By Anastasia Yates
Mark Friswell is a passionate photographer and graphic designer.
But under the surface, he’s battling stage four cancer.
Late last year, Mark noticed back pain, but when it wouldn’t subside, he was diagnosed early in 2024.
The cancer has since developed to stage four melanoma which has spread to his liver, back, chest and further.
Undergoing varying treatments and monitoring his condition regularly, Mark found fatigue was the most challenging and unexpected side effect of all.
“Fatigue is probably the biggest battle,” Mark said.
Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most prevalent and misunderstood side effects.
In order to connect patients who struggle with this, Bendigo Health’s Facing Fatigue Together support group was formed.
Group organiser and radiotherapy occupational therapist Jessica Cozens said the group was “trying to encourage patients to come along and share their experiences about managing fatigue and how it’s affected them so far in their journey.”
“A lot of people aren’t aware cancer and treatment can have this effect on them until it does.”
The one-hour sessions explain exactly what cancer fatigue is and why it occurs, the different severity levels and how to manage it.
While Mark has kept busy with his job, working 9-1pm and taking rests in between, to begin working again into the night.
But he never considered the varying forms of fatigue until visiting the support group.
“I haven’t done anything to warrant being tired but then you’re thinking about the mental stress,” he said.
Mental exhaustion is an underrepresented form of fatigue as most patients only consider the physical element.
The stress that comes with a life-changing diagnosis as well as future-stresses, is the underlying basis for fatigue.
Mark now combats his fatigue by going on daily walks, light exercise and naps.
Also, while keeping in mind his mental health and continuing on with the ‘taking it one day at a time’ mindset.
As for the future, Mark hoped his condition can be managed and that he can continue to meet with his friends on the weekend to attend his photography group.