Nadine Lustre's BF Christophe Bariou remembers private cancer battle

Nadine Lustre's boyfriend, Christophe Bariou, revealed that he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer around three years ago and was once told he only had a few weeks left to live.

On TikTok, he shared photos from his cancer journey, including images of him in the hospital and during treatment.

“This was something I never thought I’d share at all on social media. Maybe I never did because I preferred not to be seen as the victim or to use this illness to appeal for pity. And while I was successfully overcoming it, I saw many around me losing their lives trying to, so it didn’t feel right to talk about myself,” he said.

Christophe said he was 27 years old when he was diagnosed with cancer and initially received devastating news that he had only weeks to live.

“But around 3 years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and I was told I only had a few weeks left to live. I experienced the darkest sensation of fear, which is something I thought I had already known because it wasn’t the first time I was in a life threatening situation,” he said.

He recalled grappling with fear, anger, and frustration as he tried to process what he believed could be the end of his life.

“There is no shame in acknowledging I was scared but I was also angry and frustrated at life. I thought, I’ll never have kids, my own family, or finish what I started in Siargao. I will never get my first barrel surfing. Why is this happening to me? Why me? I felt so full of life and suddenly finding out I had a couple weeks left to live was devastating… to say the least,” he said.

Christophe admitted that he had even considered spending what he believed were his final days in Siargao instead of seeking treatment.

However, after consulting other doctors, he learned there was still hope.

He returned to France, where specialists diagnosed him with a very rare type of lymphoma and began a six-month treatment plan consisting of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

According to the Mayo Clinic, lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, part of the body's immune system, and occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, potentially affecting the lymph nodes, blood, bone marrow, spleen, and other organs.

“They discovered I had a very rare type of lymphoma and even mentioned it was so rare they had no statistics of survival but that they were still hopeful and my 6 month treatment started,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude for receiving treatment at a leading cancer research center in Europe at no cost through France's healthcare system.

Per Christophe, he achieved full remission after just two months of intensive treatment.

“Not only was I lucky enough to benefit from the best treatments available from the leading cancer research center in Europe, but all of this was completely free of charge thanks to the rights the French fought for. It just makes me think how unfair it can be in other countries when something as bad as this hits.”

Reflecting on the experience, he said surviving cancer strengthened his resolve to pursue his goals and advocate for kindness and compassion.

“When it comes to advocacies, it was a brutal reminder that life is fleeting. We do not have the luxury to wander and be mindless. I want to be mindful and conscious in every action. The best I can do is to lessen the suffering and cruelty around me, and promote kindness and compassion towards all forms of life – human and non-human,” he said.

He ended his post by thanking the people who stood by him throughout his recovery, including his former partner, family, and friends.

“I can never thank enough everyone who supported me during these tough times – my partner at the time, my family and my friends,” he said.

Nadine and Christophe first met in 2021. They made their first public appearance in 2023 during the Vogue Gala red carpet.

Nadine currently stars in "Love, Siargao" along with Alden Richards, Kyline Alcantra, Kim Ji Soo, and many more.

The series is currently streaming on Viu Philippines.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA News