|
One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments is fatigue. Cancer patients often describe themselves as feeling tired, weak, slow, worn-out or weary.Chronic fatigue is not completely relieved by getting rest and sleep and can quickly become overwhelming, affecting overall quality of life and inhibit relationships, work and destabilize cognitive and emotional stability. Read the following information on cancer treatment and fatigue to learn how you can combat fatigue and improve your quality of life.
Why do I feel fatigued?
Fatigue often occurs due to a combination of causes. Stress over the cancerous condition, certain medications to shrink the tumor, drugs for pain, depression, vomiting and seizures can cause tiredness. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments cause anemia, weight loss, loss of appetite, changes in metabolism and hormones, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing, loss of muscle strength, dehydration and a number of other things that can all work together and lead to an overwhelming fatigue.
What are Treatments for my fatigue?
Medication
A very effective treatment for chronic fatigue is a low doses of a psychostimulant, a drug that give a sense of wellbeing, decreases fatigue and increases appetite. It is important to only take psychostimulants for a short period of time since long term side effects include loss of appetite, nightmares, paranoid behavior, possible heart problems, sleeplessness, mood changes and euphoria.
Anemia Treatment
If anemia is causing your fatigue (which can be determined with blood tests) you may need a blood transfusion. Your doctor can also prescribe you epoetin alfa, a drug that causes the bone marrow in your body to produce more red blood cells. Before taking this type of drug discuss the possible health risks with your doctor, as it can shorten your life and encourage some tumors to grow faster.
Good ole' exercise
Walking and getting light to moderate exercise has a multitude of health benefits for the cancer patient, including less fatigue, less pain, an improved outlook, improved appetite and more physical energy.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Therapy can help ease a cancer patient's fatigue by helping them cope with stress, fear, negative attitudes, irregular sleep patterns and a lack of social support. Fatigue can be a symptom of depression, and therapy can help recognize and address the depression you may be suffering.
Scheduled rest
Setting a reasonable schedule with daily activities and allotting time for regular rest can help a cancer patient battle fatigue. Doctors encourage patients to schedule in one hour naps and not lying down for reasons other than to sleep allowing you to get better, more restful sleep at night.
Understanding your needs
While fatigue is a common side effect of cancer treatments, chronic tiredness can continue due to other factors. Cancer patient need to be aware of the difference between fatigue and depression, the medical causes of fatigue such as dehydration, low levels of electrolytes, anemia and breathing problems. Cancer patients need to be taught to participate in exercise programs, how to eat enough food and drink enough water and how to take care of themselves. Understanding general lifestyle needs can greatly reduce fatigue.
|
