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.

What is cancer related fatigue vs normal fatigue?

Cancer related fatigue is very different from normal, everyday tiredness and fatigue.

Despite sleeping for long periods, people with cancer related fatigue 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 Foundation’s Online Support Service.

Cancer related fatigue symptoms may include:

• A physical feeling of heaviness or weakness.
• A mental feeling of fogginess.
• Not being ‘switched on.’
• Your brain saying go, your body saying no.

The cause is not usually just one thing, but several:

• The blood cancer itself.
• Blood cancer treatments.
• Your previous level of fitness.
• Overall health.
• Previous medical issues or,
• Medical condition such as having a low red blood cell count.
• Pain.
• Poor sleep.
• Depression.

Cancer related fatigue is different because it is persistent. It is also common. More than 80% of people with cancer suffer from fatigue at some point along their treatment journey.

Managing cancer related fatigue

Recognising that you have cancer related fatigue is a good first step. Let your treatment team know.

Talking about how you are feeling can lead to resolving cancer related fatigue symptoms of:

• Anaemia
• Poor appetite
• Stress and anxiety
• Poor sleep

Questions to ask your treatment team

• What is most likely causing my fatigue?
• What can I do to have more energy?
• How much sleep should I get each night?
• Is it helpful to have a nap during the day?

Use the ‘five Ps’ when feeling tired all the time

Manage cancer related fatigue and maintain your health and well-being with this energy conservation technique.

• Plan your time – try to plan activities when you have the most energy.
• Prioritise by goal setting – focus on accomplishing those goals and delegate others to help.
• Pace yourself – stop before you get too tired and allow extra time, it’s not a race.
• Posture – conserve your energy by sitting instead of standing.
• Permission – it is important to recognise that this is about you and your level of fatigue. Your body has been in constant survival mode.

Mind-body strategies that will help to reduce fatigue:

• Mindfulness
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Massage therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT):

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is used to modify thoughts with rational thinking. It helps people gain a sense of control and increase their confidence. Studies on cancer patients have shown that CBT:

• Significantly reduced depression and anxiety
• Improved quality of life
• Reduced pain
• Reduced cancer related fatigue

Talk with your GP to access Medicare rebated psychology sessions under a mental health care plan. A counsellor, social worker or pastoral carer may also be able to provide some emotional and psychological support.

Exercise and fatigue

Exercising while having treatment can help with:

• Treatment tolerance
• Support you to maintain your daily activities.
• 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 other health issues. Participating in any movement or exercise provides the greatest benefits. Exercise can be:

• Walking to the letterbox
• Walking around the block
• Going for a light bike ride
• 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:

Be active (Choose health, be active – a physical guide for older Australians | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care)

See an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist to personalise some exercise recommendations. Talk to your GP to access Medicare rebated sessions using a GP management plan. This could include exercise physiology or physiotherapy. Speak to your provider to see if there is a cost.