Main Menu
Understanding Healthcare
Fatigue
FatigueWhen Ivy Phillips is able to take a break during the workday, she enjoys walking through the park near her office.“They have a lot of nice, defined spaces with beautiful scenery and foliage that I can kind of walk through. Ithelps me to clear my mind. It helps me to not think about what’s going on.”-Ivy, PatientWhat’s “going on” is Ivy’s third battle against cancer. Over her years of treatment, she’s learned a lot about copingwith side effects. Among them: fatigue. Ivy’s walks in the park help keep her energy level up.“The movement is good for you. I’m just enjoying the scenery and letting my body do what it does.”-Ivy, PatientAmong all side effects of cancer treatment, fatigue is the most common.“I tell every person getting cancer treatment that they’re going to have fatigue, that fatigue is inevitable withcancer treatment.”-Dr. Stephanie Blank, MD, Oncologist“Cancer-Related Fatigue” is different from general “tiredness” – in several ways: it can come on withoutwarning; it is not tied to a certain level of activity or exertion; it can be brought on by the most simple tasks;and just “resting” does not usually help.“The fatigue related to cancer is like a fatigue that none of us have ever experienced unless we've gone throughcancer.”- Dr. Stephanie Blank, MD, OncologistSometimes, the cause of cancer-related fatigue is clear. For example: treatment can lead to Anemia, or low redblood cell counts. Red blood cells carry oxygen - so too few mean not enough energy to meet your needs. Certaintreatments affect your Thyroid Gland, which controls metabolism – and affects your energy level. And somemedications meant to reduce side effects, like nausea, may contribute to fatigue.“It’s important to mention fatigue to your doctor, because something such as having low thyroid, or anemia, canbe treated and can be made better.”- Dr. Stephanie Blank, MD, OncologistBut in many cases the cause is not clear.“We like to promote a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and protein and grains.”Still there are things you can do to help reduce fatigue. First: good nutrition. Make sure you are taking in enoughcalories. Cancer treatment often causes you to lose your appetite – so you may need to find creative solutions.Meeting with a nutritionist can help. Also – avoid caffeine: although it perks you up, that boost is short-lived, andPage 1 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCON1001598 EN Fatigue.pdf© The Wellness NetworkFatiguemay be followed by a drop in your energy level. What’s more, taking in too much caffeine during the day mayinterfere with how well you sleep at night. And good sleep is key to coping with cancer-related fatigue. Regularphysical activity is important as well. It doesn’t have to be vigorous. Simply going for a walk can be beneficial.“If you are not active, it makes you tired, so exercise can help with fatigue; it can help with sleep; so, I mean,there is a lot of good that exercise can do for you.”- Dr. Stephanie Blank, MD, OncologistTrack your energy level by keeping a journal. Note when you feel the most fatigued and when you have the mostenergy. You can then schedule your activities accordingly.“If you know for example you're always going to be tired at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, don't plan bigmeetings at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.”- Dr. Stephanie Blank, MD, OncologistTry to take short naps or periods of rest throughout the day: 30 minutes or less at a time. But keep in mind thattoo much rest, for too long, can actually make you more tired. Aim to take those breaks before the fatigue hits getting ‘ahead of it,’ rather than letting it control you - and your activities. That’s what Ivy tries to do.“I deal with my fatigue now by managing my time as best as possible. So, I’m getting breaks when I needthem, and naps when I need them.”-Ivy, Patient“Use your common sense and try to, you know, live a life that will not compound your fatigue. Treating sideeffects is as important as treating your cancer.”- Dr. Stephanie Blank, MD, OncologistPage 2 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCON1001598 EN Fatigue.pdf© The Wellness Network
Featured in
Watch this video for a checklist on how to take NSAIDS safely.
After viewing this video, you will know what a hospitalist does, and how they can help you in your healthcare journey.
Watch this video to learn why it's important to get a second opinion.
After viewing this video, you will know what an oncologist does, and how they can help you in your healthcare journey.
