Simone

Right extended orbital prosthesis, mixed retention system, clipped onto bar and magnets

“When I contracted cancer in 2013, I was 71 years old and I had never had any particular health problems before. I had always led a very active life. I had to be operated on quickly at Minjoz Hospital in Besançon. It was a brutal shock to find myself confronted with a face that I no longer recognised, and with all the inherent acceptance issues.

I experienced a real visual barrier and I feared how other people saw me. I was in the state of utter bewilderment. I couldn’t look ahead to the future. What could I possibly be capable of doing after that? I think that at times like this, it is extremely important to have proper support and I was lucky in my misfortune since dear Dr Mauvais came to see me every day during the 2 months I spent in hospital.

And then there are all sorts of people who are there for you - nurses, the other doctors, and you can ask them questions. When somebody answers your questions, you feel more secure, you have more confidence in yourself and it helps your mind-set.

When I was sent to see the anaplastologist, I didn’t believe that I would be able to have a new face. I was really afraid of the future and I wasn’t given enough information. I was at the bottom of an abyss, trying to move forwards without knowing where to go. When I saw the anaplastologist invest such painstaking application, patience and care into my future prosthesis, I began to realise that she might be able to help me and I started to believe in a positive outcome. Little by little, my self-confidence and hope for the future came back to me. When I saw her mixing up the silicone colours, I was intrigued to see her adding yellow, green and other colours worthy of a carnival mask.

The path towards reconstruction runs parallel with the path to accepting this reconstruction, and this is what gave me a new life.

Since I’ve had my prosthesis, I’ve stopped just going for short walks in my neighbourhood. I now go everywhere – just like I used to. On the other hand, there are things that I no longer do. I am no longer happy to have my photo taken - or only from the side because I don’t really recognise myself in the photos any more. I don’t paint anymore and I can no longer drive and that is part of my independence which was taken away from me by the operation. However I am well, I’ve got great confidence in myself and my nearest and dearest, I know that I am surrounded by great affection, even after this significant mishap in my life. If I could give some advice to anyone in the same situation as myself, it would be to speak out. You have to say what is on your mind, ask questions. But never forget that we all have our secrets and that you don’t have to tell yours to everybody.”