An uplifting retreat for cancer patients and families

When someone you know is diagnosed with cancer, their life, and the lives of those around them goes through major upheaval. Careers, family life, routines and plans are disrupted. This can cause periods of stress, helplessness, and loneliness while trying to live and cope with cancer.

The EnReach Retreat, run by the National Cancer Centre Singapore’s (NCCS) Department of Psychosocial Oncology (DPO), was developed to uplift patients and families on their cancer journey. This year the Retreat, held at a hotel in Orchard Road, was attended by more than 70 patients, cancer survivors and family members. Among them was 56-year-old Alison Yee who is a patient at NCCS and her 32-year-old daughter Phua Mei Qi, who joined the Retreat to spend quality time together.

 

When going through active cancer treatment, patients and their families tend to focus on the disease – understanding it, going for appointments, and coping with the side-effects of treatment, which leaves little space and time for bonding and creating happy memories. 

First held in 2001, the EnReach Retreat gives patients and their families an opportunity to connect with their inner selves, their loved ones and other patients going through similar experiences and make enduring, happy memories. At the Retreat, activities promote psychosocial wellbeing, broaden the understanding of living with cancer and encourage all participants to live life beyond the illness. 

Alison was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2019 and underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While her treatment went well, she felt guilty that during that time she could not help to take care of her second grandson, as she had previously been a key support for her daughter when her first grandchild was born. Alison first heard about the Retreat from NCCS Senior Medical Social Worker, Ms Leticia Lee, who is a co-organiser of the EnReach Retreat and thought it would be good for her daughter and her to spend some time reconnecting with each other. 

Titled “Enduring Bonds, A Journey Together,” the 2024 EnReach Retreat encouraged informal interaction between participants and medical social workers, oncologists, psychologists and other members of the healthcare team. The three-day programme featured workshops and sharing sessions on how to reconnect with oneself and others, and how to journey through different seasons of life. The facilitated activities allowed participants to share and talk about difficult topics such as fear of recurrence and existential thoughts and provided guidance on how to talk about cancer with young children. There was also a panel discussion where participants’ questions were answered by healthcare professionals. Questions posed included whether cancer patients can exercise while going through treatment, and how to cope with feelings of anxiety when in remission. On the second night, participants dressed up and let loose at the “Retro Night” themed Gala Dinner.

 

 

 

Alison’s favourite part of the Retreat was the artwork activity called ’Me-Tree’ which allowed participants to express their experiences and support systems. Participants traced trees and wrote their strengths on the branches and personal qualities on the leaves, around the tree, they depicted their community and loved ones. 

“I hadn’t realised it, but through the exercise I was able to see that what I went through in my cancer journey was tough, but I overcame it and am a resilient and optimistic person,” said Alison.

Alison’s daughter Mei Qi felt that hearing everyone’s different perspectives was the most valuable part of the experience for her. Through the conversations and sharing she realised that everyone was at different points in their cancer journey with some still facing uncertainty about their disease.

“The sharing deepened my understanding about how complex cancer can be. It helped me be more empathetic and understand that I can respond more sensitively if someone is going through such life challenges,” said Mei Qi.

 

Principal Medical Social Worker from NCCS, Emily Tan shared that one of the main goals of the Retreat is to help participants strengthen bonds with loved ones. Support relieves the strain, sense of isolation and enhances the ability to cope during a challenging illness. 

“Communication is key to building relationships, so we developed a fun, interactive activity, where participants identified common communication roadblocks and we shared how to overcome them,” said Emily.

The bonding sessions were so successful that friendships made during the retreats often continue long after.  

“Many EnReach participants come back to attend the Retreat year after year as they enjoy the experience so much! And these repeat participants play an important role in encouraging new participants to take part and share openly,” said Leticia.

Thanks to the open sharing Alison learned new things about her daughter, Mei Qi.

“When I was ill with cancer, Mei Qi was pregnant and going through her own struggles. It was only during the Retreat that we were able to talk about it openly,” shared Alison. “And even though my daughter is quite reserved, she really opened up and I am grateful that she could share her feelings and experiences with me as that’s precious bonding for us.”

To support the EnReach Retreat or to find out more about the NCCS Patient Support Programme, please email [email protected]