Fatigue with cancer that cannot be cured

Fatigue with incurable cancer is a severe lack of energy that does not always go away with sleep. Cancer, anaemia, symptoms, treatment, medicines and emotions can contribute together. Palliative care focuses on comfort and what matters most to the patient.

• A heavy, exhausted feeling that does not clearly improve after sleep or rest.
• Weak or heavy arms and legs, quickly leaving too little energy to wash, talk or eat.
• Choose one or a few activities each day that matter or feel pleasant, and let others take over less important tasks.
• Alternate activity with planned short rests and avoid using all your energy in one good moment.
• Get in touch if fatigue suddenly becomes much worse or occurs with fever, chills or new blood loss.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.