Thanksgiving is a joyous holiday, a time to cherish times with family. But if you are living with lung cancer, the holidays can be exhausting. Despite the excitement, you may find your greatest intentions to enjoy the day replaced by a deeper desire to simply close your eyes.
Cancer fatigue is one of the most frustrating symptoms during cancer treatment. Studies have shown that this fatigue affects quality of life more than nausea, depression, and pain combined. And, of all the areas of life that fatigue affects, research showed fatigue to be most upsetting when it interfered with really enjoyable activities, such as the holidays.
So how can you enjoy the season, even though you feel tired? Here are a few tips as you plan ahead for your special day with family:
- Ask for help. Delegate some of those chores you would ordinarily do yourself to others.
- Pace yourself. Short, frequent rest periods may help you maintain your stamina.
- Prioritize. Choose times when you feel most energetic to do those things you really enjoy.
- Exercise a little. Even small amounts of exercise, doing something you enjoy, can help reduce cancer fatigue.
For more tips on coping with cancer fatigue during the holidays read:
Hi , it’s Thanksgiving Day! I’m happy with my extra day off, and I am planning to make something fun that will probably involve a car trip and seeing something new in Jefferson City I haven’t seen yet.
You write something new at Thanksgiving?