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How to keep strength up after BMT?

Page last modified on: August 19, 2008
Question from Bb2: In December I underwent a bone marrow transplant, I feel better than I have in years, however I am worried this effect is only temporary. Any suggestions as to how I can keep my strength up?
Answers —Russell Portenoy, M.D.: There are many causes for fatigue and it is important to try to assess and understand factors that may be contributing to it. Some people experience fatigue because of the disease or the treatment itself. Other people experience fatigue because of medications they may be taking, because they have a sleep disturbance, because they have some other medical problem, because they have a depression, or because they have been inactive for so long that they have become de-conditioned. It is important to realize that fatigue could have all of these influences and to try to minimize or reverse all of the possible contributing causes, this may entail making sure that nutrition is good, that there is some effort to exercise or at least remain active, that problems with moods are addressed, and that a sleep disturbance is treated. It is important to work with a physician or nurse to address each of these factors in an effort to minimize the fatigue.
Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N.: Eat well. Sleep well. Get enough physical activity. And be good to yourself.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: You have to give yourself credit for all of the ground that you have just covered. And for women who have had bone marrow transplants, usually the seriousness of their diagnosis needs to be balanced against reassurance that they can move past it by their team of caretakers.

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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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

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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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