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Do support groups help with fatigue?

Page last modified on: August 19, 2008
Question from Sydney Gal: Would becoming a part of a support group and joining others that are recovering be a good step in combating fatigue?
Answer —Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N.: One of the strengths of a support group is that it helps you understand that you are not alone in the experience of fatigue and you can get advice from other people who have been there in dealing with health care providers, friends, family members, employers and co-workers. We have found that people tell us that the experience of the support group isn't something that changes the sensation of fatigue but it changes their feeling that they are alone in the experience and it helps them to think of practical things to say when family members ask if they are still tired or co-workers who think that the fatigue ends when the treatment ends. And the support groups may also be very useful in helping people identify things that they can do to help other women with breast cancer understand the experience and develop effective strategies for dealing with it.

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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