Fatigue for someone who has prostate cancer (PC) is much more than just feeling tired and it’s not something that can be remedied with a good night’s sleep. Fatigue can be completely debilitating and many men cite it as one of the worst things about having prostate cancer
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Fatigue with prostate cancer is often caused by a combination of elements. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can zap energy, coupled with the stress and anxiety of having cancer, it’s little wonder that many prostate cancer patients suffer from the symptom.
However, it’s possible to manage fatigue according to Prostate Cancer UK. Ensuring that you try to live as healthily as possible — eating well, sleeping well, drinking plenty of water, and gentle exercise — can help to lessen the effects of fatigue. Conserving energy when you’re feeling fatigued and only doing the bare minimum will help ease feelings of exhaustion.
Planning ahead will help you ensure you don’t overload your schedule. Lean on those around you for support and if fatigue is affecting your job, ask your boss if you can work from home or change your hours so you’re working at a more suitable time. Prioritize what needs to be done and what can be left or delegated to others. Look for ways to make chores or tasks easier — sitting down instead of standing or tackling jobs in segments rather than doing it all at once.
If depression or anxiety is contributing towards fatigue, it’s important to have these issues addressed. Counseling can help many men going through prostate cancer and your doctor may be able to prescribe antidepressants if necessary.
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