Toulouse: Cancer Survivor Shares Inspiring 3-Time Battle Story

Marie Mas, a 61-year-old woman, has faced three separate cancer diagnoses, all treated at the Institut Claudius Regaud in Toulouse. As the world observes World Cancer Day, she shares her profound gratitude for the medical teams who supported her journey, stating, “I owe them everything. If I enjoy life, it’s thanks to them.”

A History of Resilience

From the brightly lit hall of the Oncopole, Marie Mas looks towards the hills. The Téléo cable car, now transporting passengers to Rangueil, was not yet in place during her last check-up five years ago. “It was for a check-up, I’m a cancer-making machine, I’ve already had three,” she states matter-of-factly. Despite the emotional weight within the hospital corridors, Marie Mas remains steadfast, radiating a vibrant spirit.

Did You Know? Marie Mas dedicated a 60-page book to the medical teams at the Institut Claudius Regaud, acknowledging their pivotal role in her survival.

Returning to Toulouse to share her story, Marie, originally from Castres and now living in Marseille, feels a strong connection to the city. “I’ve never lived here, but This represents where I experienced my greatest fears, my greatest battles, and my greatest victories,” she explains. Seeing the dome of La Grave evokes powerful memories of the Institut Claudius Regaud, but she emphasizes that these memories are not negative, as she has built her life around her experiences with cancer.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment

At 16 years old, Marie was diagnosed with thyroid cancer that had metastasized to her lungs. Described as a unique case due to the intensity of the cancer at such a young age, she relied on her medical team. She was known as “the little one” in the service and was determined not to disappoint her surgeon, undergoing surgery to remove each metastasis to avoid radiation. Following this, she pursued a career in secretarial accounting.

Marie later had two daughters, Tina at 24 and Laurie five years later.

Challenges and Continued Battles

At 35, a check-up at the Institut Claudius Regaud revealed metastases in the recurrent nerves, which control vocal cord movement. While initial irradiation proved insufficient, surgery was necessary. A nerve was severed, initially impacting her voice, but a subsequent operation restored her ability to speak. This period was also marked by a divorce, followed by renewed happiness near Aix-en-Provence.

Expert Insight: Marie Mas’s story highlights the long-term, often iterative nature of cancer treatment. Multiple interventions, including surgery, radiation, and ongoing monitoring, are frequently required to manage the disease and its effects.

A Third Diagnosis and the Power of Support

At 45, Marie received a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, which was deemed inoperable. She returned to Toulouse for treatment, recognizing the expertise of the Claudius Regaud team. Chemotherapy was challenging, but she maintained her weight to avoid hospitalization, finding that charcuterie from her mother in Castres was the only food she could tolerate. “I thought I was going to die from that cancer,” she admits, crediting her daughters and her horse, Oselko, for giving her the strength to persevere.

Marie believes her experiences with cancer have shaped her into the person she is today, acknowledging the collateral damage but embracing life with enthusiasm. Her daughters encouraged her to reach the age of 60, a milestone she was determined to achieve, and now her six-year-old grandson has set a new goal of 100 years.

Sharing Her Story

Marie dedicated her book, “1 vie, 2 enfants, 3 cancers et Oselko” (Editions Baudelaire, 64 pages, 10,5 €), to the medical and caregiving teams at the Institut Claudius Regaud (now the Oncopole of Toulouse). Her manuscript initially circulated among patients she supported through the association “Quand le cancer sert à vivre” (now inactive). After receiving positive feedback, even from Brussels, she pursued publication, hoping her story will offer help and support to others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cancer has Marie Mas battled?

Marie Mas has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, cancer affecting the recurrent nerves, and colorectal cancer.

Where did Marie Mas receive her cancer treatment?

Marie Mas received all of her cancer treatments at the Institut Claudius Regaud in Toulouse.

What inspired Marie Mas to write a book?

Marie Mas wrote a book to express her gratitude to the medical teams who treated her and to share her experiences in the hope of helping others.

Considering Marie Mas’s decades-long journey with cancer, what role do you think community and support networks play in a patient’s overall well-being?