fatigue of cancer

You feel tired? You do not know how to talk? Aware that this is a very common symptom, sometimes even regarded as an element of diagnosis.

You are being processed

Fatigue is almost constant, especially throughout chemotherapy. Its causes are multiple. The pain can extenuate you like the various treatments (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) you receive. But the anxiety, insomnia and depression can also exacerbate this fatigue, while reducing your motivation and being a source of problems with memory and concentration. Finally, infections may also increase the feeling of fatigue. For people undergoing radiotherapy, fatigue occurs mostly at the end of treatment. In all cases it is transient and must therefore arm yourself with patience.

You finished your treatment

You thought you could return immediately "form" as before. But here, you may still feel tired. You feel the "pump strokes. You do not recover even after a good night's sleep. This fatigue can last several weeks or months but eventually disappear. Know it is not in itself a sign of recovery from the disease. Fatigue is a very common complaint among treated or been treated for cancer. In a recent study, it is found in approximately 80% of patients, and among these, 90% say that the fatigue is so exhausting that it prevents them from pursuing their daily activities. Apart from some special cases where it is due to anemia or inadequate functioning of the thyroid or adrenal, we did not recognize a specific cause. It can be increased by a depression underlying. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor who may seek a precise cause fatigue and treat it.

According to many accounts, fatigue is a symptom minus by many physicians. Thus, it is often overlooked or undervalued. Thus, the painful sensation of not being able to live at a pace quite normal, there is often for the patient, some guilt. Above all, do not feel guilty about being tired. Know that fatigue, if sometimes unsustainable over time, will eventually fade and disappear. It has no pejorative meaning.

Are there treatments against fatigue?

There are no specific drugs for anemia unless it is due to anemia or a functional failure, thyroid or adrenal. If you eat properly and equitably, you do not need extra vitamins or trace elements.

However, there are "small means" that can be of great help

• return to work appropriately and progressive • rest, lying down or sitting when one feels the need, knowing that short rest periods are ideal for recuperation.

• balance his time sleeping. The nap can help you recover during the day. Do however, that it is too long, you would have difficulty getting to sleep at night. A whole night's sleep will help conserve your energy.

• ask for help with everyday tasks more taxing.

• Have regular physical activity. Adapt it to your personality and your condition: walking, gymnastics, swimming.

• The important thing is that this activity is regular and consistent with your capabilities. Yoga and relaxation are also good ways to recharge. Many people think that light physical exercise significantly reduce their fatigue levels. Feel free to ask your doctor the kind of exercise that suit you best.