Fatigue
Feeling tired — really tired — can be tied to a number of factors:
- The cancer itself
- Treatment of the disease
- The emotional aspects of coping with cancer and cancer pain
- Anemia (low levels of red blood cells)
If you are experiencing fatigue, you should know that this is a symptom for which you can and should seek help. If your doctor doesn’t ask you about fatigue, be sure to bring it up. That’s the best way to find and treat the cause.
Treating Fatigue
To determine whether there is an underlying physical cause, your doctor may order a blood test to find out if your red blood cell count is abnormally low (anemic). If you are anemic, there are treatment options available. Be sure to take only treatments prescribed by your doctor. Don’t try to treat yourself with over-the-counter medicines for “iron-poor blood.” These medicines have not proven to be helpful.
Coping with Fatigue
These tips can help you reduce your fatigue:
| * Take several short naps or breaks in a comfortable chair rather than in bed |
| * Take short walks or do some light exercise, if possible |
| * Try easier or shorter versions of the activities you enjoy |
| * Ask your family or friends to help you with tasks you find difficult or tiring |
| * Save your energy for things you find most important |
| * Talk to your oncology nurse. She can help you manage fatigue.
She can work with you to deal with any emotional or practical concerns that may be causing symptoms and help you develop ways to cope. |