Fatigue is the symptom most frequently reported by individuals with cancer. However, cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is very different from daily fatigue. Listen in as Alicia and Lizette speak with Patrice Al-Shatti, LMSW, who shares how calling cancer-related fatigue a symptom does it as a disservice as it is actually considered a syndrome. She explains the difference between fatigue and cancer-related fatigue, the varying physiological and biological factors, and helpful strategies known to improve quality of life. Patrice also discusses energy conservation and activity management and how to actively pace, plan, prioritize and deal with ‘energy leaks’.
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This was very helpful. A good mix of concept and understanding that this is a syndrome by incorporating the physiological aspects along with recognizing the emotional and psychological toll it takes on patients. I have been struggling with CRF since my last chemo treatment about 11 months ago (EPOCH/RCHOP for diffuse B cell lymphoma at an advanced stage). I expected fatigue during treatment and shortly after, but the continued CRF 10-11 months later has been alarming to me. I incorporated exercise into my routine early on and am glad I did as I think this has helped. I began working with a personal trainer and going to the Y for water aerobics and keeping up with regular walking. Although the CRF symptoms wax and wane, I find having the improved muscle strength helps with stamina. I adjusted my work to a less demanding job so I could continue to work, but without the long hours and high level of stress that accompanied my previous job. I relied on the LLS chat group and the expert’s available on the on-line chat feature as I was becoming more concerned that my previous energy levels did not return. That is where I was referred to this podcast.
Thank you again for bringing this forward and listening to your patients and their concerns as I was one who thought this “went with the gig, and just buck up and shut up,” all the time afraid that it signaled return of the cancer or organ damage from the treatments.
This was a really helpful podcast, thank you. I am three weeks past my RCOP three rounds of chemo. I thought the fatigue would happen during chemo, but it’s just recently started. I have increased my activity over the last two weeks which I thought was possibly making me tired in the afternoons. I really do get the CRF issue of feeling like I can’t even move my arms or legs —of course I can, and I do, but it was quite alarming when it first hit me a couple of days ago. I do water exercise, daily, and walk a few miles a day in addition to other exercise , I have slowed down a bit the last couple of days and my oncologist assured me that the fatigue will continue for a couple of months after treatment. I start radiation on Monday for 15 days which may add to it. Thank you for sharing the details in this podcast it’s very helpful to know that this is something others go through . (DLBCL NH)