Dealing with Symptoms - Fatigue

Fatigue | Eating Problems | Nausea | Hair Loss | Sore Mouth and Throat | Dry Mouth | Sleep Disturbances | Bowel Problems | Anxiety | Depression | Breathing Difficulties

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of cancer.  Fatigue or tiredness has many causes and may be a direct result of the cancer itself, may be caused by depression brought on by the diagnosis, or may be the result of other physical abnormalities like anemia, pain, or the inability to eat properly.  Tiredness may also be a side effect of common cancer treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy.

Fatigue is frustrating.  Those who were once active may find it difficult to do everyday activities, like grocery shopping or playing with the children or grandchildren.  Just getting out of bed in the morning may seem like an insurmountable task to someone who’s suffering from fatigue caused by cancer or cancer treatments.  Tiredness may cause confusion or make it difficult to concentrate.  It might result in dizziness or breathlessness, even when performing easy tasks.  You may lose your interest in sex or cry at the drop of a hat.  Your relationship with your family may suffer.

While the effects of being tired all the time may seem insurmountable for someone with mesothelioma, there are some tried and true ways that might assist in helping you handle this very real aspect of your cancer and cancer treatment.

If you’re currently working and your employer understands the implications of your disease and is flexible, there are a number of things you can do to ease your burden.

• If possible, ask if you can work from home.  Even healthy people do this, and with today’s modern technology, it’s easy to stay in touch with your workplace.
• If you think you can make it to work but your job involves strenuous activity, ask your employer if he/she can find you an opportunity with the company that involves less strenuous tasks.
• Consider changing your hours, if possible, to times when you won’t be fighting heavy traffic, which can be extremely stressful if you’re tired.
• If you begin to feel overwhelmed, ask colleagues for help.

If you don’t work outside the house, you still may need to find some ways to manage the everyday tasks that may seem simple to others. 

• Plan your day (or week) so as not to be overwhelmed by too many tasks in a short period of time.  For example, don’t try to clean the house and go to the market on the same day.
• Ask for help in completing tasks that were once your sole responsibility.  You may be surprised at how many friends and family members are eager to pitch in.
• When doing tasks around the house, sit down as much as possible.  Take time to rest between chores.

Exercise plays an important role in fighting fatigue.  While exercising is the last thing you might feel like doing, studies show that even a short walk around the block will help you to feel more energized.  Include some light exercise in your daily regimen.

Lastly, be sure to talk to your doctor honestly about your fatigue.  He or she may be able to do something to help relieve your tiredness or simply assure you that what you’re feeling is normal.