Fatigue

Reasons for tiredness and fatigue:

• The body needs greater energy, as the cancer uses up the usual energy supply. Cancer treatments, infections and fever may also drain energy resources. Less energy remains for daily activities.
• Surgery for cancer may cause fatigue.
• Cancer cells release toxic products when they are killed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These products can cause fatigue.
• Poor appetite, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, pain, nausea or vomiting, breathlessness, lack of physical activity, and low blood counts can all add to fatigue.
• Low red blood cells, called anemia, can cause fatigue. See the Anemia section of this guide for more information.
• Travelling to the cancer centre or hospital can be tiring, and can add to fatigue.
• Worrying about the cancer, and what may happen, can also worsen the fatigue.

Signs of fatigue:

• Feeling tired or weak
• Lack of appetite
• Difficulty walking short distances or climbing stairs
• Difficulty doing everyday activities, such as cooking or showering
• Trouble with speaking, thinking or making decisions. 
• Trouble concentrating when reading or watching television
• Feeling depressed, sleepy, bored or no motivation. 
• No interest in sex

What should I do if I notice any of these symptoms?

If you have some of these symptoms, you should tell your doctor or nurse at your next visit. There may be a treatment that could reduce the fatigue. You may need some extra help in the home while you are tired. You should also let your employer as well as friends and family know you are tired; they may be able to help you once they understand about your fatigue.

When you have fatigue:

Do:

• Tell your healthcare team
• Ask for help and information
• Report pain and other symptoms
• Get a good night's sleep
• Balance periods of activity and rest
• Do light exercise such as a short walk; increase gradually
• Join a support program
• Keep up activities that you enjoy and have fun
• Shorten social visits rather than giving them up Listen to music
• Enjoy nature, pets and other surroundings
• Seek help for family and/or work issues
• Talk to your doctor or ask to see a Social Worker if you are sad and teary for longer than 2 weeks
• Drink 8-10 glasses of fluids daily
• Keep coffee, tea, cola to 2 cups per day
• Eat small meals often - foods high in protein such as meat, cheese, fruits and vegetables
• Use milkshakes, puddings, yogurt as supplements
• Allow others to help with shopping and meal preparation
• Rest after treatments and when "blood counts" are low

Do not:

• Ignore pain or other symptoms
• Skip meals, or eat irregularly
• Keep problems or needs to yourself
• Overexerting or 'heavy' work
• Prolonged activity
• Spend all day in the bed or a chair
• Stop doing activities that you are able to do easily Ignore weight loss
• Refuse help and support
• Give up social activities altogether
• Take over the counter stimulants drugs
• Try to do activities that need long periods of concentration

Helpful Links:

Fatigue and Flu - Canadian Cancer Society

Mayo Clinic (U.S.A.)