| Q: |
Does chemotherapy cause fatigue? Does smoking increase
fatigue? |
| A: |
Both cancer and cancer treatments cause fatigue for various
reasons. During chemotherapy, many patients report fatigue the
first 2 days after treatment and then again 10-14 after
treatment when the blood counts are low. After chemotherapy, it
may take up to 6 months to gain back strength for living. There
are some interventions however, that may improve strength and
quality of life during treatment. Many patients find that a
daily journal noting times when they feel energetic and when
they are fatigued will reveal a pattern that recurs each day and
during each cycle of treatment. This will help them to plan
activities and restful periods (e.g. short naps). Think of
energy as money in a bank.There is only so much energy today,
therefore, plan how to use it. It's helpful to make a list of
the things you need to do and what you LIKE to do (what gives
you a good feeling). Ask family members or friends to help you
with chores and errands. A walking program, beginning with 5-10
minutes and inceasing to 40 minutes each day, helps your body
stay conditioned and produce energy. In studies with women with
breast cancer, consistent exercise and a support group proved
beneficial in reducing their fatigue and other symptoms as well
as enabling them to return to work more quickly. Being in a
natural environment such as in a park, garden, or on the beach,
may also help to restore mental energy. Be sure to wear
sunscreen and wear protective clothing, however, since you may
develop a sunburn more easily. A diet that includes fruits,
vegetables, and whole grains provides fuel for your body. Be
sure to talk to your nurse or doctor about cancer
treatment-related fatigue and ask about appropriate treatment.
Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen absorbed into the
bloodstream and may cause shortness of breath or feeling
"winded" with exertion. It is unknown how much smoking
contributes to the fatigue, however it is beneficial to quit
smoking. Talk with your doctor or nurse about smoking cessation
programs in your area.
|
| Q: |
How do people describe cancer treatment-related fatigue? |
| A: |
Individuals with cancer describe fatigue as weakness;
exhaustion; tiredness; a lack of energy; sleepiness; drowsiness;
confusion; impatience. Others have described fatigue as just
don't feel like myself; feeling drained after activities like
cooking a meal or taking a shower. Other words to describe
cancer treatment-related fatigue are weary; all-in; worn-out;
pooped; low blood; listlessness; no peep; no energy; a strong
desire to stop and rest, a strong desire to lie down or sleep.
|
| Q: |
How many years can cancer treatment-related fatigue last?
Has there been any research into the cause and treatment of
cancer treatment-related fatigue?
|
| A: |
Some people may experience fatigue for a year or longer
after their treatment. It varies with the individual and with
the duration of their treatment. The longer the person is
undergoing treatment the longer their fatigue may last. Although
there have been studies completed on the correlation between
exercise and fatigue there is a need for additional research in
this area. Mild to moderate exercise has been found to be
beneficial in managing fatigue. Research continues on the causes
and contributing factors of cancer treatment-related fatigue.
Known factors that contribute to fatigue include inactivity,
anemia, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, insomnia,
electrolyte or hormonal imbalances and medication interactions.
Talk with your doctor about your fatigue. He or she can
determine if there is an existing medical condition responsible
for your fatigue or if it is the result of the previously
mentioned factors.
|
| Q: |
Is there any treatment for cancer-related anemia and
fatigue? |
| A: |
Medical treatments for cancer-related anemia include blood
transfusion and medication. Rest, exercise and lifestyle
modifications can also help alleviate the fatigue. If you think
you may be suffering from this condition, consult with your
doctor as to what treatments are most appropriate for you.
|
| Q: |
Should I talk to my employer about my fatigue? |
| A: |
It is essential for patients to communicate with employers
and co-workers about cancer fatigue to generate a supportive and
productive work environment. Click here
to learn about ways to talk to your employer and to gain
Strength in the Workplace.
|
| Q: |
What are the symptoms of anemia? |
| A: |
Anemia is caused when not enough red blood cells are
produced by the body. In people with cancer, anemia can be
caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy or the cancer itself.
If you think you may be suffering from anemia, consult with your
doctor.
|
| Q: |
What can family or significant others do to help with cancer
treatment-related fatigue? |
| A: |
Do not push yourself to do more than you can do. Ask your
family or friends to help you with tasks you find difficult or
taxing, like mowing the lawn or grocery shopping. It may be
difficult for family members to understand if rest does not make
your fatigue go away. Explaining that the fatigue you feel is
different from the fatigue you had before treatment may help
them understand.
|
| Q: |
What causes cancer treatment-related fatigue? |
| A: |
The cause of cancer treatment-related fatigue is not fully
known. Problems like low blood count, sleep disruption, stress,
eating enough, along with other factors may contribute to
fatigue.
|
| Q: |
What happens when you experience cancer treatment-related
fatigue? |
| A: |
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 reading, watching television, even talking with
family members. You may find that you are not able to do all the
activities you did before cancer treatment.
|
| Q: |
What is anemia? |
| A: |
Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen to
cells and tissues in the body for energy. Anemia is a condition
in which there are not enough functional red blood cells to meet
the body's demand for oxygen. Anemia can occur as a result of
many different diseases or disorders that affect the production
or activity of red blood cells.
|
| Q: |
What is cancer treatment-related fatigue? |
| A: |
A feeling of tiredness, often more severe than the tiredness
healthy people experience. It is seen in people who have
surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy or other forms of
cancer treatment.
|
| Q: |
What symptoms should you report to the nurse? |
| A: |
Call your nurse if you:
get dizzy
feel a loss of balance when walking
fall or hurt yourself
have a problem waking up
have a problem catching your breath
have a sudden increase in fatigue
|
| Q: |
When is rest not the best treatment for cancer
treatment-related fatigue? |
| A: |
You may be advised to "take it easy" and "get plenty of
rest." Sometimes staying in bed over a long time can slow your
body down and cause you to feel more tired.
|
| Q: |
Who can I call to get more information? |
| A: |
Contact your oncology nurse.
|
