However, cancer patients can help combat overwhelming fatigue themselves. "It is important for patients to pace themselves," said Katherine Bruss, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the American Cancer Society. "Self-help techniques that focus on decreasing activity and increasing rest have been shown to be successful in the management of fatigue."

Moderate exercise is important in fighting fatigue, added Lillian Nail, PhD, of the University of Utah School of Nursing. She advises patients to consult with a physical therapist or exercise physiologist to determine an appropriate exercise program.

Finding "low-maintenance helpers" is also important said Dr. Nail. "Even when it comes to getting your lawn mowed, you need someone who will just do it and sneak away quietly, not someone who wants to make conversation." She also advises identifying a ?job coordinator,? someone who can get helpers organized, so you don?t have to deal with routine chores.

Suggestions from Fatigue Experts:

REST, BUT NOT TOO MUCH
Plan your day so you have time to rest. Take short naps or breaks, rather than one long rest period. However, while sleep and rest are important, don?t overdo it. Too much rest can decrease your energy level. In other words, the more you rest, the more tired you will feel. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your health care professional.

STAY ACTIVE
Stay as active as you can. Regular exercise?especially walking?has been found to be the best remedy for fatigue. Add other activities that are less strenuous, like bird watching, listening to music, or reading. To help you plan your activities, keep a diary of how you feel each day. In assessing your fatigue, physicians may ask how severe it is (rated from 0-10), what are the patterns to it, and what makes it better or worse? Keep a detailed record of how you feel.

SAVE YOUR ENERGY
Plan ahead. Spread your activities throughout the day. Don?t push yourself by standing too long or by doing activities in extreme temperatures. Even long, hot showers or baths can drain you of energy. Store items within easy reach, so you won?t have to strain to get them from overhead storage. Take rest breaks between activities to save your energy for the things you want to do. Most of all, prioritize. Decide which activities are really important to you and which ones aren?t.

GET HELP WITH TASKS
Ask your family or friends to help with tasks you find difficult or tiring, like mowing the lawn, preparing meals, doing housework, or running errands. Don?t force yourself to do more than you can manage. It may be difficult for others to understand if rest does not make your fatigue go away. Explaining that the fatigue you feel is different from the fatigue you had before treatment will help them understand.

GET SUPPORT
Join a support group. Sharing your feelings with others can ease the burden of fatigue. You can learn coping hints from others by talking about your situation. Ask your health care professional to put you in touch with a support group in your area.

EAT WELL
Drink plenty of water and juices. Eat as nutritiously as you can. Try to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR
Call your doctor if you feel too tired to get out of bed over a 24 hour period, if you feel confused, dizzy, lose your balance or fall, have a problem waking up, have a problem catching your breath, and if the fatigue becomes progressively worse.

Fatigue caused by cancer treatment is temporary, experts say. Your energy will slowly come back, especially if you stay moderately active.