Physicians need to identify and treat systemic pathology, when appropriate, and discuss their findings with their patients. Patients who know which medical conditions are likely contributing to their current fatigue can have more realistic expectations. If they are clear about which problems have been ruled out, they are less likely to waste energy on needless worry. At follow-up visits, physicians need to assess patients' activity level, nutritional status and sleep pattern. Patient education about the nutritional demands of recovery can reverse or prevent malnutrition.
Poor stamina complicates the emotional issues of survivorship.
Tired survivors may try to prove to the world that they can do it all, when common sense would dictate that they should slow down. This is a very understandable anxiety since worsening fatigue can be a symptom of recurrent cancer. Social, Spiritual Issues I've heard from many survivors how their decreased energy affects their relationships with others, ability to function, sexual desire and performance, self-perception, and sense of hope. The misconception that survivors no longer have special needs once treatment ends is common and is reinforced as the outward signs of illness disappear. Consequently, expectations arenot adjusted for patients' decreased energy reserves.