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Real members of MyLeukemiaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I stay so tired all the time I've never been a lazy person and I feel so tired and people think I'm lazy but I know better does anyone. prob

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Marietta, GA
March 27
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A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Everyone has fatigue if they do nothing or take medication. I am glad I was visiting th gym & jogging after I retired. My doctor was amazed I did not have any problems even as my WBC count increased. I retired at 60 and was told when I was 71 I had been told. Today I was outside at 7 AM to do yard work for an hour at 9 AM I took my wife shopping’s. I pace myself active in the morning & relax afternoon.
I eat healthy & exercise take vitamins & supplements all of this benefits my health. I think my health & blood test are normal but this illness is a long term situation. Celebrating Lon Life (CLL)

March 28
MyLeukemiaTeam

Why does leukemia cause extreme fatigue and tiredness?

Leukemia causes extreme fatigue through several interconnected mechanisms. Understanding these can help you work with your healthcare team to manage this challenging symptom.

The main causes include:

Anemia: Leukemia and its treatments can lower your red blood cell Show Full Answer

Why does leukemia cause extreme fatigue and tiredness?

Leukemia causes extreme fatigue through several interconnected mechanisms. Understanding these can help you work with your healthcare team to manage this challenging symptom.

The main causes include:

Anemia: Leukemia and its treatments can lower your red blood cell count. Since red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body, having fewer of them means your organs and tissues don't get enough oxygen to function normally. This makes you feel exhausted, weak, and unmotivated.

Chronic inflammation: High levels of chemicals produced by white blood cells in response to inflammation contribute significantly to fatigue, especially in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Pain: Ongoing pain from leukemia cells building up in bone marrow can disrupt sleep, reduce appetite, and limit activity—all contributing to exhaustion.

Treatment side effects: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy directly cause fatigue. Some medications for managing symptoms, like antidepressants and pain relievers, can also increase tiredness.

Poor nutrition: Loss of appetite, nausea, mouth sores, and taste changes from treatments can prevent you from getting adequate nutrition, leaving your body without the fuel it needs.

Sleep disruptions: Night sweats, pain, stress, and anxiety can all interfere with quality sleep.

Reduced physical activity: When cancer limits your ability to exercise, this itself can worsen fatigue.

This type of fatigue isn't something a good night's sleep will fix—it's persistent exhaustion that can appear before diagnosis and continue during and after treatment.

March 27

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