Fatigue
Fatigue is a very common side effect during chemotherapy and radiation, but normally resolves within a few weeks after completing the treatment.
- Some patients still find lack of energy even months after they have completed the treatment.
- Some patients report mild to moderate fatigue that persists for months to a couple of years after completing chemotherapy and/or radiation.
- Taking an extra nap during the day may help improve energy.
- Adjusting your sleep clock may help as well (for example, sleep early and get up early).
- Some patients continue with lighter daily activities throughout treatment and gradually increase until the fatigue resolves and normal activity levels return.
If you have persistent fatigue you should discuss this with your doctor to make sure there is no physical problem that may be related to it.
Patients who have completed radiation to the head and neck area can develop hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) and can have significant fatigue.
- Monitoring thyroid function by checking TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone) levels in your blood will be part of your regular followup.
Some patients may continue to experience significant anemia:
- transfusion may be helpful if hemoglobin is below 10.
Other conditions that may cause persistent fatigue:
- pain
- poor appetite
- anxiety
- depression
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms talk your doctor, he or she will help to find solutions to alleviate symptoms and fatigue.
Other common side effects after cancer treatment
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia
- Joint pain
- Lymphedema
- Memory loss
- Numbness and tingling
- Pain
- Sexual changes
- Weight gain
