Managing Cancer Fatigue

Do not confuse fatigue with tiredness. The fact is everyone gets tired, and usually with a good night’s sleep you’ll be as good as new. Cancer fatigue however can be described (at its worst) as a draining, unrelenting exhaustion that’s not relieved by rest or sleep.

It can impede your ability to carry out daily activities and enjoy life. Many find this to be most distressing symptom affecting people with cancer.

There are many factors that could contribute to cancer related fatigue. Cancer fatigue can result from the cancer itself or side effects of treatment(s).

The factors causing your cancer fatigue might be completely different from those of someone else, this makes it hard to identify specific factors. Among the possible contributing factors are:

• Your cancer. Cancer wrecks havoc on your body’s system which can lead to fatigue. For example, some cancers release toxins and proteins like cytokines, which promotes inflammation and causes fatigue. Cancer cells also compete with your healthy cells for nutrients, weakening your muscle and organs. Cancer also alters your hormone levels which might lead to fatigue.
• Cancer treatment. Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, bone marrow transplantation, etc all comes with unwanted side effects. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are meant to remove cancer cells. However they also destroy healthy cell which might lead to side effects like fatigue. When this happens, your body would need to expend additional energy to repair the damage caused, which further drains your body.
• Anemia. You might develop this if too many of your healthy red blood cells are destroyed in the process of the treatment. This could also happen if the cancer has spread to your bone marrow, interfering with blood cells production, etc.
• Emotions, stress, anxiety.
• Lack of sleep. This could be due to you sleeping less at night or if your sleep is often interrupted.
• Poor nutrition. When you have cancer, this could change your body’s need for nutrients and affect your ability to process them. This leads to poor nutrition with results in fatigue. You may also be eating less due to waning appetite and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting.
• Medications. Certain medications can cause fatigue.
• Hormonal changes.

Not everyone who has cancer experiences fatigue. And if you do experience fatigue, the intensity could vary from a mild lack of energy to feeling completely wiped out.

Similarly with the length experiencing fatigue. It could either happen periodically and last for a short while or it could last for months on end.

The best way to overcome cancer fatigue is to get to the underlying cause. Problem is it’s hard to identify the exact cause and there might be multiple causes. For certain causes like anemia and hypothyroidism, there are medical interventions to help. For other causes, here are some tips you could use to manage and deal with cancer fatigue:

Plan ahead and organise task accordingly

• Pace yourself when going through activities, do not rush
• Schedule in frequent rest (before fatigue sets in)
• Delegate when necessary
• Prioritise on important task (conserve your energy otherwise)
• Be willing to accept help from someone who can help you with chores, cooking, driving when you’re not up for it

Practise proper body mechanics

• Use chairs with good support when sitting
• Try to work without having to bend over. Adjust work heights accordingly
• Do not carry heavy loads. Either carry multiple smaller loads or use a tool (i.e. cart, etc)
• Breathe evenly, do not hold your breath
• Alternate between sitting and standing

Go for regular light exercises

• It may take considerable effort to get up and move around, however light physical activities can actually reduce fatigue
• Start slowly and give your body time to adjust
• Example of light exercises: walking, stationary bike, etc
• Try to engage in some light exercise, everyday or every other day

Manage stress

• Know your limitations and adjust your expectations accordingly. Placing additional stress on yourself would only worsen the situation.
• Help loved ones understand and support you. Communicate your needs and feelings.
• Do relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation or visualisation to help you reduce stress
• Distract yourself from the fatigue. Listen to your favourite music, watch a funny movie, play some games on your phone, etc.

Drink more water/ fluids

• This is to prevent dehydration and keep your energy levels high
• Fluids include soup (bone broth), milk, juice, etc
• Avoid alcohol and beverages with caffeine or stimulants
• If experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, increase fluid intake accordingly

Cut down on sugar and junk food

• They provide zero nutritional value
• Might contain toxins, GMO, chemicals (look out for hydrogenated fats, high fructose corn syrup, etc)
• Instead go for fresh whole fruits and vegetables (preferably organic)