Shall we talk about the unbearable fatigue that comes with cancer?

As someone who is battling cancer, do you sometimes feel unbearable fatigue and tiredness? Not just fatigue, but a fatigue that takes over your entire body, no matter how much sleep you get. Today we are going to talk about the extreme fatigue associated with this cancer, that is, Cancer Fatigue . This is something that affects many people, so it is very important to be aware of this.

What is Cancer Fatigue? How common is it?

Think about it, it's not like you've been working all day. It's much more than that. It's like your whole body and mind are going to be exhausted. You may feel physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. Sometimes this can go away in a few weeks, which we call ``acute''. But for some people, it can last for months or even years, which is called ``chronic cancer fatigue.'' This constant fatigue can be a major factor in reducing your happiness and quality of life, right?

Now, look at how common this is. Between 80 and 100 out of every 100 people with cancer will experience this cancer fatigue. That means a lot of people have this experience.

What are the symptoms of cancer fatigue?

You may feel very tired for no particular reason, or even after doing a small task. It's as if someone has sucked all the energy out of your body. Many people say that this tiredness doesn't go away no matter how much sleep or rest you get . Sometimes you may feel so exhausted that you don't even want to get out of bed. You may also have difficulty concentrating and your memory may be impaired.

Why does this cancer fatigue occur?

The exact cause has not yet been discovered. However, it is believed that cancer and its treatment play a role. Simply put, there could be several reasons.

How cancer causes fatigue

Imagine, when you have cancer in your body, your immune system is like fighting a war. It needs a lot of energy to fight this disease. That energy is taken from the reserves in your body. Therefore, it is normal for your body to feel tired.

There are other things:

• Daily activities: Some people try to continue their normal activities despite having cancer. While that is a good thing, it can be even more tiring when the body lacks the extra energy.
• Depression: It is normal to feel sad and anxious when you are diagnosed with cancer. There is a strong connection between this depression and fatigue. Sometimes depression can make you feel like you just want to sleep and not do anything.
• Insomnia: Feeling mentally and physically tired if you don't get at least 8 hours of good sleep at night and have a little rest during the day.
• Pain: Research has found that persistent, severe pain can increase fatigue.
• Stress: Thinking about illness, worrying about the future, household chores, and work can all cause a lot of stress. Whatever the cause, stress can increase fatigue.
• Tumor-induced “hypermetabolic” state: Cancer cells are like greedy children. They eat up nutrients in the body before normal cells do. This causes weight gain, loss of appetite, and increased fatigue.

How cancer treatment causes fatigue

When treating cancer, the drugs we give kill cancer cells, but sometimes they can also affect healthy cells. Here's what can happen:

• The way cells function changes.
• Inflammation occurs in the body.
• Vomiting, nausea, and dehydration occur.
• Hormone levels change.
• Tissues and cells are damaged.
• Red blood cells decrease, causing anemia .
• The production of chemicals called ``Cytokines'' increases (these are like signals from the immune system).

These are the treatments most commonly associated with cancer fatigue:

• Chemotherapy: Any chemotherapy drug can cause fatigue. This fatigue may last for a few days, during treatment, or even after treatment has finished.
• Radiation therapy: This can cause gradual fatigue. It starts to subside about 3-4 weeks after treatment ends and can last for 2-3 months.
• Immunotherapy: This involves stimulating your own immune system to fight cancer. This is also called biological therapy . The fatigue from this treatment can last from a few months to a year after the treatment ends.
• Stem cell (bone marrow) transplant: You may feel tired for about a year after this treatment.

What complications can this cause?

This ongoing cancer fatigue can be a major obstacle to your normal life and work . You may miss out on opportunities to enjoy time with friends and family. It can be difficult to concentrate and think clearly. Some people are so tired that they can't even keep up with their work. This is something that really takes away the joy of life.

How do doctors diagnose cancer fatigue?

When you go to see the doctor, he will examine you and ask you about this fatigue. He will ask you things like how long you have had it, is it constant or does it come and go, does it get worse when you do anything in particular, and what medications you take that make you feel more tired .

You may be asked to keep a daily journal to record your fatigue levels . This will help you identify when you feel most tired and what triggers it. You may also have blood tests to check for other problems, such as anemia or infections .

What are the treatments for cancer fatigue?

There is actually no specific cure for cancer fatigue. However, there are medications that can treat the underlying issues that cause fatigue.

For example, if you have anemia, your doctor will give you treatment to increase your red blood cells. If you have depression, you may be given antidepressants . But sometimes, because there are many causes of fatigue, it can be difficult to treat.

Palliative care can be a great help here. They can help you manage your symptoms and side effects. They can also connect you with psychological and spiritual support.

How can I manage this cancer fatigue?

