Fatigue(tiredness) is the most common side effect experienced by patients during and after cancer chemotherapy. If you’re always feeling physically, mentally, or emotionally exhausted, you’re not alone. But, you do not have to give in to this fatigue; you can try the seven powerful ways that we have listed below to overcome it.
1. Control your Nausea:-
The most important step to control nausea and vomiting is to avoid it in the first instance. Ask your oncologist about stronger anti-emetic drugs. Nowadays with better premedication, we can completely avoid the development of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. This will prevent dehydration.
2. Drink Liquids (hydration):-
Dehydration can give you a feeling of confusion and tiredness. You can keep bottled water near to you and sip it. In case you do not like plain water, consider adding lime, orange, and lemon. In general, a healthy adult should drink 3 liters of water, when on chemotherapy always make sure that you are drinking at least 3-4 liters of liquids including water. You should add an electrolyte sachet to one liter of water. It helps to maintain an adequate balance of hydration and electrolyte in your body.
3. Exercise:-
Even though you have fatigue you should not skip exercise. You should walk at least 30 minutes daily preferably in the morning hours. Exercise will keep your body and mind active. It is the best way to beat fatigue. Avoid exercise in the evening.
4. Manage Stress:-
Stress can amplify due to anxiety. Stress and anxiety exacerbate fatigue. Practice mindful meditation. Develop an interest in any of your hobbies and practice it regularly. It will improve your psychological and physical well-being.
5. Improve Sleep:-
Chemotherapy can make you lose your sleep. You can ask your doctor for medications that will enable you to sleep better. This can help you to get rid of fatigue from chemotherapy. Avoid afternoon naps, if it is must limit them to less than 30 minutes.
6. Take Some Rest:-
Taking rest is essential for allowing your body to recover. Make sure to avoid any strenuous activity during this time.
7. Have Supplements:-
When you have poor nutrition, it can intensify your fatigue. You need to take in all the essential nutrients during your chemotherapy, such as supplements and other multivitamins. Both Vitamin D and calcium increase the muscle mass that gives you strength.
Conclusion
Proper hydration, nutrition, and stress management are key steps to avoid chemotherapy-induced fatigue.
If you require a proper guide to fight the fatigue of chemotherapy, you can reach out to Prolife Cancer Centre and Research Institute at Pune.
Dr. Sumit Shah is a highly experienced Oncologist in Pune with 14 years of expertise in surgical oncology. He is the Founder of Prolife Cancer Centre and is the Chief Consultant, Surgical Oncologist & Laparoscopic Cancer Surgeon in Pune. Having pursued a super specialty course at the Cancer Centre Welfare Home and Res. Institute, Kolkata, and being awarded as the Best Outgoing Cancer Surgeon from his Institute, Dr. Shah is one of the Best Surgical Oncologists in Pune, India who possesses this recognized degree in Surgical Oncology.
Dr. Shah has treated thousands of patients suffering from Cancer. He is one of the few oncologists in Pune who perform Minimal Access (keyhole) Surgery to offer his patients a smooth & pain-free recovery from Cancer.
As Dr. Sumit Shah quotes,
“I aim to offer my patients the best possible treatment for a better quality of life. I want to treat with compassion and care and change the way people look at cancer.”
