Support group tackling cancer fatigue

WHEN he was diagnosed with cancer early this year, Mark Friswell knew he had a battle on his hands.

But what he didn’t expect was the toll his treatment would take in the form of fatigue.

The Bendigo photographer and graphic designer is suffering stage four melanoma, which began as back pain late last year and which has now spread to his liver, back and chest.

It needs various treatments and regular monitoring, but Mr Friswell discovered that fatigue was the most challenging and unexpected side-effect.

To combat it, he has participated in Bendigo Health’s new Facing Fatigue Together support group which is designed to help cancer patients with the fatigue aspect of their treatment.

The program’s sessions explain exactly what cancer fatigue is and why it happens, the different levels of severity and how to manage it.

Mr Friswell said he had never considered fatigue as an issue until he participated in the group.

“I haven’t done anything to warrant being tired but then you’re thinking about the mental stress,” he said.

“Fatigue is probably the biggest battle.”

While he continues to work, Mr Friswell combats his fatigue by going on daily walks, doing light exercise and taking naps.

He is also conscious of his mental health and sticking to a day-by-day mindset.

Group organiser and radiotherapy occupational therapist Jessica Cozens said the group was encouraging patients to share their experiences.

“A lot of people aren’t aware cancer and treatment can have this effect on them until it does,” she said.

Ms Cozens said mental exhaustion was an underrepresented form of fatigue because most patients only considered the physical element.

But the stress that comes with a life-changing diagnosis – as well as future stresses – was the underlying basis for fatigue, she said.

Facing Fatigue Together runs each Thursday from 2.30pm to 4pm in the education room of the hospital’s cancer centre. A referral is necessary to participate.