Fatigue is more than feeling tired. Fatigue is exhaustion - not being able to do even the small things you used to do. A number of things can cause fatigue. Besides cancer and its treatment, they include:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Changes in diet
• Changes in sleeping patterns

If you are having some of these problems, you might want to:

• Tell your healthcare team at your next visit. Some medicines can help with fatigue.
• Ask about your nutrition needs.
• Plan your daily activities. Do only what you really must do.
• Hand over tasks to others who are willing to help you.
• Include short periods of rest and relaxation every day.
• Take naps (no longer than 15-30 minutes).
• Ask others for help, especially when you are feeling fatigued.
• Do light exercises that are practical for you.

Educational information provided by The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Internet site.