Stage 4 breast cancer patient’s secret weapon to beat fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common and difficult side effects experienced by patients undergoing cancer treatment as it affects one’s daily life. For 66-year-old Mdm Yow May Ling, who was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, fatigue was one of the toughest challenges she faced. However, with patience, determination and her ‘secret weapon’, she managed to gradually increase her energy levels and enjoy doing the things she loves, like spending time with family and friends.

When the exhaustion doesn’t go away                                             

In early 2022, Mdm Yow was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in both her breasts and underwent 18 sessions of chemotherapy at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) as treatment. Mdm Yow recalls that the days following each chemotherapy session were especially draining.

"After my chemo sessions, I had severe diarrhoea and vomiting, all I could do was rest in bed and do nothing," she said.

The severe exhaustion prevented her from doing normal daily activities, such as grocery shopping or going out with friends. Unlike ordinary fatigue, which typically subsides with rest, cancer-related fatigue persists even with adequate sleep or rest. The severity of fatigue patients may experience varies, but it can have a negative impact on quality of life, making even simple daily activities feel overwhelming or impossible to complete.

Finding her secret ‘weapon’

Yoga wasn't something new to Mdm Yow. Before retirement, she worked in an IT company as a clubhouse manager, organising staff wellness programmes such as yoga classes. However, she had never taken it up as a regular hobby.

When her doctor suggested regular exercise to help manage the symptoms of fatigue, she thought of the yoga classes she used to organise.

Facing fatigue during her treatment, Mdm Yow rediscovered yoga, and it has since become her secret weapon to fight cancer-related fatigue and boost her mental health. 

"I felt that yoga might be slow and easy enough, and that I could do it at my own pace," she explained. "I started slow and focused on how it could help me to get well and feel more energetic. I found that practicing yoga made my body stronger and gave me the mental strength to keep going. It became one of my 'weapons' to fight cancer and regain control of my life!"

Besides feeling more energised, yoga also gave Mdm Yow moments of calm and mindfulness. The breathing techniques, stretching and simple poses helped her feel more in control of her body.

A regular practice to keep grounded

During treatment, Mdm Yow diligently kept to a regular yoga routine.  She maintains the same approach today, scheduling regular sessions.

Mdm Yow enjoys weekly yoga sessions at home with her instructor, focusing on strengthening her core muscles to help improve her balance and posture. 

"Once a week I have one-and-a-half-hour sessions with an instructor at home, and I also do 30-minute daily practices on my own," she shared.

Finding what works for you

Managing fatigue isn't just about engaging in physical activity, emotional wellbeing matters too. Besides yoga, Mdm Yow finds joy in playing mahjong with relatives and watching Korean dramas.

"My relatives play mahjong with me whenever possible because they know I love it and that being with them makes me happy," she laughed. “I also enjoy watching Korean dramas to keep my mind occupied, which prevents me from overthinking and worrying about my condition. "Combining physical activity and enjoyable hobbies helped Mdm Yow find a sustainable way to manage fatigue that works for her fitness levels and lifestyle.

Mdm Yow shares that simple stretches, when practised regularly, can help build strength, improve mood and fight fatigue. 

“My doctor and nurses also encouraged me to continue what I have been doing,” added Mdm Yow.

As for Mdm Yow's advice to others facing fatigue?

"Treat exercise as an important part of your journey to get well, just like taking medication and going for treatment. Keep active and continue to do what you like. Even simple stretches, when done regularly, can help you feel stronger, lift your mood and reduce tiredness.”