News You Can Use Cancer and Fatigue
Fatigue is lack of energy and motivation that often occurs during or shortly after cancer treatment. Here are some common symptoms:
• General weakness or limb heaviness
• Lower concentration and attention
• More memory problems than usual
• Less interest in usual activities
• Difficulty completing daily tasks
• Insomnia or unrefreshing sleep
During cancer treatment, fatigue is normal. It does not mean the treatments are not working or the cancer is getting worse. Fatigue related to cancer is not always relieved with rest and does not always go away immediately when treatment ends.
Fatigue is a normal side-effect during and after cancer treatment.
A monthly newsletter from the Cancer Learning Center • April 2011 - Issue 69 Questions About Cancer?
Te Cancer Learning Center (CLC) gives you the answers you need—in person, by phone, or by e-mail. Te CLC library has more than 3,000 books, videos, CDs, and audiobooks on a variety of cancer topics that anyone can check out free. Talk one-on-one with trained and caring staff, or send an e-mail for answers to your cancer questions.
Visit the first floor of Huntsman Cancer Institute
patient.education@
hci.utah.edu
9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Free for everyone
Talk to your health care team about fatigue, especially if it keeps you from doing your daily tasks. Tey may recommend medicines to improve your energy level or help you sleep.
Tese techniques can help you manage fatigue:
Exercise. Exercise is the only proven fatigue-relief strategy. Even 15-30 minutes daily can help you feel more energetic. Choose activities you already enjoy such as walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga.
Conserve energy. Take time for breaks and short naps (less than one hour). Be sure to get a full night of sleep. Go to bed and wake up at the same times each day.
Eat and drink well. Eat frequent, small meals to help maintain your strength. Limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol. Keep a water bottle with you and sip water throughout the day. Sometimes diet changes can improve fatigue; consult a nutritionist.
Make a plan. Prioritize your tasks so you can be flexible when you have less energy. Allow yourself to take a slower pace and give some tasks to other people.
Beauty in the Building
This painting by Jossy Lownes can be seen in the 6th floor hall near the skybridge. Art in HCI buildings was donated for patients to enjoy. For more information about donating fine art to HCI, please contact Roni Whittle at
801-587-9315.
Yoga classes for current and former patients and their families
Tuesdays 5–6 p.m. Fridays 10–11 a.m.
For more information, call the Wellness Center at 801-587-4585
Call 1-888-424-2100 toll free Send e-mail to
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