Fight fatigue and chemo brain

Fatigue is one of the most common and distressing side effects of cancer and its treatment. A condition called chemo brain is part of the fatigue.

It can cause short-term memory lapse, short attention span, and trouble concentrating, multitasking, focusing or processing. How you are affected will depend on such factors as your age, your medications, stress levels, blood counts and general health. Be honest about your fatigue and be patient with yourself. Let someone know when you need to slow down or alter your plans. Your body is going through a lot, and the fatigue isn’t your fault.

Tips for coping with chemo brain

• Write things down and prioritize your lists

• Reduce work time if needed

• Do word puzzles or brain teasers

• Get plenty of rest, including at least eight hours a night, plus naps

• If feasible, take multiple, short (30-minute) naps throughout the day • Drink eight cups of water each day and have five or six small meals or

snacks

• Maintain a healthy diet

• Consider relaxation techniques such as meditation

• Try to keep a regular schedule by planning your day – routine helps • Change how you do things, such as sitting while washing the dishes • Let others help you

• Repeating out loud what you want to remember can help your mind

hold onto information