 m elevation gain. The weather is sublime, the mountain ranges visible from far away, the lake sparkling with light. It’s hard, I’m terribly out of breath, my whole back hurts, but I succeed! For me, this marks a milestone, and for you who are reading this, it marks the hope of getting through it despite the terrible uncertainties you have experienced or are about to experience.
The human body has amazing recovery capabilities!
– April 23, 2014 (4 months later): the follow-up scan is favorable, my overall condition is improving even though the weight is slow to come back (+3 kg) and the pain and weakness still persist. I hope to return to work in a few months.
So it is possible to recover from cancer?
In addition to specific dietary supplements for my deficiencies, I have used and still use:
– Spirulina from Savoie (source of protein);
– Aloe Vera from Forever (healing properties);
– Ginseng, royal jelly, wheat germ (energy).
– Feedback.
The diagnosis of cancer, that frightening disease, suddenly plunged me into another reality. I became the center of a whirlwind of interest and activity, with a feeling of disembodiment, as if I were positioned beyond, on another plane.
I was told I had to fight. But against what? How?
For me, I simply had to accept suffering and prepare to die. It happens to so many others, why not me?
Having explored these territories at the limits of life, I return with a more detached view of everyday events, as if the essential were only in the quality of relationships with others, in being able to evolve in nature and in the simple happiness of living; with the added practical experience of the notion of impermanence…
Isn’t every trial meant to give us the opportunity to grow?
I would like to express my immense gratitude to all those who have accompanied me through this ordeal.