Download - Fighting Fatigue When You Have Mesothelioma
Fighting Fatigue When You Have Mesothelioma
Dana Nolan, MS LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor
Definition of Fatigue
Fatigue is weariness or exhaustion from labor, exertion or stress.
Normal fatigue dissipates with periods of rest, stress management strategies or both.
Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF) lasts longer than normal fatigue and getting enough sleep doesn’t help. CRF is unpredictable.
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Incidence of Fatigue in Cancer Patients
National Cancer Institute reviewed research on
cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and found:
20-90 percent of patients on active treatment reported
CRF
20-80 percent of patients post-treatment reported CRF
National Cancer Institute (2014) FAQ Fatigue, Retrieved from:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/fatigue/patient/page1
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Symptoms of CRF
Desire to spend more time resting.
Too tired to cook, clean, work or engage in fun activities.
Feeling weary, tired and sleepy (even after adequate sleep).
Feeling heavy and exhausted from minimal movement or exertion.
Onset of fatigue can be sudden and overwhelming.
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Treatments That Cause CRF
Chemotherapy can cause fatigue for a few days
after treatment is some patients. Others
experience fatigue all through treatment and
into survivorship.
Radiation therapy causes cumulative fatigue as
treatment progresses week by week. It can last
for several months after treatment ends.
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Treatments That Cause CRF (Cont.)
Bone marrow treatment can lead to profound
fatigue up to one year after transplant.
Surgery can cause fatigue while the body heals
after the procedure.
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Other Contributors to CRF
Pain and pain medicine
Nausea and nausea medicine
Treatment-related weight loss (losing muscle
mass leads to fatigue)
Stress
Poor sleep (pain, nausea and stress affect sleep)
Depression is linked to fatigue
Anemia or other blood-component imbalances
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Combating CRF
If possible, find the cause of fatigue.
Treat anemia with iron supplements or transfusion.
If pain is keeping someone up all night, improve pain control.
Ration your energy
Think of your energy as a money. You are on a tight “energy
budget” when you have cancer.
This concept helps to prioritize when and where to spend your
energy and when to conserve it.
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Conserving Your Energy
Keep track of your energy ups and downs through
out the day, week or chemotherapy cycle.
Most people discover there are times when they
have more energy and plan activities during those
periods.
Schedule rest periods, don’t wait until you feel
fatigued.
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Conserving Your Energy (Cont.)
Avoid long, hot showers.
Ask for help with chores
like vacuuming, yard work,
laundry, etc.
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Role of Exercise in CRF
Regular mild to moderate exercise decreases fatigue
(Walking, yoga, light weight training).
Maintains muscle mass in legs and core.
Helps reduce pain.
Improves sleep.
Reduces stress.
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Managing Stress to Combat CRF
Challenge unrealistic expectations of
yourself.
Distraction (TV, movies, books, talking
to friends) keeps the mind from
focusing on problems and worries.
Relaxation
Support groups and counseling
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Nutrition
Not eating enough due to nausea
or lack of appetite contributes to fatigue.
Food = fuel for the body.
Protein rebuilds and repairs damage caused by cancer
treatments.
Seek consultation from an oncology registered dietitian for
personalized diet recommendations to combat fatigue.
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Conclusions
Fatigue is the most common side effect during and after cancer treatment.
Identify the cause of fatigue if possible.
Energy conservation, stress management, nutrition and exercise can help reduce fatigue
in mesothelioma patients.
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Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270