Cancer Research UK main site

Fatigue

neil_b
Offline

Having had a stoma fitted in January of this year, followed by 5 1/2 weeks of radiotherapy ( with 2 weeks of chemo at the beginining and at the end) I am suffering horrendously with fatigue.

do you please have any advice as to how I deal with it? I can manage a 'normal' day followed by 3 or 4 days pretty well flat on my back and sleeping 24hrs at a time?

  • Offline

    Hello neil_b,

    A big welcome to our forum! I am so sorry to hear you have been suffering from fatigue following your treatment. We have some information on fatigue from cancer drugs here which includes some tips on what you could do to reduce fatigue. Our nurses are also available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm so feel free to give them a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 and ask them for their advice on this.

    I am sure many of our members have also suffered from extreme fatigue and I hope they will come and say hello and share their experience with you.

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi Neil_b,

    During and after my cancer treatment i had a huge amount of fatique. I think this is normal. I had to pace myself, just do the essential stuff. I was told by my consultant , that the more exercise i did the more the fatigue symptoms would abate. This is true, but i think after treatment is when i started to exercise. Your body is going through so much, perhaps by sleeping and resting it helps the healing process. I feel for you and i've been there , it, such a difficult time. There is light at the end of the tunnel because i got there and i really hope the same for you. Wishing you the best .

  • Offline

    Hi Neil, 

    Sorry to hear you are suffering from fatigue. I've been looking after a friend who has been suffering from this as well. It's a totally normal side effect from treatment. We have found that taking a few naps throughout the day helps (but be careful not to oversleep as that doesn't help). If you can manage it it's also helpful to actively note when you feel high and low energy levels.

    Also if there are any arduous tasks that are difficult don't be afraid to ask for help. Macmillan offer a incredible volunteer service where they can come round to your house and help you out. I've also been looking at a company called Live Better With who offer some useful guides which explain why and practical steps you can take to deal with fatigue. I hope this was a little helpful. (Sorry if it wasn't I know how frustrating it is when you are always tired!) My thoughts are with you. Claire 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.