Stephanie's testimony
It was when I suddenly started seeing double, one Sunday in September 2022, that I discovered the existence of Abricotine. The sneaky thing had been hiding for years, and revealed itself at a time in my life when I was like a hamster on a wheel, perpetually restless. I was 46 years old.
A former journalist turned pastry chef and caterer, I worked tirelessly for my clients. I constantly had headaches. "Tension headaches, you're stressed from work," my doctor kept telling me. And then, these facial paralysis episodes, this dizziness and double vision, a first trip to the emergency room in Nantes, a second, my body hooked up to machines everywhere, and I understood that my life was about to change drastically. "Meningioma in the cavernous sinus, on the petrous apex. We're going to operate. It's benign, ma'am." Phew.
I hadn't really realized it.
The professor was wrong; the operation was too risky: stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, or death—quite a risk for a benign illness, wouldn't you say? I got to experience the joys of radiotherapy, its mask, and… the virtues of meditation to calm my mind. A year off work later, I gave up my business and radically changed my life to discover what it was like to live simply and more peacefully.
I discovered AMAVEA with a simple click, right from the start of the predictions, and I'll always remember my first post, but also my first face-to-face meeting with members. My questions were received with kindness, and the association felt like a true support, while I was careful not to upset my loved ones. There, we were among ourselves. We could speak freely, share what we were going through without fear of scaring anyone. And enjoy some wonderful encounters, too.
And so it was quite natural that I accepted the invitation from Marie-Sophie, delegate of the Pays de la Loire, to co-host with Annie "L'écho des maux", this monthly meeting to which members are invited, in order to meet, talk, listen, welcome.
Being here, and realizing how beautiful life remains. Also realizing that we are not alone, brought together by a strange circumstance, but united to live our new reality as best we can.
