How to Manage Cancer-Related Fatigue
I only recommend products I have used or would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains certain affiliate links or discount codes that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to support the OncoPelvic PT mission. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
You take naps. You go to bed early and get up late. You try loading up on coffee. But no matter what you do, you can’t shake the feeling of overwhelming fatigue.
If this sounds like you and you’re a cancer survivor, you may be experiencing cancer-related fatigue (CRF).
Fatigue is the most common symptom experienced by cancer survivors (almost 65% of people living with cancer) and can be not only distressing but very disruptive to your daily life. CRF isn’t just, “Oh, I did heavy yard work out in the heat today” tired; the severity and persistence of it aren’t proportional to the recent activity you’ve done or how much sleep you get. It differs from other types of fatigue in that it can’t be fixed by sleeping more.
CRF can be related to treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Although the true mechanism of CRF hasn’t been confirmed, it likely involves several different processes. One thing we do know is that exercise is the best medicine for treating CRF.
There is no documented best exercise program to combat CRF, but cancer survivors should aim for 150 minutes each week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise, 2 days per week of strength training, and flexibility exercises on days when aerobic or resistance exercises are not completed. People living with cancer who participate in at least 3-5 hours of moderate activity weekly may have better outcomes and fewer side effects – including CRF.
Moderate aerobic exercises will raise your heart rate and make you breathe faster. A quick and easy way to tell if you’re in the moderate intensity range is if you can talk but not sing. Some examples of moderate exercise include brisk walking, light effort on a stationary bicycle, water aerobics, dancing, and light effort on an elliptical.
Other treatment options that may help treat CRF include:
Developing a specific exercise plan for you. Work with a physical therapist on this one.
Energy conservation. This includes things like using a shower chair, sitting while you’re doing your hair or makeup, and splitting up your chores throughout the day (or over several days).
Optimal nutrition and hydration. Work with a dietician to make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs.
Supporting mental health with cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, support groups, changing coping strategies, and stress management.
Yoga
Some treatment options that are not recommended or don’t have enough research to support are:
Medication stimulants
Antidepressants
Supplements: ginseng, L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, mistletoe extracts, astragalus, and guarana
Acupuncture
Set yourself up for success by working with a physical therapist, especially one who is experienced in working with cancer survivors. They will perform an assessment on the first day to determine your overall strength, flexibility, range of motion, balance, posture, mobility, endurance, and more. Once the exam is complete, they will provide you with a treatment plan which may include strength, aerobic, flexibility, and balance exercises. Check out the OncoPelvic PT Amazon Storefront for exercise equipment.
So when you want to rest and take a nap, go for a walk instead to combat that fatigue!
