What if palliative care does not relieve persistent fatigue?

Fatigue can be linked with anaemia, infection, pain, poor sleep, low appetite, dehydration, medication effects, emotional strain, or the cancer itself. It may also worsen after treatment or after doing a familiar task. A careful review can separate low energy from breathlessness, dizziness, weakness, or sleepiness, because each may need a different response.

Tell the team when fatigue is worst, what activities you can still do, how you sleep, and whether you have dizziness, breathlessness, pain, low mood, or reduced intake. Bring a list of medicines and supplements. Plan essential tasks for your better periods, sit for activities, accept practical help, and use gentle movement if the team says it is safe. Balance activity with rest rather than staying in bed all day unless advised.

Seek prompt help for sudden severe weakness, fainting, new confusion, chest pain, breathlessness at rest, a racing heartbeat, fever, black stools, or inability to stand safely. Contact the team when fatigue rapidly worsens, prevents eating or drinking, or makes it unsafe to take medicines or walk. These changes may need same-day assessment.

Could anaemia, infection, dehydration, sleep trouble, or a medicine be contributing? Do I need tests? What activity level is safe? How can we protect sleep and energy? Which change should prompt an urgent call?