“It's often the simplest things that bring comfort. A good meal. A head massage. A hug. Meditation. Being active, when possible." - Émilie
I'm Émilie, 36 years old and French. In early July 2025, I was diagnosed with stage 4 ALK+ metastatic lung cancer. I experienced a long period of diagnostic uncertainty due to my age. I am currently being treated with lorlatinib. My tumour has now shrunk by more than 50% and I no longer have any bone lesions.
I'm a self-employed entrepreneur, making a living from my passion. I restore antique furniture and offer interior design advice. I'm a very active person, I lead a full life, a true epicurean. I enjoy spending simple moments with my family, friends and my dog. I love to travel, and I hope to be able to do so again soon.
The difference for me is to always stay positive. Clear-headed but positive. To communicate a lot. Talking about it is important.
For me, not being in a relationship, the person who took care of me the most was my mum. She took over everything I could no longer do for myself, like meals and all the admin tasks. I think in this situation you absolutely need a partner, someone to lean on…
Then there is everyone else. My family, close friends, acquaintances plus all the healthcare professionals and the cancer support groups. I've also rediscovered a wonderful sense of solidarity since my illness. My lovely pets are obviously very important to me too.
With regard to my mental health I accept that some days are harder than others, whilst remembering every day that I'm alive. Establishing routines that make me feel good, like breathing exercises, meditation, practising yoga and playing other sports that are beneficial. Seeing people, and especially positive people, putting aside the negative ones of which there are many when it comes to cancer.
Initially, I was living with my parents, so it wasn't complicated because my mother prepared balanced meals for me. Now that I'm back home, I have to do the same and, above all, not skip meals. Something I used to do. As for exercise, I've always been active, so I've taken up gentler activities like yoga. I also walk a lot.
I think you have to see everything like medicine. Meals are medicine. Exercise is medicine.
