5. Fatigue and Weakness: An Exhaustion That Rest Doesn’t Cure
Kids are known for their boundless energy, making prolonged fatigue and weakness noticeable red flags. When a child is consistently feeling too tired to participate in usual activities or is noticeably weaker, it’s not something to brush off as growing pains or a phase. It’s a significant change, and it’s one that warrants attention.
This isn’t the ordinary tiredness that every person feels at times—this is a deep, abiding fatigue that doesn’t seem to improve with rest. It’s seeing your usually energetic child becoming increasingly listless, lacking the energy to play, study, or even engage in family activities. This level of fatigue affects a child’s quality of life and can be emotionally draining for them as well.
The fatigue associated with NHL is often a result of the body’s resources being diverted to fight the cancer cells. This leaves less energy available for regular activities, and even basic tasks can become tiring. Parents may also notice pallor in their child due to anemia, another common occurrence in NHL due to bone marrow involvement. (5)
