Every person’s skin has its own story

Françoise, patient at the Avène Hydrotherapy Center for post-cancer treatment

Either as a patient, or accompanying a patient, they have followed a regime and benefited from the virtues of Avène Thermal Spring Water, as well as advice from expert teams at the Avène Hydrotherapy Center. Discover Françoise’s testimonial. Her first post-cancer thermal treatment was a moment of respite.

Françoise, patient at the Avène Hydrotherapy Center for post-cancer treatment

How did you discover the post-cancer treatment at the Avène Hydrotherapy Center? 

It all started with a round-table meeting on thermal treatments organised by Maison Rose in Bordeaux, a place dedicated to women affected by cancer. When I heard the testimonies, the accounts of treatments that were physically and psychologically healing, I told myself that I would need this at the end of my treatments. The description of the landscapes near Avène, and the Piedmont side, finally convinced me. And for someone who likes walking, I was not disappointed.

How did you find the thermal treatment at Avène?

Like a moment of respite. I came without really knowing how the post-cancer treatment would work for me because I don't have major skin problems. Since undergoing chemotherapy and my breast operation, I have particularly suffered from a sensitive scalp and a feeling of heaviness in the arm and tingling in the hand on the operated side. I discovered completely personalised treatment programmes prescribed to me by my doctor. The thermal spring water showers massaged the affected internal tissues, the baths relaxed me and made me feel good. I also had massage sessions and gym classes with a physiotherapist. And as for my fragile scalp, I also bought a specific care product to take home with me. After a week, I was already seeing a clear improvement.

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And three weeks after this thermal therapy, how do you feel?

I was able to completely switch off. I was able to interact with other people undergoing the post-cancer treatment. That was really important for me. My scalp is less dry and my arm feels much less numb, it is lighter. I hope that the beneficial effects will continue at home, I know that the effects of the treatments can last. But I’m coming back next year, that’s for sure. I have already contacted the owner of a cottage to book it.

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One place: the pedestrian walkway that goes from the spa to the village of Avène

One treatment: the physiotherapist massage

One discovery: the restaurant Auberge de Madale in the region (OR the many small local and organic producers in the region)

 

A little bit more info

Why can thermal therapy be beneficial after undergoing oncological treatment?

In addition to the surgery itself, or even breast reconstruction, which can leave unsightly or painful scars, oncological treatments (radiotherapy, conventional chemotherapy and/or new targeted therapies) can have side effects on the skin: dry skin, lesions, radiodermatitis, etc. Thermal therapy can then be beneficial for restoring comfort and health to the skin.

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