Female courage and resilience: our customers' testimonials in the face of breast cancer
At Endro, we wanted to give a voice to those who are living or have lived through breast cancer. Beyond the numbers and statistics, there are unique stories, journeys marked by courage, resilience, and hope. Through this series of portraits, we highlight these inspiring women who sincerely share their experiences, doubts, victories, and lessons learned.
We had the honor of interviewing Anaïs Quemener, marathon champion, whose determination and courage in the face of illness are a true example. Her testimony perfectly illustrates how essential it is to speak, listen, and support those going through this ordeal.
In this series, each story reflects universal strengths:
-
Family and friends support, which often serves as an essential pillar in the most difficult moments.
-
Trust in medical teams, essential to move forward step by step.
-
Resilience and inner strength, which allow pain to be transformed into energy and hope.
-
The desire to raise awareness and support, through sharing experiences and community involvement.
Chantal Gautier
"My journey facing breast cancer was difficult, but I was able to count on the invaluable support of my surgeon and oncologist, who were by my side every step of the way.The most challenging moments were the hair loss and the extreme fatigue that accompanied me daily. Fortunately, my family was always there to support me, and the specific care I received helped me a lot to get through this period.
Today, I am in remission, even though I still have to undergo regular check-ups, which remains a source of stress. What helped me the most to hold on was the support of my loved ones and my determination to overcome this illness.
I want to share my story publicly to inspire and support others."
Magalie Lanoe
"My mother went through two breast cancers, twenty years apart, but fortunately, the treatments were effective and she recovered well. This experience made me aware of the importance of screening, and I now have my check-ups regularly.
For me, morale and optimism have always been essential in facing this challenge. What I have learned is that it is crucial to stay positive and take care of yourself, even in difficult times.
I wish to share my story publicly to encourage and support others in similar situations."
Lucie Rupert
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40, during my first screening mammogram. This was followed by a very tough year of treatments, then five years of hormone therapy. The most difficult moments were losing my hair, the first chemotherapy, and all the medical exams. Fortunately, I was able to count on the unwavering support of my family and my friends, who were a true pillar throughout this journey.
Today, I am doing very well and I have chosen to use my experience to help others.With my friends, we created the association LES AGATES ROSES, whose mission is to support women affected by breast cancer. We offer them activities such as Pilates, yoga, or Nordic walking, and we provide them with a wellness pouch at the beginning of their journey containing a book, tea, and suitable cosmetic products. We will soon be organizing our first wellness weekend in Port Blanc. We would be delighted to include products from the Endro brand, which I have been using for several years and can no longer do without, in these pouches.
My message for all women is simple: practice self-examination every month, schedule an annual appointment with a professional, and never forget that a single image can change everything. Get screened and take care of yourself."
Anonymous testimonial
"My older sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021.The announcement of her illness was the worst thing I have ever heard in my life. She had to undergo surgery, then follow up with radiotherapy. Since then, everything has been fine: the cancer has disappeared and she is being monitored regularly.
The most difficult moments were seeing her condition and her reaction towards her loved ones. She no longer wanted to see anyone, stopped answering the phone, and refused to see our faces, filled with sadness. Fortunately, family support was constant, and today all that is behind us. Despite everything, I was so afraid of losing her."
Pascale Pinguet
"14 years ago, I faced my first breast cancer, followed by reconstruction. In 2022, unfortunately, I had a recurrence with bone metastases, which required a new treatment and all the side effects that come with it.Today, I am in remission, but I know that complete recovery does not really exist: we are never completely healed. Despite this, life goes on and I try to make the most of it.
The most difficult moments were those recurrences that happen without warning. Fortunately, I was able to count on the unwavering support of my family. What helps me most during this ordeal is to always stay positive and above all not to stay alone."
Patricia Boulignat
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2020. I first underwent a lumpectomy and radiotherapy, but during the treatment, I was also diagnosed with digestive cancer. In 2023, I had to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, following the discovery of a BRCA1 genetic mutation.
The most difficult moments were the waiting, the diagnostic announcements, and the very particular period of Covid. The announcement of my cancer was a shock, and it was especially complicated to share it with my mother and my daughter. Fortunately, I was very well supported by the medical teams, my husband, my friends, and even the taxi drivers who transported me. The League Against Cancer also supported me despite the reduction of activities during the pandemic. I was able to benefit from socio-aesthetic care and several consultations with a psychologist, which helped me a lot to get through this period.
It took me some time to accept the bilateral mastectomy, in order to reduce the risk of recurrence as much as possible. And it was during my radiotherapy sessions that I heard about Endro for the first time, when I asked my radiotherapist which deodorant I could use.
Today, I enjoy the present moment more.Anxiety and mood swings are still present, but what helps me the most is getting as much help as possible, being surrounded, and reaching out to associations."
Yasmine Mebarki
"Diagnosed with breast cancer at 47, today at 60 I approach life serenely with a caring outlook towards those around me. Life is beautiful and I savor it every moment. 'What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.'"
Marie Amélie Maury
"During cancer, proper medical follow-up and trust in your medical team are very important. Family support and that of friends are very precious. You must listen to your body: if you are not hungry because of the treatments, do not force yourself, your appetite will return with time. Eat only what you feel like, keep a positive mindset, and ask all the necessary questions without hesitation.During remission, I am happy because I beat this nasty disease (3 nodules) which lasted 14 months for me. Now I am recovering physically and thinking about my reconstruction. Courage and strength to all."
