When most people think about the cancer treatment process and the challenges it poses, they’re drawn to the most obvious, visible symptoms: nausea, weight loss, general weakness, and of course, hair loss. But while these side effects may be the most obvious, they’re not always the most significant – in fact, one of the most problematic side effects for many patients is fatigue. Fatigue is a very common side effect for both cancer and many cancer treatments, and it can be discouraging to experience it during the treatment process. At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we want to help you thrive during and after cancer treatment – and that means addressing cancer-related fatigue when it comes up.
Causes of Cancer-Related Fatigue
Fatigue during the treatment process can come from virtually anywhere. Some causes are a direct physiological result of the treatment: anemia, for example, is a common side effect of chemotherapy that can leave you feeling down. Cancer treatments can also often affect appetite, causing patients to eat less and develop fatigue as a result.
Other causes may be less clear-cut. Many cancer treatments and the medications that come with them can disrupt sleep cycles, making it difficult for a patient to get a good night’s rest. On another level, depression is a common side effect of treatment, which can affect mood, energy levels, appetite, and overall emotional well-being.
Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue
Perhaps the most important part of dealing with cancer-related fatigue is acknowledging and accepting it for what it is. At the end of the day, it makes sense that you feel exhausted – you’re fighting one of the most difficult battles that a person can face in life. Fighting cancer is hard, plain and simple: on your body, on your mind, and certainly on your energy levels. It’s important to acknowledge and make space for fatigue, taking care to be as kind as possible to yourself along the way. And even more importantly, to bring it up with your cancer care team so you can start to manage it proactively.
Contact Your Scottsdale, AZ Cancer Treatment Center
Treating cancer is a long and difficult process, but with the right oncology center, cancer care team, and cancer treatment, you can beat cancer and return to a normal, healthy life. At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we’ve helped countless patients throughout the Scottsdale and greater Phoenix area overcome their cancer through noninvasive treatments – and if you’ve been recently diagnosed with cancer, we’d love to do the same for you. Call us today at one of our 6 cancer treatment centers to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you beat cancer. Together, we’ll help you reclaim the health and the normalcy you deserve.
