Chronic fatigue can interfere with all of the activities of daily life. It can come- and-go or be constant. Following are some of the signs and symptoms of fatigue:

• Whole body tiredness, weariness, or exhaustion even after sleep

• Mental and emotional exhaustion

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or completing tasks

• Confused thinking

• Decreased ability to work, do regular activities, or start new projects

• Decreased interest in enjoyable activities

• Feelings of sadness, frustration, or irritability

• Decreased sexual desire

• Spending more time resting or sleeping

Chronic fatigue is very hard on relationships with loved ones. You may not have the energy to go out with your spouse or significant other to have dinner or visit friends. Your interest in sex may disappear, or you may just be too tired even if you are interested. You may not have the energy to take your children to the park or play in the backyard. Your friends may not understand that you can look great but have no energy. Your fatigue may result in your inability to attend school or work. You may feel guilty or lazy. All of these worries—big and small—can take a toll.

Many children also suffer from fatigue long after treatment ends. Survivorship healthcare professionals have observed that children with cognitive changes, in particular, seem to have more fatigue. For helpful information on managing cancer side effects and fatigue, check these websites: Children’s Oncology Group (V6, 2023). Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancers (https://www.survivorshipguidelines.org/) and the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) and Search topics, managing cancer side-effects and fatigue.