A major side effect of cancer treatment is a lingering fatigue that affects many aspects of patients’ daily lives. At Hope & Cope, we are well aware of this syndrome, and we offer various activities to help patients cope with that situation.

On February 5, Annie Pettorelli will lead a French version of this webinar titled Gérer votre fatigue. She will discuss various aspects of fatigue and provide strategies to cope with it.

An occupational therapist, Annie works at the Segal Centre External Clinic and assists oncology patients throughout the cancer experience. It can be during treatment or once treatment is completed and patients are entering a new phase in their life.

What is cancer fatigue?

Annie’s answer to this complex question: “It is a distressing, persistent, and subjective sensation of tiredness related to cancer that affects daily life.”

Cancer treatment has a deep and multi-faceted impact on patients, and fatigue manifests itself at the emotional, mental, and physical levels.

Fatigue symptoms could last mid- to long-term and sometimes don’t disappear completely. It requires careful management and lots of scheduling and planning.

Annie makes a distinction between “regular” and “cancer-related fatigue.”

“It is not the same,” she says, “and it does not go away with a bit of rest or a nap.”

It can appear before diagnosis, during treatment, and may be present for some time afterwards. And yet, this common symptom is not always addressed by the medical team.

What are the benefits of this webinar?

Annie will make a 45-minute open presentation, discussing various aspects of this topic and will be sharing some resources.

“We will be discussing strategies to better manage energy, balance medical/work/family needs, and organize your environment,” she says. “The key elements are to adopt lifestyle changes to minimize energy-draining activities and promote wellness through exercise, stress management, diet, and sleep hygiene.”

The conference will be followed by a Q&A.

When and where?

This webinar is scheduled for February 5, 2024. There is still time for you to register for this online conference by visiting this link.

Date: Monday, February 5, 2024
Time: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tfumvrTopG912nWTQJaZsBTBg4QGxcvAe

You can also contact Marcelle Kecman at mkecman@jgh.mcgill.ca or 514-340-3616 ext 205 for more information.