When the Going gets Tough, the Tough get Going
With the increasing number of cancer survivors being educated to cope with their condition, more can look forward to living meaningfully in spite of disease recurrence. At the 1 st Anniversary of The Revival Connection, survivors with recurring cancer sailed off on a yacht in an evening complete with dinner and a live band. Organised by National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and SAF Yacht Club, the sailing trip on 29 th April 06 was one of the many exciting activities organised for cancer survivors to touch base with normalcy, network and live life to the fullest.
The Revival Connection is a support group for cancer survivors with recurring disease. Its aim is to reach out, share experiences, knowledge and even fears. At these free meetings, cancer survivors organize social and recreational activities such as outings, movie screening, and musicals for the members. In addition, professionals will be invited to give talks and run group therapy sessions. The focus is to encourage cancer patients and survivors to live life to the fullest.
“Its primary purpose is to raise awareness amongst those with cancer recurrence that they are not alone fighting their battle, and they can live life to the fullest,” said Ms Helen Hee, the programme leader, herself battling cancer recurrence.
Redefining Experiences
Mr Gilbert Fan, Manager, Psychosocial Oncology at NCCS acknowledges that it is not always easy to cope with the recurrence of cancer. He quotes Virginia Satir, a family therapist: “ ‘The problem is not the problem; coping is the problem.’ It is important for cancer survivors with recurrence to have individual goals which add meaning to their lives. They should also be open to new meanings, and let go of comparisons with prior experiences or other survivor’s experiences that are not appropriate.”
For cancer survivor – teacher Ms Lam in her 40s, her journey through cancer started in 2004. By the end of 2005, she was back to teaching. “Having cancer recurrence taught me to make every minute count. The fear of the cancer coming back is very real, but I expect this problem to arise and now worry only about the things I can control.” Ms Lam has arrived at a point when the routines of daily work is comforting; she now believes that as a teacher, results of her students are not everything. Through her physical illness, she has ironically found more inner health of compassion, laughter and acceptance that life is unpredictable.
The spunky survivor now supports others with recurrence, even while facing her own fears and supporting her mother, Mdm Yip, 82, also a cancer patient. Through giving care and concern to others, the sisterhood and fellowship with others can itself be a healing balm. Other coping strategies include her faith, keeping busy and being positive.
Holistic Cancer Care
NCCS Director, Prof Soo Khee Chee said: “As a premier cancer centre in Singapore and the region, NCCS has always aspired to provide a high standard of medical care for our patients. Through our patient support programmes, we continually strive to provide our patients with the best possible holistic care. Studies have shown that the levels of social support and active coping behaviours are associated with positive cancer outcomes.”
For details on The Revival Connection, please call Judy Seow at 6436 8117, e-mail: Judy.Seow@nccs.com.sg, or e-mail: therevivalconnection@yahoo.com.sg |
