How to Create a Fatigue Diary

The Importance of a Fatigue Diary During Cancer Treatment

The importance of taking care of yourself during treatment can sometimes be overlooked. It can be difficult to know what to expect during treatment and what to worry about.

Maintaining a daily diary of your energy levels and treatment can help you understand how treatment affects you. With this information, your doctor can provide you with more effective treatment for fatigue.

Not only will it benefit your doctor and nurses, but most importantly it will assist you! This diary will show you how you feel at certain times of the day, week, or after a certain activity. You will be able to plan your week ahead and know when to do specific tasks/activities, all while keeping an eye on your health.

How to Calculate Your Fatigue Levels

The more you assess how fatigue affects you on a scale of 1-5, the better you will understand your energy levels at that time, and your friends and family will understand how you are feeling. Without explaining, you will be able to let them know you feel like a 1 or a 2 today and will need help.

Traffic Light System for Fatigue

The traffic light system I developed with my partner was devised to help me cope with fatigue. An orange colour means I can do a little bit, while a green colour means I feel good, and red means I am struggling. As a result, he will know if I need extra assistance that day. You can use this option if you are having trouble communicating with your friends and family.

Create your own fatigue diary with the guide below:

Fatigue Scale

• 1 - No fatigue: Able to do all activities
• 2 - Mild fatigue: Able to do most activities
• 3 - Moderate fatigue: Able to do some activities but need rest
• 4 - Severe fatigue: Difficulty walking or doing activities such as cooking
• 5 - Extreme fatigue: Needing to sleep or rest all day

You may also want to read - 'Creating a Hospital Passport'