Her broad smile doesn’t reveal it, but Rosette La Vedette ambassador Heidi has certainly had her doubts. “Will I even be able to return to my job, for example?” But thanks to the support of a few good friends and fellow patients, Heidi now looks forward to life with positivity: “I’m much more aware of truly enjoying the little things.”
First of all: how are you feeling today, Heidi?
Heidi De Bondt: “I try to stay strong. People often tell me that I’m always smiling. And yes, I really do try. But I often still feel tired, and there’s nothing I can do but give in to that fatigue. It’s my body pulling the alarm bell. Every day, I need to rest for at least an hour. But I can focus well on the small, fun, and beautiful things in life: going out for dinner with my father, walking with my poodle Lilly, hearing the first spring birds, an afternoon at the theatre or a concert, a beautiful song on the radio, a breathtaking sunrise or sunset. At the moment, I’m not working yet: I need to take that return one day at a time. Before I got sick, I worked as a traffic and safety controller at Infrabel.”
That’s a job you fought hard to achieve.
“It came with a tough training program. Studying something new at an older age is quite the challenge! I was incredibly proud that I made it and I’m grateful that there were people who believed in me. Even though I hadn’t been working at Infrabel for very long before I got sick, all my colleagues genuinely support me. I really feel carried by them. Restarting work is something I do find a bit nerve-wracking.”
Would you like to briefly share something about your cancer diagnosis?
“In May 2023, doctors diagnosed me with breast cancer. I had noticed a change in my breast myself, but I thought it was just because of menopause. When I saw a dent appear in my breast, I started to feel worried. It’s strange, but until I received the diagnosis, I kept telling myself that it was nothing. As if I was trying to convince myself of something that wasn’t true.”
Were you well supported from the very start?
“Everyone was kind and caring. When my mammogram and ultrasound showed that something was wrong and further tests were needed, I was alone at the hospital, and that was really tough. Everyone was so kind to me, though. For the next tests, my eldest son and his girlfriend – both nurses – came with me. That was such a relief because at those moments, you’re a bit too numb to fully take in everything that’s being said.”
What did your breast cancer treatment look like?
“First, I had surgery, followed by twenty weeks of chemotherapy in two phases, and then radiation. The surgery was mostly a psychological challenge: it took me three days before I dared to look at the place where my beautiful breast had once been. The chemotherapy, on the other hand, was physically very demanding: especially in the first phase, I needed several days to recover after each session. During that period, I also lost my mom to cancer, which was an incredibly heavy blow.”
What were the bright spots you could hold on to during that time?
“The people around me. My two sons, my daughter-in-law, my friends who came with me to chemo sessions. They kept me company and helped with small things: bringing me a cup of tea, putting on the ice gloves. And Lisette, the 76-year-old woman I shared a room with after my surgery. She had so much positive energy! She truly gave me strength. Connecting with fellow patients – ‘my kind of people’ – is so important to me: they understand what you’re going through better than anyone else. And of course, I must not forget my sweet dog Lilly. Her presence brings me so much comfort. I also found joy in wearing a beautiful outfit and receiving compliments on it. I knew right away that I wanted to wear chemo hats during my treatment. A stylish hat, a touch of makeup, and the right earrings, and I immediately felt so much better.”
Has your illness given you a new perspective on life?
“I feel like I’m even more aware now of the little things and of consciously enjoying life. Like when a friend takes me to a theatre performance and opens up my world again, even if just a little. I also go to a psychologist from time to time – something I never thought I needed before. It feels good. Towards my friends and my children, I’ll mostly keep smiling and ‘do my best,’ because I don’t want to burden them with my problems.”
Do you have a tip for people going through the same thing?
“No matter how tired you are, try to do small things and keep moving now and then. Lilly helped me to get some fresh air, even if it was just for a short walk. So, get out of that couch. I also really recommend seeking out contact with fellow patients. I personally get so much positive energy from that. Consider joining activities like oncology rehabilitation, or even choosing a shared hospital room: it keeps the door open for supportive encounters.”
And how was it to participate as a “model for a day” in the Rosette La Vedette photoshoot?
“It was amazing to show people that I am so much more than cancer. When I heard about the photoshoot, I immediately saw it as an opportunity to send a powerful message to all women fighting cancer and losing their beautiful hair in the process. A chance to show that despite the ugly cancer inside us, we can still shine and show our beauty. It was a wonderful day. My sister-in-law came with me, and Wendy and her team were fantastic. I often talk about energy because I’m someone who feels a lot. Well, that day truly gave me a boost. I see the whole experience as a gift to myself, a very important bright spot as well. And if we can inspire others through it, that makes it even more special.”
[photos: autumn '23 - interview spring '24]
If you’d also like to experience a photoshoot day with a professional team of photographer, stylist, and makeup artist, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. From time to time, we look for “models for a day” for our campaigns.
