- Symptom Control
- Clinical Trials & Emerging Treatments
- Benefits
- Legal Advice
- Support Groups
- Patient Information
- Discussion Forums & Social Networking
- Mesothelioma Research Charities
- Glossary
- Patient Stories and Experiences
Archives:
Mesothelioma Patient & Carer
Monthly Bulletins for Healthcare Professionals
Fatigue
Shortness of Breath - Pleural Effusion
Shortness of Breath - Other Causes
Self-Help Techniques
Pain
Cough
Fatigue
Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss
Emotional Reactions
Other Symptoms
Peritoneal - Fluid on the Abdomen
Feeling tired and lacking in energy are common symptoms in all cancers. Sometimes there are easily treatable causes such as anaemia which can be detected by a blood test.
Sometimes fatigue is related to the effort of breathing (please see the Self-help Techniques Section for advice).
Cancer-related fatigue sometimes improves with attention to nutrition as many patients experience loss of appetite – please see the Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss Section.
In some cases a trial of steroids is appropriate. Learning to slow down and pace activities and making life easier by the use of aids and appliances in the home or practical adjustments such as bringing a bed downstairs may help to conserve some energy. There is currently a great deal of research into this problem.
© Mesothelioma UK 2010