Cancer-related fatigue feels very different from everyday tiredness and it often hits without warning. Everyday activities — talking on the telephone, doing a load of laundry, even lifting a fork — can become daunting tasks. One cancer survivor describes it as “overwhelming,” another calls it “paralyzing” and it is not relieved by sleep. It is a debilitating condition that can seriously affect your health and quality of life.
The causes are not fully known but problems such as low blood counts, sleep problems, emotional stress, eating too little and lack of exercise may be linked to this type of fatigue.
CRF affects an estimated 78 to 96 percent of those undergoing cancer treatment. For patients getting chemotherapy in a cycle, CRF often peaks within a few days, then gets better until the next treatment, and then starts again. For patients getting radiation, CRF usually gets worse as the treatment goes on. The fatigue may last from three months to a year after treatment ends and even longer for those who have had bone marrow transplants.
• lack of energy or interest in doing daily activities;
• trouble concentrating;
• feeling negative, irritable, impatient or unmotivated;
• spending less attention on personal appearance;
• spending more time in bed or sleeping;
• feeling exhausted even after sleeping.
Many patients benefit from a customized therapeutic exercise program during and after cancer treatment. Occupational and physical therapists are trained to assess a patient’s physical condition to design an effective exercise plan that is appropriately paced.
Therapists can help a patient to understand when exercise should be avoided for medical reasons. They also teach clients how to perform activities of daily living and job tasks using energy conservation, good body mechanics and relaxation techniques. Physical activity can help reduce stress, improve endurance and reduce muscle wasting in people living with cancer. Successful strategies for coping with fatigue may positively influence a person’ s ability to undergo treatment, maintain a positive outlook and to continue to participate in meaningful roles and activities.
