What is weakness? How is it caused? Chemotherapy-induced weakness can be mild or severe, and most patients describe it as a feeling of weakness, tiredness, overwork, heaviness, or slowness that is not relieved by rest. Weakness often occurs during chemotherapy and in some cases lasts for weeks or months after chemotherapy is completed. Tiredness is also related to the type of chemotherapy, and can be exacerbated by frequent doctor’s visits, psychological stress, anxiety and depression. If chemotherapy is given in conjunction with radiation therapy, the lethargy can be worse. Causes of Malaise: Anemia Lack of activity Pain Breathing problems Medication Infections Appetite changes Overexertion Sleep disorders Other health problems Malaise can come on suddenly or get progressively worse. Tiredness varies from person to person, with the same chemotherapy causing mild or severe tiredness in different patients. Treatment Relax Try going to meditation, prayer, yoga or imagery guidance Eat and drink well It is best to eat small, frequent meals, 5-6 small and quick meals a day rather than 3 large meals a day, and keep a variety of slightly processed, half-finished foods and beverages around. Hydrate more, about 8 glasses of water and juice a day. Plan for rest Short naps (10-15 minutes) or snoozes during the day will make you feel better, anything more than an hour can interfere with nighttime sleep. Activity Exercise is good for eliminating fatigue and improving sleep. a 15-minute walk, yoga, or bike ride. Be active when you feel energized. Don’t do too much You will be overwhelmed when you are tired. choose what you want to do and can do and let others help with the rest. Do something quiet, such as reading, knitting or listening to a recording to learn a foreign language. Ensure that you get 8 hours or more of sleep at night This may be longer than you slept before chemotherapy, and being active during the day may be good for your sleep at night. Relaxing before you go to bed can also help, such as reading, listening to music, and doing relaxing hobby activities. Organize your work Lack of energy may affect your work to varying degrees. If so, you may be able to work at a reduced level or take sick leave, or you may be able to apply to complete assigned tasks at home. Let others help Let family and friends help with housework, shopping, cooking, etc. when you have a weakness. Learn from other oncology patients Join a cancer club, support group, etc., and talk to other patients about ways to cope with weakness, or online. Talk to doctors and nurses to learn more about coping. Keep a record of how you feel each day. This record will help you to make plans to make the best use of your time. Let your nurse see your record, and let your doctor or nurse know if you notice any changes in your strength (whether it is good or extremely weak). Talk to your doctor and nurse The doctor will give medication to reduce lethargy, improve your mood and increase your appetite. If the weakness is caused by anemia, they will treat it accordingly.