Fatigue
tiredness not relieved by rest
When does fatigue start and how long does it last?
How serious is fatigue?
How likely is it that I will experience fatigue?
Prevention Strategies
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Aim for 7-8h of sleep a night.
Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day (even on weekends).
Take short naps as needed (30 min).
Create a calming bedtime routine.
Doctor may prescribe sleeping medications.
Why: having a regular bedtime routine maintains the timing of the body's internal clock and can help you fall asleep and wake up more easily.
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Try activities like walking, riding a bike, swimming, and yoga.
Start slow and build up the difficulty gradually.
Why: Exercise can build stamina which can reduce fatigue if it sets in.
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Your doctor will monitor for other causes including:
Anaemia (low red blood cell number): monitored with blood tests.
Neutropenia (low white blood cell number): monitored with blood tests.
Depression or anxiety: monitored by doctor.
Why: catching the underlying cause of fatigue can prevent it from worsening.
Management Strategies
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Save energy for the most important activities.
Keep track of when you feel the most energy and plan to do activities then.
Drink enough water and eat healthy foods to maintain energy.
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Establish a support system who can help with activities like shopping, housework, and cooking.
Knowing you have people who are there to help can boost energy.
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Pay attention to when you are feel the most fatigued and plan to rest at those times.
Many people experience fatigue in the mid afternoon.
Limit naps to no longer than an hour.
Emergent Symptoms
If you are unsure, it is always safer to seek medical care.
Tell emergency staff you are on an ALK inhibitor for lung cancer.
Call a Healthcare Provider
Call your care team
New or worse tiredness
Tiredness that does not get better with rest
Dizziness but you do not pass out
Weakness that does not go away
Tiredness with fever or signs of infection
Tiredness with poor appetite or weight loss
New tiredness after starting or changing your ALK medicine
Visit an Emergency Room
Call 911 or drive to your closest emergency room
Sudden, severe weakness
Passing out
New confusion
Chest pain
Trouble breathing
Sudden trouble talking, seeing, or moving one side
Very hard to stay awake
Very fast, very slow, or uneven heartbeat