Suffering from stage 3 ovarian cancer and repeatedly forgotten through the maze of the health system, Cathy Roussel of Trois-Pistoles had to fight to advance her case. Now she wants to send a message to other women, to encourage them to be vigilant and to hound the medical professionals to prevent other people from finding themselves in this situation.
Cathy Roussel’s journey has taken on the appearance of the Twelve Works of Asterix in the quest for the A-38 pass in the house that drives people crazy, this time through the health system. “I don’t want this to happen to other people. Girls, your gynecological exams, don’t deny it. As soon as you feel something is wrong, tell your doctor and hold your end. Go consult. We know our own capacities ”, testifies Cathy Roussel.
Diagnosed with chronic fatigue, Ms. Roussel consulted her doctor since she was more tired than usual. She often found herself sweating, gained weight, and had bleeding outside of her period. The doctor blamed these symptoms on pre-menopause, being 54 years old. “I was swollen like I was pregnant. On the side of my doctor, there was really negligence. I want doctors and healthcare professionals to take the time to listen to us […] Yes I can sound annoying, I ask a lot of questions. I’m not a tanner, it’s my life, ”adds Ms. Roussel. She didn’t feel taken seriously and pushed around by her doctor’s attitude.
After asking another doctor for more in-depth exams and blood tests, she received the dreaded phone call. “I let out a cry in the house. I said no, not cancer […] I went to the clinic, she said “we will give you comfort care”. It is as if I had realized and not at the same time. When she told me comfort care, I didn’t realize that was the end of it. I got out of there and bawled a blow. ” In two separate surgeries a few weeks apart, she was removed five and then four liters of fluid (ascites) that had accumulated in her abdomen.
When measuring the CA 125 tumor antigen level by blood test, which is usually between 0 and 35, she recorded a peak of 1785. This number was controlled by chemotherapy. “When I saw that my markers were at 50, I called Quebec City and inquired about my operation. The nurse said I was not on the waiting list. Not having taken care of it, I would still have gone under the table. I called to have my taco in the archives and have it sent to Quebec […] I am operable, it is possible to save me, what are you waiting for? ”She says. Cathy Roussel regrets that her file has fallen between two chairs on numerous occasions, when she is suffering from stage 3 cancer. In the case of ovarian cancer, there are four stages. The higher this number, the more cancer has spread. In stage 3, the tumor has grown outside the original organ to migrate to nearby tissues.
This 18-year-old mother of twins not only wants to fight ovarian cancer for her children, but also for herself. “I had to fight through the health care system all the time because I was being forgotten. It’s a novel. I am a girl who learns a lot and I am on the heels. I’m in my business and I won’t let go […] I understand there is COVID-19, but it has a broad back. I started my treatments again. I have the sword of Damocles all the time. If it had been seen before, I might have had stage 1 cancer, we take everything away and we don’t talk about it anymore. “
Cathy Roussel is currently continuing chemotherapy treatments at the Grand-Portage Regional Hospital Center. “I lost my hair, I used to remove it with my hands. It didn’t bother me, I want to live. ” The medical team found metastases on the stomach and lungs which were brought under control with chemotherapy treatments.
COLLATERAL EFFECTS
Due to cancer, Cathy Roussel had to quit her job which she occupied one day a week at the Brunet pharmacy in Trois-Pistoles. His state of health has led him to see who his true friends are. “Who stays and who goes away?” It sure affects them too […] When you go to the hospital, the oncology team are not guardian angels. They are real professionals. I tip my hat to the Rivière-du-Loup oncology team. It’s something, it’s another family that you are developing. ” His family also experienced the aftermath of this diagnosis.
Immunosuppressed due to certain treatments, she must wear the mask, but sneaks into the background in the context of the pandemic. Despite her lower energy level, she is keen to attend important events for her children, such as the graduation party or her sons’ driving tests.
Cathy Roussel maintains a positive and lucid attitude. She now wants to prevent other people with cancer from slipping through the cracks of the health care system. His priorities have changed, but his desire to live is unwavering.
Endometrial and ovarian cancers affect approximately 10,000 women in Canada each year and are responsible for over 3,000 deaths. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, nationally, the five-year net survival for ovarian cancer is 45%, which means that about 45% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive. at least five years. Over 70% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage.
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