I wonder if anyone can share any insights into pain relief. My mum was diagnosed with lung cancer in March this year, and went through immunotherapy treatment until August, at which point the doctors said it was doing more harm than good, it's spread pretty much everywhere other than her head, and she wasn't strong enough, so stopped all treatment. During that time she was pretty much in bed, in masses of pain, and it transpires doesn't remember much of those 5 months. Since August we've got our mum back, in a way, but we know that with no treatment we are inexorably heading towards the end. But, this is the first time I've had any close friend/family member seriously ill, and I am absolutely baffled that she remains in huge amounts of pain, and the hospice / medical team don't seem to be able to get on top of it. She is on liquid oxy to 'top up' when in pain but it doesn't touch the pain, and the more she takes the more sleepy she gets, which means she really tries to NOT take oxy. Can you take oxy in a preventive way? so if she took say 5ml every 2 hours, might that work, rather than waiting for pain to arrive, trying 10ml and it having no effect? Any insights would be hugely appreciated.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your mum and the challenges you are trying to navigate but I do hope you will find lots of comfort and support from people who understand here on the Online Community.
The Community has many dedicated support groups and when it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from joining our supportive Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
If you'd like to connect into this groups, you need to join the groups. First click on the Green link I have created above. Then click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a new post by clicking in the box near the top right with + New (Computers) or + (Mobile Devices). You will then see a dropdown menu so why not hit ‘Start a Discussion in New here, say hello’
You could copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also search through existing ‘Discussions’ and click [reply] if you want to put up a comment.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
