Dealing with fatigue while managing Waldenström's and taking Brukinsa is genuinely tough — and you're far from alone in feeling this way. The fatigue can come from the condition itself, the treatment, or both. The good news is there are some things that can help.
First, it's worth talking to your doctor to check if there's Show Full Answer
Dealing with fatigue while managing Waldenström's and taking Brukinsa is genuinely tough — and you're far from alone in feeling this way. The fatigue can come from the condition itself, the treatment, or both. The good news is there are some things that can help.
First, it's worth talking to your doctor to check if there's a treatable cause, such as:
- Anemia — low hemoglobin can be addressed with a blood transfusion
- Thyroid issues — hypothyroidism can be treated
- Low testosterone — this can also be corrected
- Pain medication dosages — some can worsen fatigue and may be adjustable Beyond medical causes, these lifestyle approaches can make a real difference:
- Start small with exercise — even a short walk around the yard counts, and building slowly from there really helps
- Prioritize sleep — poor sleep habits are often overlooked; steroids like those sometimes used in treatment can disrupt sleep
- Eat well — work with a dietitian to keep your nutrition and calorie intake up
- Take short naps — keep them under 30 minutes to avoid feeling worse
- Lean on others — friends, family, or a social worker can help with daily tasks on harder days As a MyLymphomaTeam member put it, "Working through the pain and moving around seems to actually make me feel better than sitting." It doesn't always feel intuitive, but gentle movement can genuinely help.
Mental health support matters too — therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy can ease fatigue tied to stress and anxiety. Some medications and supplements are also being studied for cancer-related fatigue, so it's worth asking your doctor what options might suit your situation.
2 days ago
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