Tiredness/Fatique - Side effect to cancer treatment

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Tiredness is the most common symptom of being ill, and the most common side effect of the treatment. Usual tiredness disappears after rest or sleep, but this is not the case with tiredness due to illness or treatment. This particular type of tiredness is called fatique.

There is not always a connection between what and how much you do, and how tired you feel.

Being tired can be limiting to your daily life, and can affect your mood.

After completing the treatment the tiredness will gradually subside, but it varies a great deal how long this will take. In some cases fatique will never disappear completely.

Your illness
The treatment
Nausea
Pain
Fever
Anemia
Shortness of breath
Worry, stress and insecurity
Insomnia
If you eat or drink insufficiently
If you are physically inactive

What you can do

Fatique is a common side effect to the treatment. You will not always have the energy to do what you're used to.

Incorporate time to rest in your planning

Be open about your tiredness, and tell others what they can do to help

Routines give structure to your daily life, and can divert your thoughts.

Prioritise what is most important to you

Create a balance between what you need - and what you want to do

Eat and drink foods that are high in energy and protein, if your appetite is reduced and you are losing weight. Ask the nursing staff for guidance.

Go for a walk or a bike ride (for example an excercise bike) - every day. Three 10-minute walks during the day have as much effect as one 30-minute walk. Even a short walk can give you renewed energy, and a natural tiredness.
Make appointments with friends or family to get out every day
Be physically active as much as you can. Do as much as possible - a little is better than nothing.

Rest or sleep for 30 minutes. But do not rest or sleep more than you are still able to sleep at night.
Take short and frequent rests rather than one long one
Drink a hot, milky drink or camomile tea at bedtime. Avoid coffee, black tea and alcohol as they contain stimulants which cause insomnia.

Help to do the shopping, domestic chores and gardening
Cook dinner, serve food and drink, and keep you company at mealtimes
Join you for walks

Contact

In case of any questions. Please contact the Oncology Department. Telephone number are on your contact card., or go to:

Tiredness/Fatique - Side effect to cancer treatment

Often there are several reasons why you feel tired

What you can do

Accept that you are tired

Incorporate time to rest in your planning

Be open about your tiredness, and tell others what they can do to help

Establish routines in your everyday life

Prioritise what is most important to you

Create a balance between what you need - and what you want to do

Food and drink

Physical activity

Rest and sleep

How can family and friends help?

Contact