Colon Cancer and Treatment Fatigue
Updated June 08, 2015.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Unfortunately, life doesn't come to a halt when you're diagnosed with colon cancer (although it may feel like it does): your job, family and social obligations continue, despite the fact that you now have to incorporate healing, treatment, and the associated side effects of treatment into your daily schedule. Whether fatigue stems from the disease itself, or is a side effect of treatment, there are many ways to deal with this life-altering symptom.
A very general term, fatigue is a fancy way of saying that you're feeling tired, or are perhaps even completely exhausted. While some cancer fatigue can be mild and bothersome, in more extreme cases it can be so severe that even dressing becomes a chore. Experts agree that cancer-induced fatigue is completely different from the fatigue occasionally experienced by someone without cancer, and cancer fatigue is also impervious to rest and sleep: you likely won't feel better after a good night's rest. Fatigue is also a pervasive symptom that can decrease your ability to:
Cancer-induced fatigue has two distinct sources: The treatments used to stop the cancer, such as radiation or chemotherapy, and the tumors themselves. Cancer and its treatments rob your body of energy, which is not easily (if at all) restored while you continue to undergo treatment.
During chemotherapy, you might find your energy waxing and waning between cycles, but you probably won't get this respite during radiation therapy. The fatigue-related side effects of radiation therapy tend to increase over time, not decrease. Some correctable causes of cancer and treatment fatigue include:
Many life factors, such as stress, fear, and anxiety, can also lead to feelings of fatigue -- meaning that not all symptoms are related to your last round of chemotherapy. Some people find that discussing their fatigue with family members can help dispel any feelings of guilt they may be having over not being as active as they were prior to the cancer diagnosis. Remember, your family may not quite understand what you're going through, or they may assume that a simple nap will cure your exhaustion.
Talk to your doctor about your feelings of fatigue, as he or she can determine if you may also have a treatable condition, such as anemia, for which relief is available. Your doctor can also help determine if you're experiencing symptoms of depression, which is common during cancer therapy, but must be addressed and treated promptly.
Fatigue is a symptom of depression, but depression is not always a part of fatigue.
If you choose to engage in a complementary therapy such as aromatherapy, herbal therapy or even massage therapy, talk to your doctor first. He or she can provide insight and inform you about any complications or contraindications that can occur with these alternative treatments.
During and after your treatment, consider avoiding activities that typically make you tired, rather than suffering through them. Well-wishers, phone visits, and especially drop-ins from friends and family can be draining. Learning how to conserve your energy for the things that are important to you is vital for avoiding fatigue.
Although you may feel the desire to sleep for 24 hours straight, medical professionals advise against it. Taking longer naps (greater than 30 minutes at a time) and staying immobile can actually increase your fatigue. Remaining alert may be the last thing you want to do today, but a little exercise, such as a walk, can help boost your metabolism and energy levels.
Don't discount the importance of your diet. Fruits, vegetables and lean proteins all have the power to help your body heal and maintain energy levels. Talk to your doctor if you're having appetite problems, as a poor diet can compound your fatigue.
Sources:
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Seven Ways to Manage Cancer-Related Fatigue. Accessed September 24, 2012.
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Fatigue -- Feeling Tired Versus Cancer Related Fatigue. Accessed online September 27, 2012.
National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Fatigue. Accessed September 25, 2012.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Unfortunately, life doesn't come to a halt when you're diagnosed with colon cancer (although it may feel like it does): your job, family and social obligations continue, despite the fact that you now have to incorporate healing, treatment, and the associated side effects of treatment into your daily schedule. Whether fatigue stems from the disease itself, or is a side effect of treatment, there are many ways to deal with this life-altering symptom.
What is Fatigue
A very general term, fatigue is a fancy way of saying that you're feeling tired, or are perhaps even completely exhausted. While some cancer fatigue can be mild and bothersome, in more extreme cases it can be so severe that even dressing becomes a chore. Experts agree that cancer-induced fatigue is completely different from the fatigue occasionally experienced by someone without cancer, and cancer fatigue is also impervious to rest and sleep: you likely won't feel better after a good night's rest. Fatigue is also a pervasive symptom that can decrease your ability to:
- Spend time enjoying routine daily activities, such as cooking
- Remember details and recall events
- Concentrate
- Interact with friends and family
- Work and maintain employment
- Sleep well when you do sleep
- Be joyful – you may feel tired or guilty
Cancer-induced fatigue has two distinct sources: The treatments used to stop the cancer, such as radiation or chemotherapy, and the tumors themselves. Cancer and its treatments rob your body of energy, which is not easily (if at all) restored while you continue to undergo treatment.
During chemotherapy, you might find your energy waxing and waning between cycles, but you probably won't get this respite during radiation therapy. The fatigue-related side effects of radiation therapy tend to increase over time, not decrease. Some correctable causes of cancer and treatment fatigue include:
- Anemia (a low blood count)
- Pain
- Stress and anxiety
Many life factors, such as stress, fear, and anxiety, can also lead to feelings of fatigue -- meaning that not all symptoms are related to your last round of chemotherapy. Some people find that discussing their fatigue with family members can help dispel any feelings of guilt they may be having over not being as active as they were prior to the cancer diagnosis. Remember, your family may not quite understand what you're going through, or they may assume that a simple nap will cure your exhaustion.
Medical Treatment
Talk to your doctor about your feelings of fatigue, as he or she can determine if you may also have a treatable condition, such as anemia, for which relief is available. Your doctor can also help determine if you're experiencing symptoms of depression, which is common during cancer therapy, but must be addressed and treated promptly.
Fatigue is a symptom of depression, but depression is not always a part of fatigue.
Complementary Treatment
If you choose to engage in a complementary therapy such as aromatherapy, herbal therapy or even massage therapy, talk to your doctor first. He or she can provide insight and inform you about any complications or contraindications that can occur with these alternative treatments.
Getting a Hold on Fatigue
During and after your treatment, consider avoiding activities that typically make you tired, rather than suffering through them. Well-wishers, phone visits, and especially drop-ins from friends and family can be draining. Learning how to conserve your energy for the things that are important to you is vital for avoiding fatigue.
Although you may feel the desire to sleep for 24 hours straight, medical professionals advise against it. Taking longer naps (greater than 30 minutes at a time) and staying immobile can actually increase your fatigue. Remaining alert may be the last thing you want to do today, but a little exercise, such as a walk, can help boost your metabolism and energy levels.
Don't discount the importance of your diet. Fruits, vegetables and lean proteins all have the power to help your body heal and maintain energy levels. Talk to your doctor if you're having appetite problems, as a poor diet can compound your fatigue.
Sources:
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Seven Ways to Manage Cancer-Related Fatigue. Accessed September 24, 2012.
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Fatigue -- Feeling Tired Versus Cancer Related Fatigue. Accessed online September 27, 2012.
National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Fatigue. Accessed September 25, 2012.