Living with cancer fatigue is a challenge. However, there are a few things that can help you:

• Get into the habit of getting a good night's sleep: Go to bed at the same time every day. Keep your bedroom dark and quiet. It's good to take a short nap during the day, but don't nap for more than 30 minutes, or you'll have trouble falling asleep at night.
• Ask for help: Ask family and friends to help you bring groceries, cook meals, do household chores, and take care of the children. Don't be shy, it's normal to need help at this time.
• Reduce caffeine: Although things like tea and coffee can give you a short-term boost, they can also prevent you from falling asleep at night.
• Drink plenty of water: It's important to stay hydrated, especially if you're experiencing side effects like vomiting and diarrhea. Try to drink 64 ounces (about 2 liters) of water a day. (This doesn't include caffeinated drinks.)
• Eat a nutritious diet: Eat more protein-rich foods (fish, meat, eggs, milk, nuts, lentils). These help repair damaged tissues in the body. Cancer treatment can cause loss of appetite. If so, see a nutritionist and talk about ways to get the nutrition you need.
• Be careful with your medications: If you are taking any over-the-counter (OTC) medications or vitamins other than those prescribed by your doctor, tell your doctor. Some medications and vitamins may not work well with cancer medications.
• Get some exercise: This may sound surprising, but research shows that staying active is one of the best ways to combat fatigue . Walking outdoors and breathing fresh air can also help you feel better. Light exercises like yoga and tai chi can also help you sleep better.
• Get mental health support: Things like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you deal with your emotions, manage stress, and improve your sleep. Joining online support groups can also help.
• Use mind-body strategies: Research shows that practicing mindfulness , yoga, and acupuncture can reduce cancer fatigue. Massage therapy, meditation, and light martial arts such as Qigong and Tai Chi can also help.

What should I expect when I have cancer fatigue?

Cancer fatigue is not the same for everyone. For some, it goes away in a few weeks. For others, it can last for years. It can get better after cancer treatment, but in most cases, fatigue lasts for a while.

To give a few examples:

• Fatigue may persist for up to a year after bone marrow transplants .
• During radiation therapy, fatigue gradually increases. It should subside within a few months after treatment is stopped.
• After surgery , there is usually temporary fatigue, which goes away as you recover.
• The fatigue that comes from systemic treatments (medications that enter the bloodstream) comes and goes. You feel tired when you take the medication, and feel a little better when you take a break from the medication. You may feel tired again when you start treatment again. When the treatment is completely finished, your body needs to regain its strength.

Can cancer fatigue be prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely stop cancer fatigue. However, there are a few things you can do to help manage it better :

• Talk to your doctor: Cancer fatigue is a symptom of cancer itself. If you know you have cancer, don't be shy about telling your doctor if you're still tired despite all the rest you've had. He or she can guide you and help you manage fatigue before it takes over your life.
• Save your energy: Think of your body's energy as a bank. You store energy and take it back. You always need to keep a good balance.
• Keep a journal of your day: For about a week, write down the times of day when you have the most energy and the times when you are completely drained. Once you figure out what triggers your fatigue, it will help you stay less tired throughout the day.
• Watch for warning signs: Physical warning signs include stiff shoulders, tired eyes, tired legs, and a feeling of weakness. Mental warning signs include anxiety, impatience, frequent anger, restlessness, and inability to concentrate .

What should I keep in mind when living with cancer fatigue?

You may experience fatigue throughout your cancer treatment and for some time afterward. Depending on your condition, this can be a problem for a few months to a year. Since it’s a long time, it’s a good idea to have a structured plan for your life . This plan may include setting a schedule based on your priorities and taking control of your environment .

Setting priorities

Remember that energy bank I mentioned earlier? If you want to have energy when you need it, the key is to prioritize and pace yourself . Decide what's most important to you - whether it's work, family, friends, or household chores. Then do this:

• Prioritize the most important tasks: Use your energy to do the things that are most important to you.
• Pace yourself: It's better to do things one at a time than to rush through them all at once. Plan your day so that you have enough time and energy to complete your tasks. Try to do several tasks at once, even household chores, and find ways to do them together.
• Rest is essential: Take frequent short breaks. Don't wait until you're tired, rest when you feel like you're going to get tired. Not just when you feel like you can handle it.

Save energy and control your environment.

There are ways to prevent fatigue from building up in your body, which can increase cancer fatigue. Here are a few examples:

• Alternate between sitting and standing. When sitting, use a chair that has good support for your body.
• Arrange your work space so that you don't have to bend over to pick up things.
• Avoid strenuous activities. If you need to lift something, remember to bend at your knees and hips, not your waist.

When should I see the doctor?

If you have any of these things, definitely see your doctor:

• If you are too weak to get out of bed.
• If you have mental changes such as depression or anxiety.
• If you feel anxious or have memory problems.
• If there is severe pain.
• If you have difficulty breathing.
• If the side effects of cancer treatment (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite) cannot be controlled.

The most important thing to remember (Take-Home Message)

When you live with a chronic illness like cancer, it's normal to face many challenges. Cancer fatigue is one such condition. It's understandable to feel tired when you're battling cancer. Cancer treatment can be physically and mentally draining. However, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about how cancer fatigue is affecting your life. There are steps you can take to help you get back on track. You're not alone, ask for help, and stay strong.

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