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Patients' usual experience with fatigue?

Page last modified on: August 19, 2008
Question from Carey: Dr. Nail and Dr. Portenoy, what do you hear from your patients about fatigue?
Answers —Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N.: We hear that people are concerned when no one tells them that fatigue is an expected side effect of treatment and they want to know when the fatigue will end and why it's happening.
Russell Portenoy, M.D.: And we hear that fatigue is a major impediment to having a normal level of function even after treatment is over, and that fatigue is often associated with mood disturbance and problems in the family.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Sometimes it's confusing because you might not know what is causing the fatigue. Is it the cancer itself or is it the treatment for the cancer? You have to work with your doctor and nurse to help sort this one out.

On Wednesday, March 21, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Ease Fatigue, Boost Energy. Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N., Russel Portenoy, M.D., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about ways to manage fatigue and increase energy levels.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N.Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N., is the Dr. May Rawlinson Distinguished Professor and a senior scientist at the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Nursing in Portland.

Russell Portenoy, M.D.Russell Portenoy, M.D., is a neurologist and chairman of the Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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