How to Manage Fatigue During Radiation Treatments

Radiation therapy was one of the most exhausting parts of my breast cancer journey. I’ll be honest—there were days when I doubted my ability to make it through. The fatigue felt like a constant weight, and balancing treatments with the demands of everyday life was overwhelming. Over time, I discovered that small, intentional steps could make a meaningful difference in simply “getting through it.” From nourishing my body with the right foods to leaning on my support system, these strategies helped me stay grounded and find strength during such a challenging time.

I want to share my experience and what worked for me in the hope that it might help you or someone you love navigate this journey with a little more ease. To provide even more insight, my friend Samantha DeVito, MS, RD, CDN—a Registered Dietitian & Certified Nutrition Specialist—also weighs in with expert advice.

Finding and maintaining energy during radiation therapy for breast cancer can be challenging, but there are several strategies to help support your body and mind through the process:

KEY PHRASE: Support your body & mind through the process!

1. Nourish Your Body

• Balanced Nutrition: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats to fuel your body. Focus on nutrient-dense foods.

• Smaller, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller meals throughout the day can help maintain energy levels without overwhelming your digestion.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to combat fatigue and prevent dehydration.

• Include Energy-Boosting Foods:

     - Complex carbs (like oatmeal, quinoa)

     - Protein-rich snacks (nuts, Greek yogurt, boiled eggs)

     - Iron-rich foods (spinach, beans) to prevent anemia.

Our expert, Samantha DeVito says, "combining iron rich foods with vitamin C can increase absorption; vitamin C (broccoli, bell peppers, strawberries, citrus, tomatoes) + iron (spinach, beans, meat, poultry, fish, beets, fortified grains like oats or whole wheat breads, nuts and seeds). Think bell peppers + spinach salad, strawberries + fortified cereal, tomatoes + lentils."

When I asked her to 'dumb that sentence down for me,' she said:

"When you eat plant-based sources of iron rich foods (non-heme iron) with vitamin C, vitamin C enhances the absorption.  Non-heme iron foods include beans, spinach, and lentils for example. Iron from animal sources (heme iron) is absorbed more easily by the body.

Vitamin C, which is found in foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli can improve the absorption of non-heme iron by converting it into a form that’s easier for the body to absorb. This can be helpful for vegetarians or those on vegan diets since they rely more on plant-based sources of iron, those with iron deficiency anemia or if they are at risk, pregnant women or those with certain health conditions.  

For example, if you eat a spinach salad with some orange slices or add diced tomatoes into lentil stew, the vitamin C will help your body absorb the iron from the plant foods more effectively."

Note: Check with your doctor or dietitian in case any herbal teas interact with treatment or medications. 

2. Pace Yourself

• Rest When Needed: Listen to your body and rest when you’re tired. Allow yourself breaks during the day.

• Prioritize Activities: Focus on essential tasks and delegate others when possible.

  
  

3. Light Exercise

• Gentle activities like walking, yoga, or stretching can help reduce fatigue, improve mood, and boost overall energy.

4. Manage Stress

• Practice deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to reduce stress and conserve energy.

• Journaling or talking to a counselor can help process emotions and provide mental relief.

  
  

5. Quality Sleep

• Establish a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

• Create a calming bedtime routine to improve sleep quality, such as dimming lights and avoiding screens before bed.

  
  

6. Support Your Immune System

• Take a multivitamin or supplements if recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Avoid exposure to infections by practicing good hygiene and staying away from sick individuals.

7. Leverage Support

• Accept help from family and friends for errands, meal prep, or childcare to conserve your energy.

• Join a support group for breast cancer patients to connect with others going through similar experiences.

  
  

8. Communicate with Your Care Team

• Report persistent fatigue to your healthcare team—they can check for treatable causes like anemia or thyroid issues. You might think they get sick of hearing it or they 'hear it all the time' but it's worth noting in your chart so you have a record!

• Ask about integrative therapies such as acupuncture or massage, which some patients find beneficial.

Staying hydrated, eating nourishing foods, pacing yourself, and practicing mindfulness are key. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize rest and self-care during this time. Your energy may vary day-to-day, so be kind to yourself as you navigate this journey.

(Reminder: This is my experience, not medical advice and you should always check with your doctor before changing your diet or lifestyle)

Shelly

To learn more about Samantha DeVito, click to: https://www.samanthadevitonutrition.com/