Ask the Health Professional
Do you ever feel like there is not enough time in an appointment to ask your doctor all the questions you have? Do you have questions regarding changes that have happened to you or your loved one since a brain tumor diagnosis?
Medical Information Specialist Mary Lovely, RN, PhD is available to answer questions and provide information, either by phone or email. Mary has been working in the field of neuro-oncology for 20 years and completed her Post Doctoral Fellowship in Symptom Management.
Click here to ask Mary a question.
Featured Question:
Is it normal to experience fatigue following brain tumor treatment?
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Answer:
Yes, it is normal to experience fatigue following brain tumor treatment. Brain tumor treatment fatigue is a feeling of tiredness, often more severe than tiredness normally felt from a lack of a good night's sleep. Individuals have described brain tumor fatigue as weakness, exhaustion, lack of energy, sleepiness, drowsiness, confusion, and impatience. Most people have a lack of "pep," and feel a strong desire to stop, rest, and even lie down and sleep. When people experience cancer fatigue, it may affect the way they think. They may have trouble paying attention, reading, watching television, or talking with family members. They may find they may not be able to do all the activities that they used to do. The cause of brain tumor fatigue is not known; however, there are several ways to manage brain tumor treatment fatigue:
- Plan your day so that you have time to rest.
- Take short naps or breaks, rather than one long rest period.
- Eat as well as you can and drink plenty of fluids.
- Take short walks or do light exercise if possible.
- Try easier or shorter versions of activities you enjoy.
- Try activities that are less strenuous, like listening to music or reading.
- Save your energy for the most important things.
- Become comfortable asking others to help with things that you used to be able to do alone.
- Develop consistent sleep habits (go to bed and get up at the same time every day).
If you continue to have problems with brain tumor treatment fatigue, consult your physician or oncology nurse.
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The Medical Information Specialist is made possible through the financial support of the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation.
NOTE: The general medical information provided in this column is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Consult your physician about your individual medical treatment before making any decisions regarding your health care.
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