“When we experience cancer, we need to verbalize what we are experiencing without being judged”

Facing breast cancer involves coping with medical treatments, but not only that. The illness causes great emotional upheavals which must be taken into account.

“During cancer, the sick person is very well taken care of,” explains Séverine Godard, psychotherapist and sexologist in Strassen. “It is once in remission that she becomes aware of the journey she has experienced. Psychological follow-up is therefore essential.”

Séverine Godard masters her subject well. The healthcare professional runs support groups for women with breast cancer. These meetings take place one Thursday evening per month, in the premises of the Europa Donna Luxembourg association.

“It is a place of listening and support for all these women, whether they are in remission or at the start of their treatment,” explains the psychotherapist.

The number of participants varies from one session to another and is around 4-5 people. “Regulars come back, that’s the hard core. New people also join us, and we have to be able to readjust the sessions as we go along.”

Accept your emotions

To lead these meetings in small groups, Séverine Godard relies on a particular deck of cards. Called “The Language of Emotions,” it allows women to express their feelings freely.

“We talk about emotion to bring the session to life,” explains the psychotherapist, who has worked in the health field since 2011. “Worry, uncertainty about the future and anger frequently recur among patients. . They also highlight the need for affection and understanding.” Pain, the feeling of not feeling beautiful and of being lost are also mentioned on a regular basis.

“This discussion group allows peer identification. Because in their close circle, these women are not always understood.” The sexologist places emphasis on the family and marital system surrounding the patients. “Getting support remains essential.”

“You have to communicate, explain your needs, find intimacy in tenderness and affection. It is also necessary to reclaim your body, following chemotherapy or a mastectomy. Feeling beautiful in the eyes of your partner is already a big step.”

For this, socio-aesthetics is particularly effective. This method focuses on self-image and invites women to regain their confidence, despite hair loss or a change in silhouette.

500 women affected each year

Remember that in Luxembourg around 500 women are affected by breast cancer each year. Séverine Godard believes that the process of accepting the illness varies from one woman to another, as does the medical treatment.

“While patients are under treatment, their lives are punctuated by medical appointments, which are very frequent. Chemotherapy is organized then radiotherapy completes everything. It’s once hormone therapy starts that they are less busy.” A void can then be felt.

“After cancer, they experience greater fatigue when carrying out daily tasks,” continues the expert. The objective of the support groups is to tell them that they are not alone, that they can be in pain and take time to do things.”

Mutual aid between women sharing the same experience

An idea germinates in the mind of Séverine Godard. The psychotherapist would like to introduce sponsorship between women affected by the pathology. “Some understand and accept their experience. Others have not yet reached that point on their inner journey.”

With this in mind, creating a support system between those who have already gone through the ordeal and those who are at the beginning seems ingenious. “The former can become a model for the latter because they have nevertheless managed to overcome cancer.”

Séverine Godard also sends a message for all patients who do not dare to consult a health professional, for fear of being judged. “Do not hesitate to walk through the door of a psychologist’s office, to use the available offers. When we experience cancer, we need to verbalize what we are experiencing without being judged. To let go of one’s anger, in particular.”

If the facilitator of the discussion groups recognizes that psychologists’ schedules are overloaded, she points to a decisive advantage. “In Luxembourg, psychotherapy is 70% covered by the Caisse Nationale de Santé.”

Regardless, the psychotherapist is delighted with the activities offered throughout Pink October. An evening dedicated to well-being and fashion is, for example, organized by Europa Donna Luxembourg on October 24. Participants will be able to share their experiences. And discover the fall-winter collection of a brand fighting against breast cancer.

“We must be able to continue to offer all of this to these women,” concludes Séverine Godard. And continue to raise awareness among everyone. Screening also remains essential.”