'A dose of emotional support' for cancer patients

Around 10 a.m. on Saturday, the yoga studio organized by the Salt Cancer Initiative (SCI) in Phu Nhuan ward (Ho Chi Minh City) was once again filled with laughter and conversation.

The exercises are designed specifically for patients, with gentle movements that are within their capabilities - Photo: NGOC SANG

On the mats, nearly 20 cancer patients slowly performed breathing exercises and stretching movements to the rhythm guided by the instructor.

Unlike regular yoga classes with difficult poses, classes for cancer patients only feature simpler, gentler movements.

My teacher and I often received cakes and drinks as gifts from the elderly after class, which was very heartwarming. I clearly felt the affection everyone had for me and the class, so I cherished it all. I only wish the elderly people good health to overcome their illnesses.

Ms. TRUONG THI MY TIEN

Where cancer "warriors" find their smiles again.

The instructor raised both hands, turning her body in rhythm with each inhale and exhale. Below, the students attentively followed each movement—raising their arms, turning their bodies, and stretching—with slow, gentle movements that allowed their bodies to relax and unwind.

Each person has a different physical condition, so the exercises are adjusted flexibly to better suit them. Throughout the class, the instructor closely monitors each student; if she notices anyone showing signs of fatigue, she gently approaches them and reduces the intensity of the movements to ensure safety.

Having been involved with the yoga class for cancer patients for nearly 7 years, Ms. Phan Thi Kim Loan (62 years old, residing in Binh Loi ward) has come to see this place as a source of spiritual support after the ordeal of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

What Ms. Loan found most difficult to cope with was the feeling of emptiness when she was ill. There was a period when she didn't confide in anyone, just staying at home and in the hospital. It wasn't until she learned about free yoga classes for cancer patients that she signed up, and from then on, she gradually opened up more.

In the early days after treatment, she often felt tired and had difficulty walking. However, after many years of persistent exercise, she felt her health gradually improving.

"I go to the gym every week, without missing a single day; it's become a habit," Mrs. Loan said happily.

She said that in the past, even climbing just a few steps of stairs would leave her breathless, and her body was always tired and exhausted. After a period of persistent exercise, her health gradually improved, she could move around more easily, and now she can climb stairs on her own.

"The most important thing for this illness is a relaxed state of mind. Just being in a good mood makes me feel much healthier. Here, everyone exercises together, chats, and encourages each other, so I feel more comfortable and happy," Mrs. Loan confided.

Besides yoga classes, Ms. Loan also attends watercolor painting classes to relax her mind. She especially enjoys the feeling of meticulously applying each color to the painting, feeling peaceful and relaxed as she paints.

"The more I draw, the more captivated I become. Some days I sit and draw for three hours straight without feeling tired; I'm so engrossed that I completely lose track of time," Mrs. Loan recounted softly.

Carefully hanging the painting in a beautiful spot in her bedroom, every night she would admire her "masterpiece" before going to sleep and tell herself that many beautiful things still awaited her. Illness does not mean life stops.

What kept Ms. Loan so engaged with the class was the empathy shared among those battling serious illnesses.

"Sometimes I'm hesitant to talk about my illness because I'm afraid others won't understand. Luckily, everyone here has gone through it, so it's easier to share. Seeing the patients with more serious illnesses still remain optimistic gives me more motivation to live positively," she said.

Sharing a similar experience with Mrs. Loan, Mrs. Tran Thi Loc (56 years old, residing in Nhieu Loc ward) spoke in a somber tone, her hands clasped tightly together as she recalled the moment she received the news of her breast cancer diagnosis. She recounted that she was almost completely devastated by fear and anxiety.

Fortunately, after the surgery, the biopsy results showed that the disease was only stage 1A, so she did not need chemotherapy. She is currently being treated with hormone therapy and has regular check-ups for 5 years.

Today was only Mrs. Loc's first day at the yoga class, yet she couldn't hide her emotions. Her eyes welled up with tears as she spoke about the feeling of sharing and empathy she found in this class.

"Previously, I almost kept my illness a secret, and I was hesitant to interact with others undergoing similar treatment because I was afraid that hearing or witnessing stories about illness would add more pressure and stress to my life. But today, coming to class, I was surprised to see how cheerful and optimistic everyone here is. Thanks to that, I also feel more relaxed and open up," she said.

After the workout, Mrs. Loc felt her body sweating profusely, and her mood improved. She plans to continue attending the class long-term to improve her health and maintain a positive attitude.

"Here, I feel very close because everyone has the same illness as me. People in stage 1, and those in stages 2 and 3, sit together and share about the changes in their bodies, and discuss how to maintain a positive spirit to overcome the disease. Meeting the dedicated teacher and the volunteers who are always checking on me makes me very happy and grateful," Mrs. Loc said happily.

The students were happy and relaxed during the drawing session.

Dedicate your time and effort to the class.

The "volunteer girls" that Ms. Loc mentioned are Ms. Truong Thi My Tien (40 years old, residing in An Nhon ward). From early morning, even before the class started, she was busy assisting the students, guiding them on attire, inquiring about their health, and arranging suitable practice spots for each person.

Throughout the class, she constantly moved around, observing everyone. Sometimes she adjusted the air conditioner temperature, other times she gently asked if the elderly people were tired and needed to rest.

Having been involved with the class for 5 years, Ms. Tien said that what she admires most is the optimistic spirit. "Many of the elderly people have weak health but still try to come to class regularly to practice. Seeing everyone so happy and positive, I have learned a lot, from listening and understanding to how to face life's challenges with an optimistic spirit," she shared.

For Ms. Tien, the greatest joy is witnessing strangers gradually become close after each training session. From being reserved and not very talkative, many of the elderly now consider each other as close friends. "Seeing them persevere in attending the class like that truly moves me, and makes me love the work I'm doing even more," she said.

After each class, everyone would gather to have vegetarian meals together, and sometimes they would go to someone's hometown, fishing or picking fruit in the garden like a picnic to relax...

Completely free

Salt Cancer Initiative (SCI) is a non-profit organization founded by Ms. Truong Thanh Thuy (Thuy "salt") in 2016.

With a mission to support cancer patients in Vietnam and spread a positive spirit with the message "You don't have to fight cancer alone," this organization has been operating for nearly 10 years now.

Ms. Pham Thi Hong Cuc (25 years old, SCI manager) said that in addition to regularly organized free yoga and painting classes, SCI also maintains many activities such as picnics, bell meditation, tree planting, and group activities to give patients the opportunity to meet and share after stressful treatment days.

"Every year, SCI organizes trips for everyone to go on together and participate in games. After each trip, everyone is happier and closer to each other," Ms. Cúc shared.

SCI also regularly organizes events for patients, their families, and the community interested in cancer, while connecting experts and doctors from both within and outside the country to share knowledge and support patients.

In the future, SCI aims to expand its operations to more provinces and cities to support even more patients.

Back to the topic

NGOC SANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/lieu-thuoc-tinh-than-cho-benh-nhan-ung-thu-20260525101102479.htm