My Chemotherapy Experience- Chapter Five : Fatigue

                                                              FATIGUE

 Fatigue is very common for a person who undergoes chemotherapy😕. It is different with normal tiredness or laziness - you feel tired doing nothing and you does not have any energy or spirit to do work. Even after sleeping for hours, chemo patients still feel tired. Do not worry😎, it is ordinary.

 Usually people see fatigue as a small matter, but it indirectly affect your daily activities and performance👎. You even feel tired after washing dishes, sweeping or even meeting people😟. I feel tired after 30 minutes outside meeting my family, and all I want is to rest. However, bear in mind that fatigue is normal and it does not mean your cancer is coming back or something is wrong with your treatment😥. Usually after 14 days, your body will slowly return to normal👍.

 How to cope with fatigue?

1. Plan your activities✏📄- early in the morning or before going to sleep, plan your future activities ahead. Do things that is prior - brushing teeth, bathing, cleaning tiny bit of your room. However, try asking help from people to do heavy work.

2. Take regular nap or cat naps⏰. Quick nap is important to patients, but don't sleep continuously for hours. Take a quick nap, for about 20 minutes and do not push yourself too hard.

3.Rest well at night😴- warm drinks before sleeping is good for you, sleeps at least 6 to 8 hours at night. Make sure you are clean, wash your feet and pray before closing your eyes.

4. Eat healthily🍐🍑- eating a lot of fruits and vegetables can help building your body and immunity. Fresh fruits and greens are important for health, and drink a lot of fluid: 2.5 litres.

5. Distract yourself💻📺- our mind controls our body! Do not think too much about your disease instead do things that you like, for example watching movies or listening to music.

6. Do gentle exercise🏃- it might sounds strange, but there is evidence that exercise can reduce fatigues. It does not mean signing up to the gym and lift 20kg, just a walk during morning or evening, some breathing exercise in the morning. 4-5 times a week will do.

Next, I will talk about hair loss😐