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Cancer is one of the faster growing illnesses across the globe. If not treated in time, cancer can be fatal. Even when the illness is detected early, the treatment itself can be very painful, creating a high stress environment for the patient. One of the most prominent side effects of cancer treatment is the fatigue that a person feels. Patients often feel high levels of fatigue, making them feel tired all the time.
Not being able to do normal physical work without getting breathless, taking longer to recover their strength every time they walk a few steps and not being able to perform certain daily tasks all together can affect a cancer patient’s lifestyle immeasurably. High levels of fatigue can also often lead to depression and negativity that can in turn slow down recovery greatly.
People are often advised to rest as much as possible during the day and get plenty of sleep at night in order to cope with the fatigue. However, patients often find that they feel tired no matter how well they have slept or how much rest they have had. They often try out alternative therapies like meditation and yoga to boost their energy levels that can be quite helpful.
Cancer related fatigue often lasts even when the treatment is over, a phenomenon that has perplexed researchers. It is important to understand that there is no fixed time frame for getting over fatigue. It is important that those around cancer patients understand this fact and are at their supportive best during this phase. Emotional support like counseling can also be of great help to boost the morale of cancer patients suffering from fatigue.
