How to Cope with Tiredness During Cancer Treatment

More sleep and not being ashamed to rest

Sleep and rest as much as possible. You owe it to yourself.

My oncologist team said the fatigue is not the kind that goes away with sleep, so just power through and keep moving. This advice served me well. Took brief naps when I hit a wall, but put a lot of miles on my walking shoes.

Sounds counterproductive, but keep moving. Even if it’s just a short walk it will help you sleep better at night. I did Pilates throughout my treatment until I hit week 12 of 16. Didn’t have enough energy to get through class. Walking is now how I clear my head and help boost myself. Only 2 treatments to go!

Keep moving and listen to your body. Even though I wasn't able to do as much as I would normally, I would at least do 15 monit3s on the elliptical 5 days a week. It helped me get moving in the morning. I had a work from home agreement thankfully during my chemo treatments which helped me try not to over do it. I usually took a nap as soon as I turned my computer off.

Fatigue during chemotherapy is one of the most common challenges patients face, and there are several gentle strategies that can help manage this exhaustion. Rest when needed, stay hydrated, eat nutritious foods when possible, and consider light movement like short walks if energy permits - though it's always best to discuss specific approaches with your healthcare team who knows your unique situation.