Irene Williams.
Camera IconIrene Williams. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mandurah woman recovers from cancer battle with yoga

Eloise FotiMandurah Coastal Times

In 2001 Ms Williams was diagnosed with breast cancer, had her lymph nodes removed in 2002 and in 2015 she was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Earlier this year doctors found her bowel cancer had metastasized in her ovaries.

Ms Williams underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove her womb, ovaries, gall bladder and large colon.

Before her surgery in April, Ms Williams completed a Cancer Council Yoga course and was half-way through the Life Now exercise program. Ms Williams said yoga and exercise classes helped her immensely.

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“I found these classes had built up my strength to help me through the 12 hours of surgery and my recovery was much easier,” she said.

Yoga can help to improve overall wellbeing and fitness by increasing muscle strength, bone density, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, balance and co-ordination.

Benefits for cancer patients can include improvements in overall quality of life, mood, sleep quality and reduced stress and fatigue.

Ms Williams was given good news by her surgeon this week and is waiting to hear if she needs further chemo treatment.

Recovering from her surgery in Perth, Ms Williams is looking forward to completing the Life Now course and regaining her strength.

“I would highly recommend these programs to any cancer patient as they are designed around the needs and capabilities of each individual who is living through the cancer journey,” she said.

Life Now yoga and exercise classes start in Mandurah on May 23 and June 14. Call 13 11 20 or visit www.ultimatelifestylelottery.com.au.