MANAGING YOUR CANCER TREATMENT-RELATED FATIGUE

MANAGING YOUR CANCER TREATMENT-RELATED FATIGUE


Factors that contribute to fatigue:



• Cancer itself


• Low blood cell counts


• Nutritional problems


• Sleep problems



SIGNS OF FATIGUE




• Feeling weary or exhausted. It may be physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion.


• Your body, especially your arms and legs, may feel heavy.


• Less desire to do normal activities such as eating or shopping.


• Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly



WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MANAGE YOUR FATIGUE




Rest


Rest and sleep are important, but don’t overdo it. Too much rest can decrease your energy level.



Activity


Stay as active as you can. Regular exercise, such as walking several times each week, may help. Set short-term goals for yourself (i.e., 10 minutes, two blocks), and then increase as you are able.



Nutrition


Drink plenty of liquids. Eat as well as you can, and eat nutritious foods. Carbohydrates and proteins are quick energy foods. Supplements, although nutritious, haven’t been proven to directly reduce fatigue.



Energy Conservation


You can do more by spreading your activities throughout the day. Take rest breaks between activities. Do not force yourself to do more than you can manage.



Energy Restoration


Do activities that you enjoy and make you feel good. Many people enjoy nature activities such as bird watching or gardening. Try listening to music, or visiting with friends and family, or looking at pleasant pictures. Try to do these activities at least three times per week.



SUGGESTED STRATEGIES FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION




Activities of Daily Living




• Sit down to bathe and dry off. Wear a terry robe instead of drying off.


• Use a shower/bath organizer to decrease leaning and reaching.


• Install grab rails in the bathroom.


• Use extension handles on sponges and brushes.


• Use an elevated toilet seat.

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  2. DIARRHEA ASSESSMENT
  3. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
  4. Principles of Symptom Management

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Mar 1, 2017 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on MANAGING YOUR CANCER TREATMENT-RELATED FATIGUE

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