Chemotherapy and Fatigue
- Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer
- Some women may want to continue working while undergoing treatment and it can be possible if planned well
- Maintaining good sleep hygiene can help reduce fatigue
- Exercise can help patients manage fatigue and recover more quickly after treatment
But chemotherapy attacks all rapidly dividing cells, whether they’re cancerous or not. When healthy cells are unavoidably affected by chemotherapy along with cancerous cells, it can wreak havoc on your health and quality of life. Patients almost universally experience fatigue, often alongside gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea. Doctors have many effective medications to combat chemo-induced nausea. “But mitigating that fatigue often depends on the patient,” says Dr. Renata Urban, gynecologic oncologist at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Read More- Exercise: While it may be counterintuitive, physical activity can help alleviate side effects, especially fatigue. “Although ovarian cancer is not common, we oftentimes draw upon the experience of patients with breast cancer and colon cancer that have shown that physical activity can not only improve quality of life, but may also have beneficial impacts on cancer outcomes,” Dr. Urban says.
- Eat well: Even though nausea may interfere with your ability to eat a healthful diet, it’s important to make sure that you’re eating appropriately, getting enough protein, and not losing weight. Not only will nourishing your body support your recovery, but it may also help you feel more energized.
- Sleep: Want to mitigate fatigue? Be sure to maintain your regular sleep-wake cycle while on treatment. Sticking to a set sleep schedule helps reduce fatigue by ensuring you get enough hours for your body to heal restore itself each night. It may also help you recover more quickly by keeping energy levels high during the daytime hours.
Navigating the Chemotherapy Experience
The chemotherapy experience is unique to each individual. Some women choose to continue working or are able to maintain normal activities during treatment while others decide to take time off. The decision depends largely on the type of job you have and whether you have a solid support system.
“One of the first things I address with a patient are the pros and cons of continuing to work,” says Dr. Urban. It’s an individual decision, but if you decide you want to continue working during treatment, your doctor can work around your chemotherapy regimen and devise a plan to make it happen.
Whether you choose to continue working or not, it’s important to keep your doctor informed about how you’re tolerating treatment. Some doctors advise keeping a daily log. The reason: There are a number of medications available to help manage things like nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. The more your doctor know about what you’re experiencing and when, the more information he or she has to prescribe you the correct medication in the correct dose to combat your side effects. Plus, if you’re experiencing debilitating side effects, your doctor may choose to modify your chemo treatment regimen.
Doctors have more choices in chemotherapy than ever before, so they can adjust the regimen and the treatment schedule to accommodate your needs and lifestyle. Conversations with your health care team and careful planning can help you navigate the experience with the greatest ease.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
