On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 30 I July/August 2019 | Page 28
LY M P H AT I C S O L U T I O N S
5 Top Tips
for overcoming Cancer Fatigue…
a tiredness like no other
A
s a Cancer Rehabilitation
Specialist, Kate Perkins witnesses
the numerous detrimental effects
of cancer treatment, not the least of all
being the extreme fatigue that comes
with fighting this disease.
Occupational Therapist (OT) and
Founder of Lymphatic Solutions, Kate
says prolonged and significant fatigue is
one of the most common side effects her
patients experience throughout their
cancer treatment and beyond.
“Fatigue involves extreme
tiredness resulting from mental
or physical exertion or illness, and
relates to emotional, physical and
mental exhaustion, all of which are
unfortunately common side effects of
cancer-related treatment,” Kate explains.
“Many of my patients tell me that
during and after their cancer treatment
they experience a fatigue like no other,
and are constantly looking for ways
to regain their energy. Common
symptoms include:
Difficulty getting out of
bed;
Little or no energy
to complete normal
day-to-day activities;
Struggle to find
motivation to do
anything and a much-
reduced effort with
personal appearance;
Desire to sleep all the time;
Feeling of weakness and constant
tiredness; and
Absolute exhaustion for one or two
days following normal chores or
activities.”
Providing patient education around
fatigue management is a crucial element
of cancer rehabilitation, and something
that Kate is passionate about in her
practice. She offers the following tips to
help anyone experiencing cancer-related
fatigue:
28
ON T H E C OA S T – OV ER 5 5
1. IDENTIFY: First of all, recognise and
acknowledge your feelings of fatigue.
This is a common side effect of
cancer treatment which is
experienced by almost
all patients. There
will be some days
you will feel you
have been hit by
a bus! This is a
completely normal
and unfortunately
common occurrence
for anyone who
is undergoing or
has completed cancer
treatment.
2. REST: but not too much! Establish
a good night-time sleeping pattern.
Don’t go to bed too late at night.
Have two short naps (approx. 30mins
each) scheduled into your day where
possible. Too much sleep has the
reverse effect and can actually
decrease your energy levels.
By having short rests before
you become fatigued, you
are banking up your
energy stores.
3. STAY ACTIVE:
Research has
demonstrated that
regular moderate
exercise increases your
energy levels, and eases
symptoms of fatigue. But be sure
to pace your exercise, don’t over-do it.
Activity is meant to invigorate, not wear
you out. Keeping an exercise diary to
document periods of fatigue, as well
as periods of higher energy,
will help you to manage
the fatigue.
4. PRIORITISE:
Prioritise daily
activities and be
conscious of where
you expend your
energy. Decide
which activities are
important, and which
ones can be delegated.
Conserving your energy for
activities that take priority is a
necessary way to help manage cancer
fatigue.
5. BE PATIENT: Be kind to yourself!
Avoid over-extending yourself with
exercise and activities. You might
find at times you have absolutely no
energy and need to spend a couple
of days in bed if you ‘power’ through
tasks without taking breaks. Take
one day at a time, it may take a few
weeks or months before experiencing
changes or improvements.
If you are someone or someone you
know is currently experiencing
cancer-related fatigue, contact
Kate Perkins at Lymphatic Solutions
on 0425 554 994 or email
[email protected]
Founder of Lymphatic Solutions, Kate Perkins, is a qualified
Occupational Therapist (OT) who specialises in cancer
rehabilitation, including the early detection and early
intervention of cancer related lymphoedema.
Breast Cancer
Rehabilitation
Her focus is on helping people who have had cancer treatment recover their strength and
movement to enable them to return to doing daily activities and the things they love doing faster.
Kate is a qualified Lymphoedema Practitioner and a member of the Australasian Lymphology
Association. For more information: www.lymphaticsolutions.com.au
Kate Perkins, B.App.Sci (Occupational Therapy)
helps women who have undergone