As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to pause, look back on what you’ve overcome, and look ahead to what’s to come. Between juggling family commitments, catching up with friends, and trying to carve out quiet spaces for yourself, your days may have felt full and fast. Amidst the busyness and the emotional ups and downs, it’s easy to overlook the small stitches that quietly hold your story together and carry you forward. This festive season, let’s explore how cultivating gratitude can be a gentle gift to yourself. Why Giving Space for Gratitude MattersFor those navigating the rocky waves of the breast cancer journey, feeling thankful can sometimes feel out of reach. Whether you’re managing lingering treatment side effects or adjusting to your new normal beyond cancer, you’re coping with challenges that extend beyond everyday stressors. In moments when uncertainty looms, carving out space for self-reflection can feel especially difficult.Yet research shows that practising gratitude can support emotional well-being and quality of life—improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety [1] [2] [3]. Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship, but it can become a quiet strength woven through your healing process. Finding Light in Small MomentsGratitude isn’t about pretending things are easy or forcing positivity. Instead it’s a grounding tool–a meaningful companion you can lean on during overwhelming days.It’s the gentle act of refocusing your perspective and noticing the small things that made the year feel a little softer: warm conversations, friendships that held you up, milestones like completing a follow-up appointment, or even the comfort of a favourite meal [4]. Gratitude doesn’t need to be saved for special occasions or big breakthroughs [4].  You can weave it into daily life, little by little, reminding yourself that even in difficult seasons, life still holds pockets of goodness.Simple Ways to Practise GratitudeExpressing and internalising gratitude may feel unfamiliar at first. But like any habit, it gets easier with gentle repetition. Setting aside even a minute or two each day can help you build the practice slowly–like knitting a sweater, one careful stitch at a time.Here are four ways to invite gratitude into your everyday moments: Start a Gratitude Journal Write down a few things you’re thankful for, no matter how small. Some days, even the simple act of waking up and getting dressed for the day is worth acknowledging.Whether on paper or digitally, this practice encourages mindful reflection and can help lower stress and depressive symptoms over time [3].What you write becomes a comforting reference–something you can return to on tougher days when you need a reminder of how far you’ve come [4].Express Thanks Out Loud Taking a moment to thank someone–your care team, a family member, a friend, or even the friendly hawker stall aunty–can brighten your day and theirs.Intentionally showing appreciation helps strengthen meaningful connections and fosters a sense of emotional support [4] [5].Write a Letter or Thank-You Note If expressing gratitude verbally seems daunting, writing it down can be a gentle alternative [1]. Think of someone who has supported you in your journey, and write why you’re grateful for them.This can be a message to someone dear–or even a letter to yourself, reflecting on your own strength, resilience, and growth.Take a Gratitude Walk Step outside and notice simple joys: the warmth of sunshine, flowers in bloom, or children laughing in the playground.Changing your surroundings can offer a calming pause and help you engage in grateful contemplation, making room for fresh perspectives when cancer feels ever-present and everyday stressors feel heavy [5] [6].These gentle practices aren’t about doing more–they’re about noticing more and appreciating the things that often go unseen.Everyone’s relationship with gratitude is deeply personal. For some it can be a helpful tool; for others, it may feel difficult or uneven at times. There’s no “right” way to be grateful. What matters most is finding what supports you on your unique path.A Closing NoteAt Solis and Luma, we believe survivorship isn’t a destination but a journey woven from many moments. Some are bright, some are challenging–but each one is a part of your story. It’s in these moments, stitched together by courage, hope and gratitude, that healing takes shape. As we turn the page to a new year, may you find comfort in the small things that carried you through 2025, and strength in the ones still to come. In your patchwork tapestry of healing, it’s these gentle threads of gratitude that strengthen every stitch, every patch, every seam. References[1] International Journal of Women's Health, A Grateful Disposition Promotes the Well-Being of Women with Breast Cancer Through Adaptive Coping[2]  Frontiers in Psychology, Using a Gratitude Intervention to Improve the Lives of Women With Breast Cancer: A Daily Diary Study[3]  Current Oncology, Effects of Gratitude Journaling on Patients with Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial [4] Cleveland Clinic, 7 Ways To Boost Your Health by Practicing Gratitude[5] Journal of Happiness Studies, The Role of Gratitude in Breast Cancer: Its Relationships with Post-traumatic Growth, Psychological Well-Being and Distress [6] International journal of environmental research and public health, Wondering Awe Is the Mediator of the Link Between Experience of Nature and Psychological Wellbeing—Relevance for Public Health

Most survivorship articles focus on finishing treatment and learning to ease into the new norm. But for women living with metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer, the journey looks different. Treatment continues, emotions shift, and “normal” evolves into a new routine with its own challenges.This article is written specifically for those living with ongoing Stage IV disease, where cancer remains a part of daily life – not as a setback, but as a reality that requires strength, adaptability, and purpose. Understanding Advanced Breast Cancer “What does it mean to be Stage IV?”Advanced breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer or Stage IV breast cancer, is cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body like bones, lung, liver, brain, or other organs [1] [2]. Sometimes it may be found at first diagnosis, or it can develop as a recurrence [2]. While it is not curable, advancements in treatments have made it possible to relieve symptoms, slow cancer progression and improve quality of life. Receiving this diagnosis can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. You may experience disbelief, anger, fear, sadness or helplessness. Even small physical sensations can suddenly carry more weight, leading to heightened vigilance and worry [3].These feelings are normal. Give yourself