What is cancer treatment-related fatigue?

Cancer treatment-related fatigue is a feeling of tiredness that can keep you from doing the things you normally do or want to do. Fatigue is very common among people receiving cancer treatment. Factors such as cancer itself, low blood counts, nutritional problems, and sleep problems contribute to fatigue.

How do people describe cancer treatment-related fatigue?

Individuals with cancer have described fatigue as weakness, exhaustion, tiredness, a lack of energy, sleepiness, drowsiness, confusion, and impatience. Others have described fatigue as if they just don't feel like themselves or feeling drained after activities like cooking a meal or taking a shower. Other words used to describe cancer treatment-related fatigue are "weary" "all-in", "worn-out", "pooped", "low blood", "listlessness", no pep , no energy , a strong desire to stop and rest", and "a strong desire to lie down and sleep".

What happens when you experience cancer treatment-related fatigue?

Fatigue can affect the way you think as well as how you feel. You may need more sleep. You may have trouble paying attention when reacting, watching television, and even talking with family members. You may find that you are not able to do all the activities you did before your cancer treatment.

What causes cancer treatment-related fatigue?

The cause of cancer treatment-related fatigue is not fully known. It is probably related to the adjustments required following any stressful event, especially cancer. Problems like low blood count, sleep disruption, stress, not eating well balanced meals and other factors may contribute to fatigue.

How do people cope with cancer treatment-related fatigue?

Everyone experiences fatigue differently. You may not feel tired while someone else does or your fatigue may not last as long as someone else's does. Here are some tips to help you cope with fatigue:

• Plan your day so that you have time to rest.
• Eat as well as you can and drink plenty of fluids.
• Take short walks or do light exercise if possible.
• Try easier or shorter versions of activities you enjoy.
• Try activities that are less strenuous, like listening to music or reading.
• Keep a diary of how you feel each day. This will help you plan your daily activities.
• Rest and sleep are important, but don't overdo it. Too much rest can decrease your energy level. In other words, the more you rest, the more tired you may feel. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor or nurse.
• Spread your activities throughout the day. Take rest breaks between activities. Rest breaks save energy for the things you want to do.
• Let others help you with meals, housework, or errands.
• Do not force yourself to do more than you can manage.

How can I talk with my partner about my cancer treatment-related fatigue?

• Be open and honest with your partner.
• Talk with your partner in a place where you are both comfortable (like the bedroom, kitchen, yard, on a walk, out on the porch, etc.) Make sure there are no distractions.
• Calmly share with your partner your thoughts, feelings, and ideas about your fatigue.
• Ask for your partner's thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
• Together with your partner, develop a plan to combat your fatigue like calling the doctor or nurse, doing activities together, or decreasing the demands on your energy, etc.

What symptoms should you report to the nurse?

Call your doctor or nurse if:

• You feel weary or exhausted.
• Your body, especially your arms and legs, feel heavy.
• You have less desire to do normal activities like eating or shopping.
• You find it hard to concentrate or think clearly.

Who can I call for more information?

• Contact your health care providers.
• Contact the American Cancer Society at http://www.cancer.org/.
• Contact the National Cancer Institute at http://cancer.gov/cancerinformation.

  This information was conducted in affiliation with the Walther Cancer Institute, Indianapolis, IN