Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness or exhaustion. Chemo-related fatigue is fatigue caused by chemotherapy (medicines used to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing). This fatigue can be from the medicines themselves, as they can change the body's normal processes and energy levels. Also, chemotherapy can affect the red blood cell count, leading to anemia, or make someone not want to eat or drink, which can all cause fatigue. 

You can help your child cope with chemo-related fatigue by ensuring they get plenty of rest and giving any treatments that are needed. When the chemotherapy treatments are over, your child will gradually feel better and have more energy.

• Give your child any medicines as instructed by your health care provider.
• Let your child know that the fatigue will get better with time.
• Help your child get plenty of rest and sleep. Some kids find short naps and rest breaks more helpful than long ones. 
• Encourage your child to get some gentle physical activity every day, such as short walks and light stretching.
• Do quiet activities with your child, such as reading, games, or talking with family and friends.
• What to eat and drink:
  • Give your child plenty of liquids to drink. Avoid drinks with caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening.
  • Offer your child a balanced diet with enough protein. When your child isn't hungry, offer several small meals and healthy snacks each day.

Your child:

• Is too weak to move.
• Feels dizzy or lightheaded.
• Seems down or depressed. Depression can worsen cancer fatigue, and your health care provider may suggest other treatments to help.
• Has a fever. If your child's immune (germ-fighting) system is weakened from chemotherapy, your health care provider may recommend that you take your child to the emergency room (ER).

Can other symptoms happen with fatigue? Yes, along with being tired, your child might:

• Have a hard time paying attention to things
• Feel sad, angry, or moody

What if my child doesn't begin to feel more energetic? There can be other reasons that kids with cancer feel tired. You can:

• Call your health care provider to schedule a visit.
• Ask about a support group for kids with cancer.
• Consider having your child talk with a counselor.