Managing Side Effects-Fatigue
December 7, 2011
Managing Side Effects-Fatigue
If you or a loved one is facing cancer, it’s important to know that there are many new medical advances that can prevent or reduce treatment side effect.
The following overview of the side effects common to chemotherapy treatment will help you recognize symptoms easily and give you some tips for managing them.
Common Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment to kill cancer cells located anywhere in the body. Chemotherapy drugs work by killing rapidly dividing cancer cells. Unfortunately, these drugs also kill rapidly dividing healthy cells in the process, such as those in hair follicles and the lining of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. This leads to side effect, such as hair thinning or loss, diarrhea, nausea, and mouth sores. There are many different types of chemotherapy drugs used in various combinations or regimens. The side effects you experience will depend on the type and amount of chemo you receive.
Fatigue
Fatigue
Feelings of extreme tiredness and weakness are a common complaint among cancer patients. No matter what your level of fatigue, don’t ignore it as it can strongly affect quality of life. Symptoms are sometimes vague and may include:
· Low energy level and an increased need to rest after normal (not strenuous) physical activity
· Overall weakness with a heavy feeling in your arms and legs
· Difficulty completing daily activities
· Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
Having treatment-related tiredness doesn’t mean that your cancer is getting worse. Your fatigue may be caused by:
· Chemotherapy-related anemia
· Unrelieved pain
· Depression
· Lack of exercise
· Side effects of some medications
· Sleep disturbances
· Anxiety
· Low thyroid gland function
· Not getting proper nutrition
· Other medical problems
You made need treatment for a specific condition that is causing or contributing to your tiredness. Be sure to discuss any symptoms with your health care team.
You made need treatment for a specific condition that is causing or contributing to your tiredness. Be sure to discuss any symptoms with your health care team.
TIPS Managing Extreme Tiredness (Fatigue)
· Prioritize your activities to conserve energy. Schedule important activities earlier in the day when your energy levels are higher. Ask others to help you with less important tasks. Keep a diary to help you identify when your energy levels are high and low.
· Exercise daily, if possible. Exercise will increase your ability to expend energy and actually helps you to be more active while feeling less tired. Try to eat a nutritionally balanced diet. Food provides energy for your body. Discuss individualized exercise and your nutritional requirements with your health care team.
· Maintain a normal sleep routine. Too much or too little sleep can cause fatigue. Limit any daytime naps to between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Avoid caffeine after dinner.
· If you’re having difficulty sleeping, try relaxation techniques before bedtime. Take a hot bath, listen to music, meditate, pray, or use guided imagery. If these do not work, ask your doctor if a medication is appropriate for you.
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