Fatigue with secondary breast cancer

Cancer fatigue has come to be recognised as one of the most common and distressing symptoms of secondary cancer. Everyone knows what it feels like to be tired sometimes, but cancer fatigue can feel more severe and unrelenting. It has many causes, from psychological factors such as the stress of coping with the diagnosis to physical ones such as the side effects of treatment or the progression of the cancer.

Fatigue can have a significant impact on your ability to cope with your illness and your treatment. It can also affect your everyday activities and reduce your independence so that your quality of life is affected.

Each person’s experience of cancer fatigue is unique but the following suggestions may help you manage it.

• Tell your doctor about the fatigue, as its cause may be treatable.
• Plan your days so you have a balance of activity and rest.
• Try to have short achievable periods of physical activity each day, even if it is a short walk near to your home.
• If you are having a bad day, try to accept it and enjoy the good days.
• Take short naps throughout the day - start with a catnap to see how it affects your energy levels and nightime sleeping patterns.
• Prepare yourself for a special occasion by resting beforehand.
• Try to eat well. If your appetite is poor, choose high-calorie foods for energy.
• Choose relaxing activities such as watching TV or listening to music or a talking book.
• Accept offers of help from other people to save your energy for things you enjoy.