How to Handle Fatigue

By Leya Elijah-Lyle

1 min read

Fatigue is something we all will face on this journey. It's important to know how to handle it in order to be able to bounce back well. Keep in mind that fatigue is not the same as being tired. Therefore, it cannot be treated the same way. I have been courageously surviving chronic lymphocytic leukemia since 2015 and I have learned some tips that I want to share! It's ok to not be ok. This is called a "battle" for a reason. Embrace the process, take care of yourself and rest!

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Dennis Golden Moderator
Great video . So true and the same in my case as well. During and even after treatment I just felt wiped out physically and mentally. My usual level of being upbeat and active just disappeared. Over time it did improve. I have been hit with a few emotional curveballs since that have taken the wind out of me so not quite sure if I still have some lingering effects of chemo or just dealing with the "other stuff" in my life. So agree you have to be able to say to yourself and believe - "Its OK not to be OK." Love that quote ❤️Dennis(Blood-Cancer.com TEAM)
1. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="DennisGolden" user-id="3641422"/> 🫂same! 
2. Leya Elijah-Lyle Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Dennis Golden" user-id="3641422"/> I am still going through chemo, but I do know that it can have its effects for quite a while after remission. However, even with all that we endure with life, it's still ok to not be ok. Allow yourself the freedom to rest in whatever capacity that is needed.
Katelynn Bauer Moderator & Contributor
Thank you <3 This is a wonderful reminder. 
1. Leya Elijah-Lyle Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Katelynn Bauer" user-id="3653385"/> You are so welcome! We all need it! ((hugs))
Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
The fatigue has been so bad for me plus the tiredness. Thank you for the reminder🫂💞 because I have been a little road runner lately beep beep. I’m always trying to fight the fatigue 💥🤺 eventually it gets the best of me 😩 mentally and physically…dragging feet 👣 🛌 
1. Leya Elijah-Lyle Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Amanda Brunson" user-id="4145474"/> I have been battling fatigue myself for the last few months. Its been almost unbearable. I have had to revisit this reminder for my own self! LOL! I was pushing so hard that it was affecting me mentally and physically. I just recently had to remind myself that this is a part of the journey and its ok. I am allowed to rest and even sleep when I need it and I don't need to explain that or apologize for it. I can't believe after 8 years, people can still make me feel guilty for what I am living through and surviving! But we will do it together! ((hugs))
2. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Leya Elijah" user-id="3654201"/> 🫂🫂🫂🫂
Dennis Golden Moderator
Fatigue is like finding yourself being pulled out to sea with a rip tide - You can fight it or you can let it carry you along. Once you are free of the pull ---n take a deep breadth and swim safely back to your safe harbor ... Dennis(Blood-Cancer.com TEAM)
Ramae Hamrin Moderator & Contributor
"Fatigue is not failure..." Those words just struck a chord with me and helped me realize why I get so down in the dumps when I am fatigued. I've been such a productive, high achiever that my mind just doesn't know how to do fatigue gracefully. What a nice reminder to love and take care of ourselves when we really need it. So nice to see your beautiful, smiling face, <inline-mention username="Leya Elijah" user-id="3654201"/>. 
1. Leya Elijah-Lyle Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Ramae Hamrin" user-id="3651272"/> Awww I am glad it was encouraging to you, my friend! I had to remind myself of that recently as I have been quite sick and battling fatigue lately. But it's definitely not failure. It's just part of the battle, not the end of the war!
Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
Love the video - Such good information. It’s always best to listen to our bodies and do what it is telling us to do. Thanks for sharing. Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
1. Leya Elijah-Lyle Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Ann Harper" user-id="3637920"/> Always welcome! Yes, our bodies are always talking to us. We just need to listen. 
2. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Leya Elijah" user-id="3654201"/> Yes - Love that!
Susan Gonsalves Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Leya Elijah" user-id="3654201"/> Thank you for this video. Like you, I tried to "outrun," fatigue many times and it never works out the way we want. I'm doing a lot better at listening to my body these days because fatigue is a daily challenge along with other pains and aches of course. It's important to have that balance and set aside time to rest whenever possible. Take care. Susan (Blood-Cancer Team Member)
1. Leya Elijah-Lyle Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Susan Gonsalves" user-id="3653135"/> You are so welcome my dear! Continue to work on that self-care. It's vitally important!
Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
Awesome video and a great reminder because so many can fully relate to this subject!
Sophia Member
<inline-mention username="Leya Elijah" user-id="3654201"/> Thank you for the video. Fatigue is something I have a hard time 'allowing' myself to feel, but, now I will remind myself ... "It's OK not to be OK" 😉 🌺 
1. Ramae Hamrin Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Sophia" user-id="4266673"/> I think so many of us struggle with allowing ourselves to feel fatigued. It doesn't feel OK, does it?! So glad this article resonated with you. It did for me too, and I need to remind myself of the same thing. Hugs, Ramae (<a href='https://blood-cancer.com' target='_blank'>Blood-Cancer.com</a>, team) 
2. Leya Elijah-Lyle Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Sophia" user-id="4266673"/> Yes, remind yourself and then allow yourself to rest and recover! "It's ok!" ((hugs))
CommunityMember0fbaa7 Member
Thank you, I needed to hear this.
1. Dennis Golden Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember0fbaa7" user-id="3652030"/> So glad you were encouraged with the comments here - please feel free to reach out . I have personally found great comfort in being with people who share similar experiences. All the best and do hope to hear more from you as you are comfortable sharing ... Dennis(Blood-Cancer.com TEAM)
2. Leya Elijah-Lyle Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember0fbaa7" user-id="3652030"/> I am glad this helped! We are all here to help and encourage.
Paula Rosado Moderator
<inline-mention username="Leya Elijah" user-id="3654201"/> This is a wonderful video. I've often pushed myself until it was painful. It's true! We can push ourselves past our comfort zone often. When we rest we get an opportunity to take good care of ourselves and that should never be in short supply. Thanks for your heartfelt encouragement. It's good to have this reminder that we are not a failure when we take the opportunity to rest
Leya Elijah-Lyle Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Maria Valente" user-id="3654780"/> Thank you! I often push myself to that point as well. Rest and Recovery is so vital to those of us who are surviving daily and especially those still on treatment. Our bodies are going through so much!