What were the steps following the announcement of this cancer?
“The doctors started immunotherapy. They had planned four injections and at the end of these, they had to tell me if we were starting chemotherapy. The antibodies worked but not enough. I was a little better but I was doing PET scans (a scintigraphic examination which detects in the body sites of fixation of a weakly radioactive tracer injected intravenously, editor’s note) regularly. They told me that the disease was very aggressive and that we had to start chemotherapy. It’s something very violent. They explained to me that I would lose my hair, that I would be very tired and that there would be side effects. I was physically weak. I hit rock bottom, I had no more strength, I couldn’t eat. The hematologist warned my family to prepare for the worst. They didn’t tell me anything, but I was aware that my condition was serious. I prepared myself to die and, luckily, the second session of chemotherapy worked. The cancer started to shrink and the tumor was gone by the fourth session. »
At this point, it’s 2022. How do you combine your treatment with your role as Manager of the women’s section?
“Thanks to my staff! Initially, even though I was at home, I managed everything remotely. Preparing for the sessions and communicating with my assistants helped me to keep going. But when I was hospitalized, even looking at my phone was tiring. At that point, I really cut it. I left the “baby” (laughing).
I received a lot of messages of support from the club, the staff and the players. As soon as I had a boost of energy, I immediately wanted to come back and take things in hand because it was this perspective that gave me strength. »
What role did Racing play?
“In this type of situation, there are firstly many very cumbersome administrative procedures to carry out. It’s a facet that we don’t think about when we’re sick and in that regard, the club teams helped me a lot. We discussed the possibility of taking a replacement in the meantime and management finally decided to let my assistant, Samuel Delcroix, take over as interim manager. Finally, the last chemotherapy worked at the end of the 2021/22 season and I was able to return to my role as coach. I was lucky to have the confidence of Racing to stay in my job and to be well supported throughout this period. »
When do doctors tell you that you are in remission?
“I was told of complete remission in October 2022. It was quite quick, although intense, but it is still hard to believe it. I knew that with this type of illness, there are often recurrences.
Today, I am still being closely monitored, I had another exam a few days ago and the remission is still complete. I savor life. Every morning I wake up just happy to be alive. I still have little anxieties like the fear of going to sleep and not waking up. Finding sleep is sometimes difficult. However, my vision of life has completely changed: I want to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment. Even if I don’t necessarily show it, all my emotions are heightened, starting with those of a victory. Conversely, I manage to put certain things into perspective much more. »
