Cancer-Related Fatigue

What is Cancer-Related Fatigue?

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common adverse effects of cancer treatment, yet it is also one of the most overlooked. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, and feel an overwhelming exhaustion or daily lack of energy, be assured that you are not alone. But there are things you cn do to regain some of your energy.

This type of fatigue can be caused by:

The disease
Treatment (chemotherapy, surgery)
Side effects of the treatment (such as nausea or vomiting)
Other conditions (fever, infections)
Emotional aspects of cancer (such as anxiety or depression).

It's not a tiredness related to physical activity, and cannot be cured with a good night's sleep. Symptoms include:

Difficulty completing your normal, daily tasks, such as cooking, showering, or even walking short distances
Difficulty concentrating
Sleeping, or a desire to sleep, more
General feeling of depression or sluggishness

So What Can I Do About It?

Although cancer-related fatigue is caused by many more factors than general fatigue, there are things you can do to conserve your energy and minimize the effects and feelings of fatigue. Following are a few suggestions:

Get plenty of rest. Go to bed at a regular time and plan for eight hours of sleep - sleep later if you need to. Avoid strenuous exercise and caffeine in the evening in order to fall asleep faster.
Keep a daily routine. Although you may not be able to keep your full daily schedule, at least try to stick with a regular routine to your day.
Prioritize and delegate activities. Do first the things that are important to you, and delegate other activities (i.e., attend your daughter's piano recital, but ask a friend to do your grocery shopping, etc.)
Manage your stress. This is not a time for extra stress in your life. Work to eliminate the unhealthy or unnecessary stress in your life.
Eat a balanced diet. Make sure you eating nutritious meals and snacks, and drinking plenty of water. You may even want to consult with a nutritionist to advise you on the best way to meet your needs. Good nutrition and plenty of water will help you maintain energy and rid your body of toxins.
Do things you enjoy. Often when facing fatigue, we eliminate from our schedules the things we most enjoy inorder to conserve energy. It is important during this time to continue to see your friends and family and to go out and do the things you enjoy.
Exercise daily. Although you may not feel like continuing with your regular regimen, it is important to continue to pursue light, regular exercise. It will not only increase your energy level, it will help you to sleep better at night.
Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can best identify the cause of your fatigue, and may be able to make more specific recommendations.