by Martin Dumont
Read time : 4 min
Have you ever had the impression that it takes a brush with death to make one appreciate life?
Isabelle Lavallée, 54 years old, from Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, knows this feeling well.
In the spring of 2025, she learned that her colon cancer was progressing -– yet again. It was not the first time she received such news. She had confronted this illness three times before and thought she had beat it.
“This time it was harder to take. I really thought I had come through this thing. I don’t want to die. I’m doing what I can to continue living, but the cancer continues to spread,” she confides with disarming clarity.
Following an impressive number of surgeries and treatments -–chemotherapy, radiation therapy — after changing her diet, exploring mediation, yoga, positive thinking, Isabelle decided, gently, to let go.
“I did everything I could to get better. Now, there are the beautiful moments with the people I love, that make me happy.”
Staying True to Herself
Isabelle could still do palliative chemotherapy, which would perhaps extend her life. But the treatment is tiring and mood-altering and most of all …it consumes what remaining energy she has to be herself.
“When I’m in treatment, I don’t recognize myself. I lose contact with my spirit, the very energy which allows me to meditate. And it is precisely the meditation that helps me remain stable and enjoy the small pleasures of daily life.”
Among those small pleasures is Charlot, her dog, with whom she still walks about 15 minutes a day.
“It’s really good for me, but I have to conserve my strength”, she explains. One time she did 30 minutes of snow-shoeing and it took her two days to recover.
Give…and Receive
Isabelle is exceptionally grateful for the help she receives.
“If my children were not here, I would not have the energy to do all that I do. The presence of my family and my friends—that keeps me going. We share such beautiful moments together.”
She also continues to receive services from Palliacco.
“Liliane comes to see me every other week. She gets my news; we talk about everything and nothing. She is so warm and caring. Her presence does me the world of good.”
One Last Trek
In the past, Isabelle had walked to support the Quebec Cancer Foundation. This year, she decided to put together her own team for A Trek Under the Stars, taking place on February 14 in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts.
Her team is called ‘Les Flamboyant.e.s.’ (The vivacious ones) Family, friends, loved ones from here and afar…they will all walk for her, with her, even if she cannot physically be with them.
“I know that my loved ones will get organized. They will do it for the cause, but also for me. It’s a good feeling to have a project…to give a meaning to life, in spite of my situation. I cannot walk beside them, and yes, that will be a very emotional moment.”
Toward a Gentle Passing
Isabelle speaks about the end with a peace that truly warms the heart.
“I want to experience a gentle, joyful passing. The people around me say that it makes them feel good to see me in peace, even though we all know what’s coming.”
She goes on,
“For a long time, I lived without thinking about death. But now I believe that the best gift one can give oneself is to prepare for it, so that it will be gentle, filled with light. Nothing is permanent…one must accept that fact. And when one manages to stay peaceful, in spite of the end that is approaching, it gives hope to our loved ones. It shows them that there is always light, somewhere, even in difficult moments.”