20 Ways to Boost Your Energy With Nutrition

Fatigue Fighting Tips for cancer caregivers

How To Talk To Your Employer

How To Talk To Your Nurse

Managing Cancer Treatment-Related Fatigue in the Workplace Setting

Managing Your Cancer Treatment-Related Fatigue

Suggested Strategies for Energy Conservation

The Key to Delegation

Tips to Help Caregivers Manage their own Fatigue

 
Managing Your Cancer Treatment-Related Fatigue

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 treatments. Factors such as cancer itself, low blood counts, nutritional problems, and sleep problems contribute to fatigue, but the exact cause is not known.

Signs of Fatigue:
  • You feel weary or exhausted. It may be physical, emotional, and/or mental exhaustion.



     
  • Your body, especially your arms and legs, may feel heavy.

     
  • You have less desire to do normal activities like eating or shopping.

     
  • You may find it hard to concentrate or think clearly.
What You Can Do to Manage Your Fatigue:
  • REST
    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 will feel. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor or nurse.



     
  • ACTIVITY
    Stay as active as you can. Regular exercise like walking several times each week may help.

     
  • NUTRITION
    Drink plenty of liquids. Eat as well as you can, and eat nutritious foods.

     
  • ENERGY CONSERVATION
    You can do more by spreading 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.

     
  • ENERGY RESTORATION
    Do activities that you enjoy and make you feel good. Many people enjoy nature activities such as bird watching or gardening. Try listening to music, or visiting with friends and family, or looking at pleasant pictures. Try to do these activities at least three times per week.
Talk to Your Nurse . . .
  • If you have been too tired to get out of bed for the past 24 hours.

     
  • If you feel confused or cannot think clearly.

     
  • If your fatigue becomes worse.

Source:
Lynette Radke, RN, MS, OCNŽ,
Marshfield Cancer Center, Marshfield, WI.
Melissa Donofrio, RN, BA, OCNŽ,
Miller-Dwan Medical Center, Duluth, MN.
Marilyn Grainger, RN, MS, OCNŽ,
Regional Cancer Center, Waukesha, WI.
Rosanne Schultz, RN, MS, OCNŽ,
Lutheran Hospital, LaCrosse, WI.  
 

Lack of understanding within a family about cancer fatigue can lead to communication problems, resentment, and feelings of guilt.