Join hosts Melanie Sisk and Abigail Johnston as they shine a light on the real experiences of managing cancer symptoms. In each episode of the Symptoms Spotlight series of short episodes, we explore different symptoms caused by cancer or its treatment, sharing practical insights and hard-won wisdom directly from patients who've been there.
This isn't just medical information—it's peer-to-peer support at its finest. Melanie and Abigail believe that patients learn best from each other, and that we're stronger together. Each episode features candid conversations about symptom management strategies, what works, what doesn't, and the collective knowledge of the cancer community.
In this episode, Melanie and Abigail Johnston tackle one of cancer's most challenging side effects: fatigue. With 5-8+ years of experience managing treatment-related exhaustion, they share practical strategies that have helped them maintain quality of life. Topics include structured exercise programs (LiveStrong at YMCA, 2Unstoppable, Cancer Wellness for Life), Medicare fitness benefits like Silver Sneakers, medication interventions including Ritalin for severe fatigue, and the value of palliative care specialists. They also emphasize basics like proper nutrition, hydration, and monitoring blood work for underlying issues like low hemoglobin or vitamin deficiencies.
Whether you're navigating treatment side effects, managing ongoing symptoms, or supporting someone who is, Symptom Spotlight offers the kind of practical, patient-centered guidance you won't find in a textbook. Have a symptom you'd like us to cover? Let us know—this series is driven by what matters most to you.
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Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.