compassion and time to process everything before looking ahead.When Survivorship Takes a Different Shape “What does ongoing treatment mean for my life ahead?”For early-stage breast cancer, survivorship often means transitioning from active treatment to surveillance and the gradual rebuilding of daily life . There can be pressure, both spoken and unspoken, to “bounce back”, return to routine, and leave cancer behind. However, metastatic breast cancer brings a different kind of survivorship:Treatment is ongoing, not completed You may navigate cycles of stability and progression Discussions may include symptom management, palliative or supportive care and long-term planning [4][5] Living meaningfully “right now” becomes just as important as preparing for the futureYou may not always consider yourself a “survivor” in the traditional sense, but you are – in the way you adapt, carry on, and remain present every day. Finding Your Voice and Embracing Support “How can I learn to let others in?”Honest communication with your care team can help you understand what lies ahead and manage common side effects such as fatigue, neuropathy, pain, hair loss, insomnia and vaginal dryness [2].Viewing this condition as a chronic but not life-limiting illness may may also help [6]. Asking about sensitive topics, including end-of-life concerns, can help reduce uncertainty and help you make confident, informed decisions.Without this clarity, you may feel anxious and turn to less reliable sources on social media or experience a flood of well-meaning but overwhelming advice from loved ones, which can worsen distress [2].Support from loved ones can make a world of a difference. Family and friends may not always understand your experience or know how to help. This can make you feel drained and you may feel tempted to withdraw. But, isolation can magnify your symptoms and emotions. It’s common to hesitate asking for help, worrying about being a burden or feeling pressured to stay positive. However, needing support doesn’t mean showing weakness, and asking for help is a form of strength. Loved ones can support you by:Driving you to appointments and sitting in with you Helping to research questions about the disease and management to clarify with your healthcare providers Assisting with daily household tasks or errands  Helping with child care, pet care or care of elderly dependents Offering quiet companionship and a listening ear or positive encouragementSupport groups and peer communities can be especially meaningful [7]. Many women find comfort in speaking with others who truly understand the journey of uncertainty, emotional complexity and resilience required to live with metastatic disease.Quality-of-life concerns including physical and emotional distress, body image struggles, disruption of daily routine, and an awareness of life’s brevity can cause distress and open communication with loved ones can improve psychological adjustment [3][8]. You may need to take the lead in expressing your needs, but remember that advocating for yourself doesn’t mean you’re responsible for others’ emotions. Living for Yourself in the Face of Metastatic Cancer “Each day holds moments to cherish, even with cancer as part of my story.”Cancer can disrupt routines and create instability. Rebuilding pockets of predictability in your life can help you feel grounded and in control. Here are some strategies that many women find helpful : Keep Yourself Engaged Continuing work, hobbies or daily routine – when you are able - can bring stability and reduce the focus on cancer. Set Attainable Goals Small goals, such as short walks or trying a new recipe, and long-term goals, like completing a course or project, can bring purpose and help you celebrate wins as they come. Engage in Hobbies and Practise Mindfulness Diving into new passions such as art, journaling, music, yoga, or meditation, or rekindling joy in existing ones can help reduce stress, ease anxiety and strengthen emotional resilience. Honour Your Energy Some days will be better than others. Adjust your expectations and routines based on how you feel. What matters is not productivity – it’s honouring your needs. Consider Long-Term Planning as Empowerment For many, long-term planning can bring comfort and peace of mind. This may include: Setting practical arrangements Discussing future goals with loved ones Clarifying preferences around medical care Identifying meaningful “life projects”, such as photo albums, letters or personal legacy workLong-term planning is not about giving up – it is a way to create stability and ensure that your voice remains central in all decisions.A lifelong illness can sharpen your appreciation for meaningful moments: shared laughter, a nice meal, or time with loved ones. These moments matter. They are not small–they are anchors.Hope isn’t Gone, it Persists “I’ll take things one step at a time.”Hope for women with metastatic breast cancer often shifts away from cure and toward living fully and meaningfully, despite the uncertainty. It can be difficult when others see only “the cancer patient” instead of the whole person. Staying connected with your identity – your interests, values, quirks, dreams – can help you reclaim the space cancer often tries to occupy. You remain a whole and beautiful person.You deserve care, dignity and joy – not because of your diagnosis, but because of who you are.You Are Not AloneAt Solis and Luma, we recognise that every woman’s journey is uniquely hers. Survivorship is defined by the quiet strength it takes to live each day with intention, no matter your stage. *Article reviewed by Dr Tan Sing Huang, Senior Medical Oncologist at OncoCare Cancer Centre.Dr Tan Sing Huang is also a contributing author of The Breast Years of Your Life: Living Well After Cancer, a compassionate guide on healing emotionally, navigating advanced breast cancer, and living with purpose. Learn more or get your copy at: https://www.solis.sg/the-breast-years-of-your-life/ References[1] Cleveland Clinic, Metastatic Breast Cancer[2] Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre, The Breast Years of Your Life: Living Well After Cancer[3] The Breast Journal, Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Analysis of Physical, Psychological, and Social Sequelae[4] Journal of Surgical Oncology, Breast cancer survivorship[5] ASCO Educational Book, Survivorship Care for People Affected by Advanced or Metastatic Cancer: Building on the Recent Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer-ASCO Standards and Practice Recommendations[6] PLOS One, Exploring the experiences of women living with metastatic breast cancer [MBC]: A systematic review of qualitative evidence[7] European Society for Medical Oncology, The Guide for Patients on Survivorship[8] National Library of Medicine, Metastatic breast cancer: Learn More - Living with metastatic breast cancer