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Cancer Fatigue: How to Control It

Dated : 19th February 2015

In the previous blog, I mentioned about what cancer fatigue is and some causes of it. Now, I'm going to tell you about how to control it. First of all, you should consult your doctor if it's persistent and its making you weak and you are unable to perform your daily tasks. (Some cancer fatigue is expected to begin treatments, so make sure and wait to see if it goes away).

Once you go to the doctor, they'll ask you questions about your fatigue in order to determine what to do next like x-rays or blood tests. However, the doctor will most likely suggest multiple methods in order to reduce your cancer fatigue.

The most recommended methods by the doctors will be self-care, medications, and medical procedures. Since cancer fatigue can be caused by many different issues, medication is most likely a solution. The reasons of fatigue can be anemia, depression, or lack of sleep which can all be helped by medications. As for self-care, there are many ways to personally reduce your cancer fatigue if it is not necessary to take medication. You can maintain your energy by drinking plenty of fluids and eating healthy. Stuff like caffeine or fatty foods don't help your body when it's trying to fight off something as dangerous as cancer. When you do have some energy, try doing some light workouts. By working out every day, you can keep up your energy and be in a routine while undergoing treatments. Also, try to relax! It may be a difficult time, but take some time to yourself every once in a while to just breathe.

Works Cited

1. "Cancer." Fatigue: Why It Occurs and How to Cope. Mayo Clinic Staff, 30 July 2014. Web. 19 Feb. 2015. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-fatigue/art-20047709.

2. Mandal, Dr. Ananya, MD. "What Are Cytokines?" News-Medical.net. News Medical, 11 Dec. 2009. Web. 19 Feb. 2015. http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Cytokines.aspx.

3. N.d. ALEXANDER C. CHESTER, MD. Web. 19 Feb. 2015. http://alexandercchestermd.com/category/conditions/chronic-fatigue.