Blood cancer related fatigue
For many people living with blood cancer, cancer related fatigue (CRF) is a side-effect that has an enormous impact on their quality of life.
How does cancer related fatigue differ from normal fatigue?
Cancer related fatigue is very different from normal, everyday tiredness and fatigue, where a good night’s sleep means you feel energised and refreshed the next day.
Despite sleeping for long periods, people with CRF wake feeling exhausted. They don’t have enough energy to face the things they need or want to do in their everyday life. This type of fatigue has a negative impact on day-to-day life.
Learn more about cancer related fatigue and how it differs to normal fatigue with Dr Mike Evans through the cancer related fatigue module on the Leukaemia Foundations Online Support Tool.
Symptoms
Cancer related fatigue symptoms may include:
Managing cancer related fatigue
Recognising that you have cancer related fatigue is a good first step. Let your treatment team know.
Talking about how your feeling can lead to resolving cancer related fatigue symptoms of:
- anaemia
- poor appetite
- stress and anxiety
Strategies that may help to reduce fatigue
Mind-body strategies that will help to reduce fatigue:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Use the ‘five Ps’ when feeling tired all the time
Exercise and fatigue
Exercising while having treatment can help with
- treatment tolerance,
- support you to maintain activities of daily living and
- ease some of the cancer related fatigue you might be experiencing.
Exercising if you are between or finished treatment can help with recovery. It can also help reduce the risk of further health issues. Participating in any movement or exercise provides the greatest benefits. Exercise can be:
- walking to the letterbox
- walking around the block
- housework
- gardening
- walking the dog
Studies show that staying active is one of the best ways to fight fatigue – the best slogan is move more. This book has some great ideas:
What can I do to help with cancer related fatigue?
Read more about cancer related fatigue in our learn module from the Online Support Service.
Map your energy levels throughout the day and across the week, to identify persistent low energy levels, and look for patterns in your energy levels using our energy coach.