50 years of care — 50 years of stories | Amélie

“I was afraid that I would no longer be there to tell my daughter a bedtime story,”

says Amélie Cantin, who became aware of the fragility of life when she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in March 2023, at the age of only 38.

“My 3-year-old daughter was my motivation, I didn't want to get overwhelmed by negative emotions, I did everything I could to keep myself in shape and Booster my immune system! ”,

explains the young mother who thought she was dealing with a benign cyst when she had a mammogram prescribed by her doctor.

Rather, it was a stage 3 hormone-dependent cancer, confirmed by a biopsy. Given her age, the type of cancer and the advanced stage, the medical team needed to act quickly. The treatments started a few days later.

After 5 months of intense chemotherapy, hair and weight loss, and episodes of hospitalization for infections or viruses, she went into surgery for a mastectomy and the removal of lymph nodes, which were also affected. Then, a PET scan revealed that the cancer had abdicated, but a few days later, the analysis of the breast that had been removed plunged Amélie back into her nightmare.

“Fortunately, I wasn't celebrating at the first result. Even if the mass had melted, the microscopic cells were still active,”

explains the young woman who, for the next 7 years, must undergo a hormonal therapy treatment that has its share of side effects, such as muscle pain, as well as to a new treatment, oral chemotherapy, for another 2 years in order to destroy the cells that could have reproduced.

A changed look at health care... and life!

“When the medical team gives you confidence in the care you receive, that changes everything! I am anxious by nature and I always have thousands of questions. I appreciated the very human approach of many people who took care of me, with attention, in oncology at the CHUS. It makes a huge difference. I had impeccable care.”

tells Amélie who maintains that her perception of the health network has changed positively over the past year.

Her outlook on life as well.

“I still lack perspective, but I have changed a few things. Starting with lowering my stress level, respecting my limits, enjoying nature and allowing myself to spend time at home, dressed up as a princess with my daughter! ” she exclaims with a laugh. “You have to be gentle with yourself and with life. I want to be the best person in the world for my daughter... and be there for her tonight's story.”

‍