The following information is from "Looking Ahead . . . a handbook of survivorship issues" as published by the Lakeridge Health Corporation.

Fatigue is a common and lasting tired feeling that many cancer survivors learn to live with on a daily basis. Some cancer survivors never regain the energy that they had before they had cancer or treatment for cancer.

Acute fatigue is the intense, of short duration and relieved by a good night’s rest.

Chronic fatigue is an overwhelming, long lasting weariness. It does not respond to rest and can interfere with activities of daily living.

• side effects of cancer and cancer treatment
• anemia or low red blood cells
• other medical problems such as arthritis, hear, lung or kidney problems
• poor nutrition
• sleep difficulties
• reduced physical activity
• emotional problems such as anxiety, sadness, depression
• social or spiritual concerns
• aging
• boredom

You may experience physical or mental fatigue (sometimes called attentional fatigue), or you may have both!

Physical fatigue is problems doing physical activities such as cooking, cleaning or climbing stairs. Your body feels weak and weary.

• Rest and sleep can be helpful.
• Try to exercise three to four times a week for 30 minutes at a time.
• Participate in activities that you enjoy and that can fit into your lifestyle such as walking, swimming, cycling, golfing and gardening.
• Do activities when you are most rested - a regular time of the day.
• Plan sexual activity when you are most rested. Consider alternate forms of sexual expression that require less energy than intercourse such as hugging, cuddling or kissing. Plan nutritious, easy to prepare meals.
• The dietitian may offer some suggestions.
• Save energy by planning your day and pacing yourself.
• Pamper yourself with things that you enjoy such as reading, visiting or music.
• Give yourself permission to feel tired, and realize that might be a part of your life.

Mental fatigue is trouble thinking, making decisions and remembering information.

• Plan activities that need thinking when you are most rested.
• Learn new information in small amounts.
• Ask questions.
• Ask the same question many times if needed.
• Ask for written materials, videos or audio cassettes.
• Ask a family member or friend to help your remember by listening, taking notes, asking questions, making reminder lists.
• Give your mind a rest regularly and often by bird watching, walking outdoors, playing with pets, gardening, looking out the window or listening to music.

• Make a list of activities you could ask family, friends, or community groups to such as housekeeping, driving, preparing meals, child care etc.
• Ask for help and delegate! Often friends are just waiting for direction on how they may help you.
• Check out community groups in your area.
• Do activities you enjoy such as visiting friends, going to church and movies.

• Talk to someone about how you feel.
• Join a support group or talk to other cancer survivors.
• Learn relaxation techniques.
• Focus on the "positives".
• Laugh - watch a comedy show, read a joke.
• Ask bout counselling and stress management programs.
• Attend your place of worship.

• You are not alone!
• Chronic fatigue is different than acute fatigue.
• Fatigue can often be well managed.
• Talk to a member of your health care team, a social worker or chaplain.
• Call Cancer Information Service 1-888-939-3333.
• Watch the video "Taking Control of Fatigue".
• Read the booklet "How people with cancer can handle fatigue" - Your Bank to Energy Savings (Janssen-Ortho Inc.)