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In this intimate conversation I check in with Mélanie Simard, our beloved artist who is currently undergoing a new series of cancer treatments. A moment of sharing, filled with hope and positivity.
Vincent Beauchamp: Hello Mélanie, I get the chance to speak with you regularly but for the benefit of our readers, can I ask you how you're doing these days?
Mélanie Simard: I'm doing well, I'm doing much better! I'm very happy about that! I think the most important and challenging part is over and I'm starting to live a normal life again.
Vincent: The chemotherapy was difficult with the doses you were receiving. When you compare it to radiation therapy now, are the side effects more incapacitating?
Mélanie: Not at all! Nothing like chemotherapy, which was quite hard on my body. Radiation has a few effects like redness, peeling skin, a sunburn feeling, stiffness and of course fatigue. Additional fatigue caused by travelling. I have 15 treatments a day.
Vincent: You're in incredible spirits and you continue to paint almost every day. Does creation serve as an outlet or a stress to your level of professionalism?
Mélanie: Creating is an outlet, especially in difficult times. However, I must admit that now I feel a certain amount of stress. I have special orders waiting to be created and I don't want to keep my clients waiting longer than needed - they're so kind and understanding. I just can't believe it!
A daily routine full of determination
Vincent: What's your daily routine?
Mélanie: When I get up, I have a 40-minute workout that involves weight training, radiotherapy exercises and 10 minutes on the virtual bike. Then a nice savoury breakfast to get a good start to the day, followed by a few hours in the studio before leaving for the hospital. It's been 3 weeks since I started training again and it's doing my body and soul a lot of good. I feel alive again!
Vincent: You're crazy about mountain biking, but your doctors have asked you to take a break. Have you found an activity you like just as much?
Mélanie: Honestly, I didn't totally listen to the doctors! I went mountain biking during my chemo treatments. It was magical! It may sound crazy to some people, but I felt that my body was able and willing to do it. The doctors were surprised but understood that it was good for me. I climbed slowly, without descending or jumping. Just being in the forest invigorated me.
Creation as a lifeline
Vincent: You haven't stopped creating since you started treatment. Is this a goal? Or is creation so ingrained in you that you don't even think about it?
Mélanie: I promised myself that after my diagnosis, I would live my days as normally as possible. Painting absolutely had to be part of my recovery. I continued to paint as much as I could. For me, it was my little bubble where I could escape, thinking about nothing else and letting my emotions flow onto the canvas. Creation is very much a part of my life!
Vincent: Is there a certain question you're tired of hearing?
Mélanie: What’s your date of birth, Madame Simard! 😆 Every treatment day, people ask that question. But it's normal! There shouldn't be any confusion among patients.
The gentleman waiting for his radiation therapy, right next to me, was annoying the technologists by saying, ‘But don't you know yet?’ He had been undergoing treatment since May. I consider myself lucky with my 15 treatments!
A few personal touches
Vincent: Which question would you like to be asked and not be asked?
Mélanie: Is your boyfriend and your family doing well during all this? Perhaps some people have already asked me this question... But yes, everyone's fine, because they see my morale and my way of being during this period and they're relieved.
Vincent: What series are you listening to at the moment?
Mélanie: I've just finished Gentleman, which I loved, and now I'm listening to Naruto Shippûden again.
Vincent: What book would you suggest?
Mélanie: The Why Café. A very good book. There's also a second volume for those interested.
Vincent: One last thing: thank you for answering my questions. Sending lots of love, we'll keep in touch, and I wish you happy holidays.
Mélanie: Yes, we'll be in touch! Have a great holiday season too! Big kisses!