On August 22, Émilie saw her doctor. A mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy followed, and she was told on October 21—four days before her 45th birthday—that she had stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer.

“They explained that your forties are a ‘good' age to face this type of cancer: the body is still strong enough to withstand the treatments, and the cancer is often less virulent than at a younger age.”

“When we broke the news to our children (13, 15, and 16 years old), they had 3 different reactions: down-to-earth, emotional, and empathetic. […] My 13-year-old son asked me, ‘What scares you the most?' It was the operation, because I knew that it would leave a mark on my body forever. I could never forget this ‘adventure.'”

The treatments began on November 26, 2025, with sustained chemotherapy sessions, followed by a partial mastectomy, then radiotherapy, and finally immunotherapy, which will continue until the spring of 2027.

Émilie kept on teaching French throughout the first eight weeks of chemo treatments, equipped with anti-nausea medication (which works!) and a good routine.

“I didn't want to stop. The school was my social network.”

When she went on leave, she researched services offered to cancer patients. She discovered free fitness and cardio sessions and massage therapy services at a reduced cost. She even joined a dragon boat team for women affected by breast cancer.

“My sister told me about La Maison Rose. I went there to move, see people going through something similar, and stay active. Yoga was good for me. The conferences informed me about various topics related to cancer, and the social worker offered me concrete support through this challenging time. La Maison Rose helped me maintain a ‘normal' life. And the employees who work there? They're caring, cheerful, and respectful!”

So, surrounded and supported by her family and friends, Émilie has stayed positive and confident.

“My message is simple: don't let the news and the treatments get you down. You can get through all this without losing your joy, your sense of humour, and your everyday life.”

“Thank you to all those who played a part in my healing: those who prayed for me, stood by me, brought sunshine to my life, and made this journey a little easier. Thank you to my husband and my children for your presence and your listening ears. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!”