Today is Sunday Funday. Unfortunately the group run was cancelled yesterday so today because the roads are still very icy I am putting my miles in on the arc trainer. I plan on doing 14.2 miles on the arc trainer today plus adding on the 7.8 miles this week will be a total of 22 miles for the week.

Today’s question relates to fatigue. What causes fatigue in cancer patients?

What is fatigue?

Fatigue can be confused with tiredness. Everyone gets tired. In fact, it is an expected feeling after certain activities or at the end of the day. Usually, we know why we’re tired and a good night’s sleep will solve the problem.

Fatigue is less precise, less cause-and-effect. Fatigue is a daily lack of energy; an unusual or excessive whole-body tiredness, not relieved by sleep. It can be acute (lasting a month or less) or chronic (lasting from 1 month to 6 months or longer). Fatigue can have a profound negative impact on a person’s ability to function and quality of life.

What is cancer-related fatigue?

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF – sometimes simply called “cancer fatigue”) is one of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatments. It is often described as “paralyzing.” Usually, it comes on suddenly, does not result from activity or exertion, and is not relieved by rest or sleep. It may not end – even when treatment is complete.

What causes CRF?

The exact reason for cancer fatigue is unknown. CRF may be related to both the disease process and treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Cancer treatments commonly associated with CRF are:

Chemotherapy. Any chemotherapy drug may result in fatigue. This may vary from person to person. Some people say it lasts only a couple of days. Others feel the CRF persists through and beyond completion of treatment. Drugs such as vincristine, vinblastine, and cisplatin often cause CRF.

Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can cause cumulative fatigue (fatigue that increases over time). This can occur regardless of treatment site. CRF usually lasts from 3-4 weeks after treatment stops, but can continue for up to 2-3 months.

Bone marrow transplant. This aggressive form of treatment can cause CRF that lasts up to one year.