FATIGUE

Fatigue, the most frequently experienced side effect of cancer and cancer treatment, can impact your quality of life. Fatigue symptoms may or may not be affecting your normal daily routines and general sense of well being. The degree of tiredness varies greatly from person to person, as well as strategies that can help you cope with fatigue.

Post Treatment Fatigue:

Fatigue does not disappear immediately after treatment is completed. You should expect a gradual increase in energy over the weeks or months following treatment.

Definition of Fatigue:

Cancer-related fatigue has been described as an unusual or excessive whole body tiredness that may not be readily relieved by rest of sleep. It can occur when you are doing nothing.

Individuals with cancer often define fatigue by describing how they feel, how fatigue affects their life and what the various changes mean to them.

CAUSES OF CANCER-RELATED FATIGUE

It is likely that many factors contribute to symptoms of fatigue.

• Decreased blood cell counts from radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
• Side effects from cancer and its’ treatment including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain, and lab abnormalities.
• Decreased strength caused by increased bedrest and immobility.
• Inadequate nutrition as a result of decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting, and mouth sores.
• Changes in sleep patterns and inadequate sleep.
• Emotional stress from dealing with cancer, including changes in mood and/or increased difficulty with memory and concentration.
• Changes in roles in family, work, and other social relationships.

STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING FATIGUE

There are limited medical treatments for combating fatigue, but there are ways to cope with it. You will find some strategies work better than others to help you manage fatigue.

Conserve Energy

• Delete unnecessary tasks.
• Delegate tasks to other people.
• Take brief rest breaks or short naps during the day.
• Schedule priority activities when you have the most energy.
• Sit when possible to do tasks you normally stand for.
• Allow extra time in your schedule so you do not have to rush.
• Minimize unnecessary reaching or bending.
• Use adaptive equipment provided.

Maintain Nutrition

• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Keep easy to prepare foods available.
• Consult with a dietitian.

Stay Active

• Participate in some type of daily exercise or activity. As your energy increases, gradually increase your activities.
• Keep an exercise or activity log.
• Use good body mechanics.

Manage Stress

• Keep a journal.
• Plan time for meaningful activities.
• Participate in leisure activities that are relaxing (art, music, poetry, etc.)
• Consult with Cancer Rehabilitation professionals for symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and family or spiritual concerns. Staff that may be consulted include a stress management therapist, psychologist, and/or chaplain.
• There are many resources that are available in managing fatigue. Your therapists can help you identify specific strategies that might work for you.

Talk with your physician if your fatigue:

• Is influenced by uncontrolled symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting, inability to sleep, and shortness of breath.
• Is constant or recurrent.
• Is unrelieved by rest or sleep