In remission, Patricia Rougeul tells us how the fact of having benefited from a spa treatment after her breast cancer allowed her to regain energy and to be more serene.
- At the age of 57, Patricia Rougeul was diagnosed with breast cancer.
- The sexagenarian underwent a total mastectomy of her left breast, then benefited from chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions. She is currently on hormone therapy.
- From March 20 to April 1, she took part in the post-therapeutic support and rehabilitation program for women in complete remission.
“At the age of 40, medical professionals noticed that my mammary glands were large. After regular monitoring, I had to have a mammogram every year after I turned 50. Seven years later, my doctor indicated to me, during an examination, that something was not clear”, remembers Patricia Rougeul, business coach. The patient, now 60 years old, had to do a biopsy. In October 2020, results revealed the mother-of-two had breast cancer “stage 1, or even 2”. Two tumors, one of which was larger, were identified by practitioners. “It was a particularly trying year, because my husband had just had a serious scooter accident, he was in a coma. Nothing can confirm it, but I think that this tragedy probably favored the occurrence of tumors.”
“What was hardest for me was losing my hair”
After receiving this diagnosis, the Francilienne felt very supported by her relatives, who tried to change her mind. “I didn’t want to announce it to my children right away. I waited to have the date of my operation, more precisely of my mastectomy, which fell during the period of my birthday”, says the pottery and sewing enthusiast. Shortly after the total removal of her left breast, she received chemotherapy sessions. “The protocol lasted six weeks. I did a session, then for 15 days, I let my body, which was exhausted, rest. So I was better, and again the third week, it was off again for a session! I had nausea, intense fatigue and a metallic taste in my mouth. But what was hardest for me was losing my eyelashes, my eyebrows and especially my hair. ‘accept. Luckily my girlfriends were there. They even helped me choose my wig,’ confides the former salesperson who was taken care of at the Institut Curie in Paris.
Hormone therapy: “I’m lucky, because I can bear” the side effects
Patricia Rougeul had the right to a month’s respite before continuing with radiotherapy sessions. “I had to do 25 sessions, the duration of which was 15 to 20 minutes every day, but it was less tiring than chemotherapy. In addition, my hair was starting to grow back. Now I am on hormone therapy, because my breast cancer is hormone-dependent I have been on this treatment for four years, which reduces the risk of relapse by more than 40%, I still have three years left Not all women do it because the side effects, such as taking weight, nausea, joint pain and depression, are important. For my part, I am lucky, because I manage to bear them. In addition, to fight against joint pain, I do yoga, pilates and swimming. For six or seven months, I followed a diet that allowed me to lose weight and suffer less from the symptoms of osteoporosis”
Spa treatment: “a certain cost” and a “long process”
In 2022, the patient consults the Rose magazine that she is used to reading. The latter highlights a thermal cure, called “Parenthèse”, which is validated by the CNAM and offered by the Thermes Adour Group. This post-therapeutic support and rehabilitation program promises to support the convalescence of women in complete remission. “Reading this, I thought it might be time to take a break and especially to see if the cure had any effects on my pain. Problem: the program is only 50% covered. There is still so 350 euros to pay, in addition to accommodation and travel. So it has a certain cost, but I decided to make myself a gift and offer it to myself. I deprived myself of something else, for example holidays”explains the sexagenarian.
During the month of October, she goes to her doctor for the prescription of this spa treatment. “Then, the process was very long. I did not have an answer for several months. The treatment began on March 20 and ended on April 1, 2023. It was only at the end of February that I had a return. I quickly understood that the Social Security funds did not know how to deal with the file, because it is something new”, deplores the mother, who rented Airbnb accommodation for a week and spent a few nights in the establishment where the cure was offered.
“Regain energy, be more serene and have less pain” thanks to the cure
“During this 12-day program, there were only two of us. I met an older woman with whom I got on well. We are still in contact”, says Patricia Rougeul. During the cure, the company coach practiced several physical activities, including pilates, Nordic walking, cardio training and aquagym. “We benefited from thermal treatments (hydromassage in the bath, jet shower, physio massage, etc.), discussed with the dietician and the hotel’s chef, consulted a psychologist. We also had the right to a beauty workshop with advice make-up and a facial. It feels good to be pampered after everything you’ve been through.” details the Francilienne.
She believes that the program and the conditions of the cure, located near a lake, were perfect. “He was rich and well-built. We were able to have free time between the treatments and the workshops. Another advantage: the support. The people who took care of us were benevolent, kind and caring. allowed me to feel surrounded and to let myself go when it is not in my habits. The treatment allowed me to regain energy, to be more serene and to have less pain.” After following this program, the patient recommended it to several people, including her sister-in-law. “It’s a pity that this post-breast cancer cure is not 100% reimbursed, like a cure specializing in rheumatology or phlebology. I don’t find that normal! In addition, there is a lack of information and knowledge at the level of the procedure. This can discourage women.”
