6 Tips to Conserve Energy and Combat Fatigue When You Have Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

That’s partly because the fatigue from non-small cell lung cancer is more than everyday tiredness. It’s a persistent physical and emotional exhaustion that isn’t caused by activity and doesn’t improve with sleep.

“Fatigue, tiredness, and exhaustion are very common symptoms, and they are often under-recognized,” says M. Hamza Habib, MD, director of the Outpatient Cancer Pain Service and Outpatient Palliative Medicine at Rutgers Cancer Institute and member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group in New Brunswick, New Jersey. “It’s not just the cancer itself, but the treatments and the other situations that transpire around it that lead to this syndrome of fatigue.”

Treatment to shrink the cancer may give you a boost in energy. Until then, try these tips to combat fatigue.

1. Exercise

Since starting a new fitness program right now may seem hard — especially if you’ve never exercised before — try recruiting a friend or family member as an exercise partner or simply someone to cheer you on.

2. Use Adaptive Tools

3. Delegate

Being treated for non-small cell lung cancer is just one of your many daily responsibilities — so don’t try to do everything yourself. “Having a social support network around you can help,” says Habib.

If you don’t have enough helpers, use paid services like grocery or meal delivery. Look for free or low-cost programs in your community. “Talk to the social worker at the cancer center where you’re getting treatment,” Habib suggests. “They can find a lot of resources to help you do your daily tasks.”

4. Divide and Conquer

Break down big tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Clean the kitchen counter, but save mopping the floors for another day. Wash one load of laundry at a time. Grocery shop for half your list. Divide the bills into a few small piles and pay each pile on a different day.

Do the most important things first, starting at the time of day when your energy level is highest. Balance activities with rest by stopping for a break between each chore. Or take a 10- to 15-minute nap. “A power nap can perk you up, and then you can do tasks that need to be done later in the day,” Habib says.

5. Streamline Tasks

Find ways to make daily tasks easier, says Habib. For example, wear clothes with velcro or zippers instead of buttons. Soak the dishes first so you don’t have to scrub them, or prep and chop recipe ingredients the day before you make a meal. You can also make several meals at once and freeze the leftovers. Or throw a bunch of ingredients into a slow cooker in the morning and let dinner make itself.

6. Eat for Energy

If three big meals are too much, try eating five or six small meals and snacks throughout the day, says Habib. Eat complex carbs (whole grains, fruits, vegetables) for energy and protein (cheese, poultry, fish) to maintain muscle mass. Add in healthy fats (avocado, nuts) for extra calories.

Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids to stay well-hydrated. You need about nine 8-ounce (oz) cups of water a day to maintain your blood circulation and flush out your system, says Habib.

When Fatigue Signals Another Problem

Sometimes fatigue is a sign of a separate medical condition, so be on the lookout for other symptoms as well. For example, fatigue with shortness of breath or chest pain could indicate a heart attack. Tiredness, a fever, and weakness signal a possible infection. Call your doctor if you notice any of these warning signs, says Habib.

Because depression can also cause fatigue, watch for symptoms like persistent sadness, changes in sleep, and loss of enjoyment in things you once loved doing. “Mental health is equally as important as physical health, and fatigue and depression often overlap,” Habib says.

The Takeaway

• Fatigue is a common symptom of non-small cell lung cancer and its treatments.
• Exercise can help combat fatigue by improving oxygen delivery and boosting mood.
• Ask family members and friends for help with daily tasks so you can rest.
• Divide daily chores into smaller steps, and use adaptive tools to conserve energy.