Fatigue is a common side effect of radiotherapy. Learn to manage energy, improve sleep, and stay active during treatment. Find out more on the Amethyst site.
There are a number of variables when it comes to brain tumour treatments, as each person will often need a tailored approach agreed upon at the radiotherapy centre with specialists to ensure that the goals of treatment are met based on a philosophy of minimal intrusion and maximum impact.
Exactly what type of radiotherapy treatment a person will receive and if it is in conjunction with other treatments will depend on the type of cancer. As well as this, the effects of the treatment and how a person will feel in its immediate aftermath can vary from person to person.
For example, whilst not everyone experiences it, tiredness during an intense course of radiotherapy treatment is not uncommon, because of a wide range of factors that are either directly or indirectly caused by the treatment.
Here are some of the reasons why you might be feeling tired and what you can do to help boost your energy levels and remain focused on the goal of recovery.
There are a multitude of factors which affect cancer treatment, some of which are related to the treatment sessions themselves whilst others are unrelated.
The physiological process of recovering and regenerating cells that are destroyed or damaged during radiotherapy can be tiring, as can the physical strain of the cancer itself, although this can vary depending on the type of cancer and its stage of progression.
The process of travelling to appointments can be draining, especially if the specialist centre is a substantial distance away from where you live.
Similarly, pain and discomfort can be tiring by themselves, but they can also affect your ability to rest if the pain keeps you from getting as much sleep as possible.
Finally, but just as important a factor in fatigue is mental wellbeing; anxiety and stress have physiological attributes that can increase fatigue and they can also reduce how well you sleep, something that is crucial to recovery.
Another crucial factor concerning energy levels and tiredness is the type of treatment and its location.
This is particularly true for brain tumour treatments. Longer courses of radiotherapy on the brain are more likely to cause tiredness than on other parts of the body, although your oncologist will inform you of whether this is likely before your treatment.
In this case, the tiredness will peak two weeks after treatment before your energy levels will return to normal.
Your radiotherapy team will help work with you to manage your energy levels and ensure you continue to feel as motivated as possible during treatment. This is an important part of recovery and ensures that you attend every session of radiotherapy to get the best possible outcomes.
The best plans for managing fatigue combine simple steps for boosting and maintaining energy levels, whilst saving energy wherever possible.
A support network is a vital part of cancer care for a multitude of reasons, but from a practical standpoint it enables you to get help with difficult tasks during difficult times.
People in your support network will be more than happy to help out if and when they can, and that can make all of the difference on days when you do not have a lot of energy.
Whether it is gardening, housework, shopping or anything else you are struggling with, your family and friends will be there to help out.
Alternatively, when undertaking household tasks, try to do them sitting down whenever you can to save energy, and take frequent breaks.
As well as this, write your shopping list in advance and either order from home or choose a moment when the shops are less busy to avoid being overwhelmed.
If you are working during your treatment, ask if you can work from home, reduce your hours or take a leave of absence during radiotherapy sessions.
Consulting an occupational therapist will also help with reasonable adjustments at work or adaptations at home if and when they are required.
Diet matters considerably during radiotherapy treatment, and part of your radiotherapy care team will often include a nutritionist for this reason.
They will provide a balanced, nutritious diet plan that includes simple meals that are suitable for batch cooking and meal prepping. The latter is particularly effective as these extra meals can simply be heated when you have less energy.
Similarly, make sure you remain hydrated and drink water whenever you feel thirsty.
Exercise is particularly important, and your team will advise you on workouts that can work around your treatment. Choose the time of day when you feel like you have the most energy and work within your limits.
Take frequent breaks and naps whenever you need them to boost your energy as well and make sure you focus not only on recovery but on hobbies you enjoy as well. If you’d like more information on brain tumour treatments and how to manage your condition, get in touch with the Amethyst Radiotherapy UK team today.
Centres of Excellence for Stereotactic Radiosurgery treatment of complex Brain Tumours
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