Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Chemo fatigue can be caused by several factors, from anemia to the strain on the immune system, and often gets worse with every treatment. Making adjustments to your daily life can help ease the exhaustion.
What is endometrial cancer?
Endometrial cancer is a gynecological cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus (or endometrium). It is the most common type of uterine cancer.
Early detection and medical intervention are key to achieving the best outcomes. Surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) is standard treatment for endometrial cancer, and it is often followed by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is particularly recommended if the cancer is at an advanced stage or if it has spread to other parts of the body. It also serves to kill any cancer cells remaining after surgery, which could lead to the cancer recurring. Other potential treatment options include hormone therapy and radiation.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy drugs for endometrial cancer (EC) are very toxic. They kill cancer cells — but they also kill healthy cells in the process. The body reacts to these toxic drugs in many ways, leading to a range of side effects that contribute to fatigue. These include nausea, lack of appetite, vomiting, shortness of breath, bleeding and an increased risk of infection. Each person reacts slightly differently to the treatment and may have a selection of side effects of varying severity.
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Why does chemotherapy cause fatigue?
Fatigue from chemotherapy, also called cancer fatigue, can be due to several factors:
- Your body’s immune system is fighting cancer, which takes considerable energy.
- Chemotherapy can prevent the body from creating enough red blood cells. A low red blood cell count (called anemia) means less oxygen is being carried around the body, lowering energy levels.
- Many of the side effects of chemo, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, lead to your appetite being destroyed. Not eating enough to fuel your body can deplete your energy levels.
- Pain and fatigue are a double-edged sword: chronic pain can cause physical and mental fatigue, but pain medications can also cause fatigue as a side effect.
- Trouble sleeping and a lack of quality sleep can lead to chronic fatigue.
- The emotional impact of experiencing endometrial cancer and treatment with chemotherapy can be exhausting.
Managing fatigue from chemotherapy for endometrial cancer
Chemo fatigue isn’t the kind of tiredness that can be fixed with a good night’s sleep. The best approach to managing fatigue as a result of chemotherapy is adapting your daily routines and lifestyle as much as you can to support your wellbeing. Some ways to do this include:
- Prioritize rest and recovery; though rest isn’t a cure-all for chemo fatigue, it can still help. Stay in bed or lie on the couch. Nap when your body needs to.
- If you feel up to it, low-impact activity will help boost your blood circulation, your mood and energy levels.
- Talk to a therapist to help ease your emotional fatigue. It’s natural to feel scared or stressed; you don’t need to carry the burden alone.
- Ask for help. Friends and family may be happy to do a load of laundry or drop off a meal, so you can rest.
- Stay hydrated.
- Eat small manageable portions of nutritious meals. Your favorite comfort foods or blander ones without heavy flavors might be easier to stomach.
Over time you’ll learn how your body reacts to the drugs after each treatment and how to limit the impact. It may take several months after chemotherapy ends before you feel your energy levels returning; if they don’t, talk to your doctor about your fatigue.
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