Cancer Related Fatigue
Mind — To combat cancer related fatigue

• Avoid situations where you will be exposed to loud noises, hurried activities, or extremes in temperature
• Take someone with you to appointments to help you remember details
• Make a plan for every day
• Prioritize your activities
• Challenge yourself, but be realistic
• Post visiting hours to allow time for rest and relaxation
• Use an answering machine to screen calls
• Be a partner with your doctor or nurse in all aspects of your care
• Call the Look Good…Feel Better program in your area (see Resources section)
• Keep a journal of what you do and how you feel

Control Depression

• Stay active and keep a daily routine of balanced activities
• Do something that you enjoy every day
• Find ways to relax
• Join a support group
• Share your feelings, worries, and fears
• If depression interferes with everyday activities, see a counselor or talk with your doctor

Have Fun

• Call a positive, upbeat friend just to talk
• Check out a comedy videotape or get a joke book from the library and laugh
• Listen to music
• Watch an interesting television program
• Read a good book
• Continue your previous hobbies and activities as approved by your doctor or nurse
• Try something new
  • Learn a language
  • Design a garden
  • Learn to use a computer
  • Take music lessons
• Enjoy a pet
• Enjoy things in nature (birds, flowers)
• Celebrate the small things like a sunny day or a letter from a friend