France Castel, the renowned 81-year-old artist, recently opened up about her battle with stage 4 lymphoma. In an emotional interview with Jean-Philippe Dion on the show “Sucré Givré,” she discussed her near brush with death and the inevitable fear it brought. “It’s clear that you have to make peace with the idea of dying,” Castel expressed candidly.
Facing Death: A Personal Reflection
During the interview, Castel shared how confronting a serious illness changed her perspective. She emphasized that claiming to be unafraid of death is not entirely truthful, as the unknown often instills fear. “When you have a disease like this, you realize that you do fear death,” she noted. However, she also revealed her personal acceptance of mortality, saying, “If you asked me, ‘Are you ready to go?’ I would say yes. My life story is up to date.”
Health Updates and Recovery
Filming took place at the Manoir Saint-Sauveur, where Castel reported improvements in her health. Initially, doctors estimated she had about a year and a half to live without treatment. Now, after undergoing therapy, she revealed that her spleen has returned to normal size, leading her to believe she is on the mend.
Support System: The Key to Resilience
France Castel credited her strong support system as pivotal during her challenging journey. Surrounded by her partner, friends, and therapist, she felt an immense sense of love and support. “I didn’t think we loved each other so much,” she said about her relationship. She particularly acknowledged her friend France Beaudoin, who was instrumental during her recovery.
Coping with Reality: Rethinking Invincibility
Reflecting on her life, Castel described her previous belief in her own invincibility. “I always felt strong, but this experience taught me that no one is truly invincible.” Now at 81, she acknowledges the reality of mortality, humorously contrasting her age with that of someone younger.
Future Aspirations and Career Thoughts
As she contemplates her future, Castel is uncertain if she wishes to continue her extensive 60-year career. Despite her doubts, she feels a pull toward her work, suggesting that her partner believes she won’t retire just yet. The episode of “Sucré Givré” featuring Castel can be viewed on TVA+.
