Coping with GBM Fatigue, with Julie Crawshay
Fatigue is one of the most common experiences described during glioblastoma treatment, yet it is often one of the least talked about. It is more than ordinary tiredness. Many people describe a deep weariness that rest does not always fix. Understanding it a little better can help families plan the day with more kindness and less frustration.
Why Fatigue Can Happen
Fatigue during GBM care can have many contributing factors. Treatments such as radiotherapy and medication can play a part, as can disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, stress and the sheer emotional weight of a diagnosis. Because several things can overlap, it is not always possible to point to a single cause, and that is completely normal.
It also tends to change over time. Some people notice it building through a course of treatment, while others find it eases in the weeks afterward. Keeping a simple note of energy levels across the day can help your team see patterns.
Gentle Ways to Work With It
There is no single solution, but many families find small adjustments helpful. The Neuro Farmacist often hears that pacing, rather than pushing through, makes the biggest difference. Some ideas worth discussing with your team include:
- Prioritising the activities that matter most and letting go of the rest for now.
- Planning demanding tasks for the time of day when energy tends to be highest.
- Resting before exhaustion sets in, rather than waiting until it is overwhelming.
- Staying gently active where possible, since light movement can sometimes help, if your team agrees it is safe.
Nutrition, hydration and sleep routines can also be part of the conversation, and an allied health professional such as an occupational therapist may offer practical strategies tailored to daily life. Simple changes at home, such as keeping frequently used items within easy reach or sitting for tasks that were once done standing, can also save precious energy for the moments that matter most.
When to Raise It With Your Team
Fatigue is worth mentioning even if it feels minor, because sometimes there are contributing factors that can be addressed. A sudden or severe change in energy, new confusion, or fatigue alongside other new symptoms should always be reported promptly.
Julie Crawshay gently reminds caregivers that they feel fatigue too. Supporting someone through treatment is demanding, and looking after your own rest is not selfish. It helps you keep going.
Everyone's situation is different, and what suits one person may not suit another. Please treat these as general ideas only and always discuss fatigue, its possible causes and any strategies with your neuro-oncology team, who can advise what is right for you. Small, compassionate adjustments can make hard days a little more manageable, and that is what The Neuro Farmacist hopes to encourage.
Written for The Neuro Farmacist by Julie Crawshay.