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Spring 2017 issue

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You’re not the only one feeling extra tired

Ladies with blanketsCancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common and distressing side effect of cancer. It is “a physical, emotional and/or cognitive tiredness or exhaustion related to cancer or cancer treatment” that interferes with your daily activities, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

What are the signs of fatigue?

  • Feeling tired, and it doesn’t get better with sleep
  • Lacking energy to do normal daily activities
  • Your arms and legs feel heavy
  • Feeling confused
  • Having trouble remembering or concentrating
  • Having no energy or feeling weak

Cancer-related fatigue can last from months to years. In fact, it can even continue after treatment ends. So it’s very important to talk with your healthcare team about your fatigue. CRF is often caused by more than one thing. Some causes are the cancer and the cancer treatments themselves.

Others include:

  • Anemia (a low red blood cell count)
  • Pain
  • Emotional distress
  • Sleep problems
  • Medicines
  • Poor nutrition
  • Lack of exercise

Tips to help manage fatigue

If fatigue is not managed, it can affect mood, physical function, work, family, community activities and more. You and your care team will explore what causes your fatigue and define a plan to improve it.

Here are helpful suggestions for dealing with CRF from the American Cancer Society and Novant Health.

  • Balance rest and activity. Take short naps or rest breaks (30 minutes or less). Try to sleep seven to eight hours each night. Talk to your healthcare team about what’s causing your sleep disturbances.
  • Be active. Regular moderate daily walking is great. Our trained team members at Novant Health Cancer Wellness help develop the best type and amount of exercise for you.
  • Conserve energy. Each day, prioritize what is most important to get done. Plan ahead and ask for help.
  • Eat well. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water, and eat at least 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables a day. Novant Health’s oncology nutritionist can assist with getting in the proper nutrition and any problems associated with eating.
  • Reduce stress. Learn techniques to reduce stress like deep breathing, imagery, prayer and talking.

Know that you aren’t alone. We want to help you feel better. Novant Health Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center offers support groups, individual counseling, meditation and much more.

Contact cancer rehabilitation services at 704-384-6953.