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BODY AT HEART

Giving voices to
Marion and Fanny

This year, for Pinktober, we have chosen to take a step back.
Not to speak, but to give others a voice. To create a space where stories and bodies can be liberated.

We met with four women affected by breast cancer.
Today, it is Marion, 39, who has chosen to share her story with Ysé, opening her heart and baring her body. She is accompanied by her sister, Fanny.

What is your story with breast cancer?

I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at the age of 39, after several months of waiting between the discovery of the first symptoms and the diagnosis. I had felt a lump under my left armpit in July 2024 and then a small lump in my breast in December 2024, but the doctors thought it was something benign and told me several times that it was hormonal.

I finally had the necessary tests done in March 2025, and the diagnosis was made after what seemed like an interminable wait, even though deep down I knew it was serious. When the doctor called to give me the biopsy results, I was with my 4-year-old son and had to pull myself together to digest the news.

Since the announcement, I've been in a bit of an ‘autopilot’ mode, following my protocol without asking too many questions, and in my mind there's only one possibility: recovery. I easily accepted having my hair shaved off and losing my eyelashes and eyebrows, so I hope it will be the same for the mastectomy, even though I know there will be difficult moments.

I'm currently undergoing chemotherapy, with two sessions left to go! I'm trying to organise my daily life and conserve my energy so that I can continue to be there for my son despite the fatigue and side effects. I'm trying to stay positive, even on bad days, and focus on what's important. My friends, family and loved ones are a huge help!

What advice has helped you and would you like to share with all women affected by cancer?

I try to keep running. I've always been athletic, and even though I feel that my body isn't as strong as it used to be after undergoing chemotherapy, it does me a lot of good to go running whenever I can. If I have one piece of advice to give, it's to stay positive and enjoy life as much as possible by doing the things you love.

You're allowed to be a little selfish too.

Do you have any artistic recommendations that deal with cancer that you particularly like?

I found a lot of comfort in the testimonials of women who have been through it, especially through podcasts like Emilie ‘Brunette’'s on triple negative breast cancer.

I also like Louve's Instagram account (@loujcb), which combines humour and self-deprecation in relation to her cancer, and it feels good to laugh about it too!

And then there are the books ‘La guerre des tétons’ (The War of the Nipples), which help to understand certain aspects of breast cancer and are also really funny! They made me feel less alone and gave me hope through their stories.

PODCAST "TRIPLE NÉGATIF" - in French

What is your relationship with cancer?

During my studies, I joined the Lueur & Élégance association, which organises an annual fashion show to raise funds for breast cancer research. The women who take part in the show are breast cancer survivors.

My role was to find ready-to-wear brands to dress our models for the day! This was my first encounter with this disease. It was a very moving experience to see them walk the runway in front of their families and have a great time on stage.

It's different when someone close to us is affected. We fully understand the situation, but at the same time we develop resilience. For ourselves and also for those around us. We look ahead and, above all, try to be a positive presence in everyday life.