Things you can do

Fatigue is a sense of tiredness that doesn't seem to go away, even with rest or sleep. It often happens along with other symptoms, such as pain or poor sleep. You may feel fatigued during cancer treatments, right after treatments, or even for months after treatment.

Even as your cancer treatments are working and you are getting better, you may feel exhausted. Feeling fatigued does not mean that your cancer is getting worse or that your treatment isn't working.

Symptoms such as pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and nausea can cause fatigue. Talk to your doctor about treatments for these symptoms. He or she will also be able to help you if your tiredness is from anemia, medicines you are taking, or other health problems.

Rest and activity

Home treatment may help to relieve fatigue caused by cancer or the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. If your doctor gives you instructions or medicines to treat fatigue, be sure to follow them.

• Get extra rest while you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Let your symptoms be your guide. Fatigue is often worse at the end of treatment or just after treatment is completed.
• Manage your energy. You can plan ahead to make the most of the energy you have.^{footnote 1}
  • Set priorities. Make a list of the most important things you need to do.
  • Keep a list of the things that are less important for when you have help or someone offers help.
  • Pace yourself. And take extra rest when you need it. Fatigue usually has a pattern. Watch to see what time of day you have the most energy.
  • Plan the activities that require the most energy for when you have the most energy. For example, if you feel best in the morning and taking a shower is at the top of your list, plan to take your shower in the morning.
  • Use labour-saving devices. This may mean having a bedside commode or using a raised toilet seat. Or this may mean using grabbing tools or a walker.
• Alternate rest with physical activity. Gradually increasing your activity may help. But exercise may not be good for some people who have cancer, such as those who have a fever or who have anemia. So before you exercise, talk with your doctor to see if exercise is okay for you. Walking, swimming, and yoga are all good activities to help reduce fatigue.
• Eat foods that will give you a balance of calories, protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Be sure to drink enough fluids. Try nourishing soups, which are easier to digest. Reduce your use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, which contribute to fatigue.
• Get a good night's sleep.^{footnote 1}
  • Go to bed when you are sleepy. Try to set routine times to go to bed at night and get up in the morning. If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes after you first go to bed (or if you wake during the night), get out of bed and do something else until you feel drowsy.
  • Avoid long naps or naps in the late afternoon. And limit your total time in bed.
  • Avoid caffeine after noon.
  • Make your bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable.
  • Relaxation training may help. So can cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) that is designed to improve sleep quality.
  • For a child with cancer, having a set bedtime and a routine helps with sleep. Like adults, children need a bedroom that is comfortable. Having a familiar blanket, toy, or other security object that the child can take to bed is also helpful.

There also is some evidence that complementary therapies can help with sleep and reduce fatigue. These include:^{footnote 2}

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with relaxation and guided imagery.
• Massage therapy.
• Muscle relaxation.
• Stress reduction based on mindfulness.
• Yoga.

If your doctor says you may exercise, you can begin to build your strength, energy, and fitness. Even moderate walking has been shown to improve body image, increase physical strength, and reduce anxiety and depression.^{footnote 1} For adults who have breast cancer or prostate cancer, aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling, has been shown to ease fatigue during and after treatment.^{footnote 3}

Emotional wellness

Fatigue from cancer treatment is often the hardest part of treatment for most people. It may affect your sense of well-being. Many people who have fatigue with cancer treatments report feeling anxious or depressed. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you are having a problem with these kinds of feelings. Your doctor may be able to help. There also are some things you can do at home to feel better.

• Take time for yourself to do the things that you enjoy, such as listening to music, spending time with friends, or having a massage. Spend time in ways that restore you, such sitting by a garden or a park.
• Deal with emotional problems instead of ignoring or denying them. This may mean talking to your doctor, a friend, or a counsellor.
• Talk with other people who have had cancer. Your local Canadian Cancer Society chapter can help you find a support group.

Watch for symptoms during home treatment

If one or more of the following symptoms occur during home treatment, contact your doctor:

• New symptoms develop along with the weakness and fatigue.
• Depression or anxiety becomes a problem.
• Symptoms of weakness or fatigue increase despite home treatment.
• Symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of home treatment.
• Symptoms become more severe or more frequent.