Dealing with cancer-related fatigue

One of the aspects of batting my Stage 4 liver cancer that is concerning me most is wondering if my ongoing chemotherapy is making a dent in destroying my tumors.  Dealing with the situation leads to an emotional rollercoaster. 

 Research suggests that most people getting cancer treatment have fatigue. Cancer-related fatigue is very different from everyday fatigue. Cancer-related fatigue is worse. It lasts longer and sleep doesn’t make it better: it’s unpredictable. And many people describe it as overwhelming, affecting every part of their lives.

During my previous colon cancer episode a couple of years ago along with my stroke in 2006, I prided myself in battling with a “one day at a time” attitude. For some reason it has been much more difficult in maintaining that positive attitude.  Bottom line – I’m scared.

One of the things that have carried me in the past has been my association with UW-Whitewater football that dates back to 1988.  As the radio play-by-play voice of Warhawk football followed by being publisher of my warhawkfootball.com website much of my energy has revolved around my interest in UW-Whitewater football.

The defending national champion Warhawks are currently ranked No. 1 in the country and will wrap up an undefeated regular season with a win on Saturday at UW-River Falls.  I should be really excited, but maybe it’s the fatigue and depression I’m currently experiencing that has limited this season’s passion.

Cancer-related fatigue can last from months to years, and continues after treatment ends, too. Many people with cancer say fatigue is the most distressing side effect of cancer and its treatment.