Cancer survivor couldn't walk but went on to complete two races
Xanthe Khatoon’s first thought when she was diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer was her family.
“My immediate thought was for my three children,” she said previously in a radio interview. “I wanted so much to see my children walk down the aisle and to help my only daughter with her confinement. I wanted to see my grandchildren and watch them grow up well.”
But she quickly turned her anxiety into motivation. Xanthe was determined to beat cancer for the sake of her family and not be a burden to them.
Nevertheless, the journey was hardly easy. The aftereffects of her first cycle of chemotherapy hit her like a “truck” and she had to be admitted to the hospital. She also went on to experience extreme numbness in her fingers and feet.
It was so bad that Xanthe could not button her clothes, grasp objects, or write. Without a proper grip, even wearing sneakers and sandals was a challenge and affected the way she walked.
Rehab that Restored
Xanthe credits her faith as being critical to her road to recovery. In addition, being referred to the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) Rehabilitation Centre in 2019 was a game-changer.
There, she found cutting-edge equipment and therapists who were invested in restoring her, body and mind. “They really did everything they could possibly do for my recovery,” she says.
Her therapists put her through various treatments such as strength training and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for her numbness. Collectively, these helped Xanthe recover her muscle strength, stamina and dexterity. She also worked with a dietitian to manage her nutrition and weight.
Xanthe is grateful for the donors who made her rehabilitation possible. Typically, a single rehab session can cost up to $85. However, generous contributions from the public help keep costs affordable, allowing cancer survivors to focus on their recovery.
Crossing the Finish Line
By 2023, Xanthe was feeling confident enough to embark on a race.
She participated in Race Against Cancer in September, an annual event organised by SCS to raise funds for the cancer community.
To her amazement, she jogged most of the 5KM route and completed the run in under an hour. This achievement gave her confidence to sign up for her next race two months later: The Great Eastern Women’s Run, where she completed the 5KM event at her own pace.
Xanthe credits SCS for helping her get back on her feet, literally and figuratively. The knowledge that SCS’s donors have been instrumental in her recovery has pushed her to give back in
whatever way she can, whether it is through participating in SCS events or sharing her rehab journey through its digital platforms.
While Xanthe mulls over which race to conquer next, one thing is clear: She is making huge strides in the marathon of cancer recovery.