Morphine

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Sorry for the late post, I’ve maybe read too many posts on here and panicking about the pain.
I had my first appointment today with the radiologist. She recommended  some foods I should eat and others I should avoid and explained how the radiation would work. I have to go back again on Thursday for the simulation and should start the treatment in 2-3 weeks time. 
I asked a few questions and explained that I had found this amazing forum, ( I live in Spain and I’m not sure if there are similar groups like this here). Anyway I asked about pain relief and she said they usually give morphine patches when the pain becomes unbearable, is that what you get given in the UK?

Mix 

  • Hi Mix

    I only took paracetamol the whole way through my treatment, I was told I could have something stronger prescribed if I needed it but I didn't so morphine was never mentioned for me. However quite a few people who contribute on this forum have used morphine so I would say its pretty normal in the UK, as to what form I don't know but I'm sure the people who used it will respond and answer that for you. Sending hugs. Xx

  • Hi Mix

    I have been prescribed oramorph for the pain but have not yet used it..

    I have 8 days left of my treatment and have managed so far without the pain killers..

    It is starting to get painful when I have a bowel movement so may start to use..

    I have also asked for instillagel it's a numbing agent for my sore bottom..

    I'm sticking to very plain bland food.. toast..rice crispies, mash potatoes and plain chicken..white pasta (not sauce) mixing it with a little cheddar cheese and a dairy lea triangle..

    Wishing you lots of luck in your journey.. this group is amazing for advice and moral support 

    Xx

    Squeak

  • Hi Mix,

     I think different people experience different levels of pain depending on the size and location of the tumour and as such require different types of pain management. 
    I like many others on the forum was prescribed liquid Oramorph and took it in a very limited way until the last week of treatment when I started to take it regularly. No patches were offered but it does make sense that they deliver controlled amounts of pain relief and hopefully will keep you ahead of the pain rather than taking it reactively when the pain has become too intense.

    It’s great that you have been given dietary advice at this stage. Your team sound really proactive and helpful.

    Waiting to start treatment is a very anxious time so wishing you well for the next steps. X

  • I should have said ‘if’ not ‘when’ regarding the pain. Not everyone experiences it! X

  • Thanks so much! 

    The help and advice I have found on this forum has been priceless. It’s helped me learn to talk more openly about AC to my family and friends and not feel ashamed or awkward. I understand everyones pain is different, also due to where the tumour is located  and I can see that some have managed on paracetamol whilst others needed stronger medication. I stupidly thought that I wouldn’t have any pain or discomfort as a friend who had been through breast cancer treatment told me that radiation was a breeze and was relatively pain free!! 
    I should be starting my treatment in 2-3 weeks time and I’m just trying to be as prepared as possible without trying to overthink everything Face palm tone2‍♀️

  • Hello Mix

    I didn't need any pain relief until the end of the third week of treatment (I was unaware of my tumour) I was then prescribed Oramorph (morphine) in a liquid form, my husband did a chart to make sure that I had it regularly to avoid break-through pain.  Later I also had a slow release morphine which I took in the mornings as well.  The treatment caused me diarrhoea but that stopped when the treatment ended.  And this is really important, I should have then started taking a stool softener alongside the drugs, they slow everything down and cause constipation - not to be recommended when you have a very sore back passage!

    Getting prepared is such a good idea; you might not need some of the things that you buy but better that than being caught out.  You will feel so much more in control when treatment starts as even though it can be tough, there is a cancer-free goal within reach.  So get a calendar ready to mark off the days, they will pass quicker than you think.

    Big hug

    Irene xx

  • Thank you so much Irene this is incredibly helpful.
    Yesterday was challenging, and I found myself getting very emotional (which is unusual for me). 
    The radiologist I saw yesterday did another internal check on me and  just kept shaking her head and was furious to hear that, after five internal examinations by GPs and different doctors in A&E over Christmas, no one had realised I had a “huge” (as she put it) tumor and that I didn’t actually have haemorrhoids .
    She also mentioned that, due to the location of the tumor (very close to the vagina), the pain could be quite severe.

    It seems that doctors in Spain often present the worst-case scenario. However, after reading many posts here, I’m feeling more positive about it all.

    Mix 

  • Hey  

    Firstly don't waste time or energy comparing to other types of cancer and their treatments. Even with us all having anal cancer (of a relative or friend of someone) are experiences are similar but different.

    I managed on paracetamol up until end of week three of treatment and was then prescribed liquid morphine... By end of week four, I was advised that I could double my dose.  I found that mornings were the biggest challenge so I ended up setting an alarm for 7.30 am, taking morphine and paracetamol, getting some more sleep and then having less painful bowel movements when they started.  TBH I felt like the morphine for me, helped me mentally more than with pain relief.  I just had to keep remind myself that we just need to get through this bowel movement and then we can go back to bed...

    And here I am three weeks later, back to doing a food shop in Tesco!!! You'll get there and whilst I can appreciate the anxiety of what's to come, try and focus on what you need now - and continue to self advocate!

    We're all here rooting for you.

    Ali x

  • Hi Mix,

    Sounds like a very distressing day and absolutely not surprised you’ve been feeling emotional.

    Not really what you want to hear from the radiologist even if accurate! if it’s any reassurance many of us went through long periods of investigations before being diagnosed. For me it was 8 months of being told I had probably got diverticulitis, a fistula, then an ulcer before getting the biopsy. Your team by comparison have been relatively speedy in diagnosis and formulating a treatment plan which is great.

    As the lovely Ali has said- don’t compare to other types of cancer or you will likely get more anxious and confused! So glad you have found the forum and I know that everyone here will be responsive, open and honest about answering your questions based on their own experience.

    Big hug to you x

  • Hi mix I had radiotherapy for breast cancer in 2012 and yes it was a breeze and I thought it was going to be just as easy for AC but oh boy was I wrong yes I got through it but we dont have much choice if we want to live   no it not easy but it's over before you no it  I was lucky didn't have eny pain before treatment and yes it was painful after  treatment when having bowel movements and burns on my bum and  private parts and didn't get those till the 4th week but only lasted for a couple of weeks after the fatigue was worse that lasted a long time for me but I  put it down to age as I was 70 been ned just over 3 years but I only had chemo for 3 days it didn't agree with me x