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