Hélène Peronnet
"Breast cancer detected in October 2019. A sudden announcement by the radiologist with the feeling of being disconnected from reality. A world collapsing... tears, then trust in the medical team at ICO Paul Papin d angers.une first local operation, then fertility preservation, and on December 31, 2019, the first chemo... 6 months of heavy treatments... hair loss, COVID... a complicated period where the presence of my wife allowed me to hold on and d avancer.un real fight. Then 5 weeks of radiation and finally, in August 2020, an operation with removal and immediate reconstruction with a breast implant...hormone therapy for 10 years with more or less side effects... the fear of relapse always present, the stress during follow-up exams... but it's been 5 years and life goes on... a little different than before
No longer being in control of my body, that it wouldn't follow what I wanted to do because moving from the bed to the couch was already a big effort... The chemo with the nausea. The fact that, despite all their kindness, people outside the household cannot understand and you sometimes feel alone and misunderstood
I feel lucky to have made it through. Proud of the journey but scared at the thought of going through it again... Sometimes it feels like it never happened, that it wasn't me but someone else...and at the same time, the feeling of never finding the person I was before: especially physically, and having trouble accepting it That despite all the compassion and efforts, unfortunately, unless you experience it yourself, you cannot understand or imagine it. That you have to be present but accept that as a patient, we may not want to or may not have the strength to see people. Do not highlight your own pain of seeing us like this, even to the person who shares the patient's daily life. The announcement of breast cancer at 35 was like a sledgehammer blow... a difficult announcement to live with, tears... then a fight with full trust in the medical team. The period of chemotherapy when you are young and they are very strong... was the most difficult... wanting to do things but your body not following is hard... realizing that despite all the kindness of people around...As long as you haven't experienced it, you can't imagine or understand what the patient and the person sharing their life are going through. The removal of the breast, even with immediate reconstruction, is like an amputation... a part of the body is taken away and it will never be the same again. Hormone therapy can be difficult to endure, but every day I tell myself that it prevents a relapse and that I will make it through the 10 years of treatment! The hardest part is the fear of relapse, always present in the background or sometimes very strong... Life afterwards will never be the same as before... but it is not worse, just different..."
Emilie Camborde
"If I am sharing my story today, it is above all to raise awareness. Because many of us think it only happens to others, ignore certain signs, or postpone a medical appointment due to lack of time.We tell ourselves that we’ll deal with it later, that there’s no reason to worry… until the day everything changes. Last October, as every year, I made an appointment with my midwife for a check-up. During the examination, she didn’t feel anything abnormal. Nothing. But as she has done every two years since I turned 40, she prescribed a mammogram and ultrasound. Without any concern, I went for these tests on December 3rd, convinced that everything was fine. And then, the radiologist had a doubt. She performed a biopsy. A few days later, the result came in: negative. Relief, but short-lived, as she preferred to investigate further and prescribed a second mammogram/ultrasound and biopsy, this time at the hospital. I had it done on December 11th… and the diagnosis came: grade II invasive lobular carcinoma, in the left breast 💔 When I heard those words, everything froze. I absolutely did not expect it. It was a real shock.I was stunned, lost, overwhelmed by a mix of fear and incomprehension. How is this possible? Why me? What is going to happen now? Then, very quickly, everything happened at once: MRI, new biopsy. I barely had time to process the news before I was already plunged into a medical whirlwind. On December 26, during my appointment with the gynecologist, I learned that I was going to have surgery. On January 17, the tumor was removed and lymph nodes were taken. On February 17, the results came in: no lymph node involvement, which means I will not need chemotherapy, but 15 sessions of radiotherapy and 5 years of hormone therapy await me. What is particular about lobular cancer is that it cannot be felt by palpation, neither by me nor by a healthcare professional. Unlike other breast cancers that form a clearly visible lump, this one develops more discreetly, spreading within the breast.That’s why it goes unnoticed… and is only detected thanks to mammography. Despite everything, in this ordeal, I am fortunate to be surrounded by my family and friends ✨my Instagram girlfriends 💕. Their presence, their support, their words are a real lifeline. Because even though it’s a personal battle, knowing you’re not alone changes everything. 💪💖
In December, during a routine check-up, an abnormality was detected. After several tests and biopsies, the diagnosis was made: invasive lobular carcinoma of the left breast. The shock was immense. Everything happened quickly: MRI, new biopsies, then an operation in January to remove the tumor and sample lymph nodes. In February, the results showed there was no lymph node involvement, which allowed me to avoid chemotherapy.I then underwent 15 sessions of radiotherapy and I am currently continuing with hormonal treatment for 5 years
Among the key moments of my journey, I especially remember the support of my loved ones and the medical team, who carried me through the darkest times. Each milestone reached, such as the end of a treatment or a reassuring check-up, was also an important victory. These moments gave me the strength to keep moving forward. The most difficult moments were the announcement of the diagnosis, a real shock, as well as the effects of the treatments and the physical changes they caused. Waiting for the results was particularly challenging: those suspended days, filled with anxiety and uncertainty, seemed endless to me. In hindsight, even though these trials were very tough, they taught me to appreciate my inner strength and the importance of fully savoring every moment of life."



















Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.