Bone cancer pain

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi

I wonder if someone has any advice.  My husband has Stage 4 prostate cancer with mets to his shoulder, spine, pelvis and hip.  He's been on several chemo but has castration resistant pc.

He's had radio on his shoulder (and now has much more mobility) and on his spine, hip and pelvis.  Whilst his mobility is increasing (he had it about 2 months ago), he still has a constant ache which affects his mobility and sleeping.  He's on oxy slow release and oxy liquid, along with pregabalin and paracetamol.   We are limited in things he can take as he's also on warfarin and can't come off this.

Our Palliative OT has been great and supplied a riser/recliner chair and air mattress which have really helped, but we are looking to something to help reduce this constant ache.  The PN yesterday seemed quite happy that his pain had reduced from a  10 to a 1 or 2, but as we tried to explain, if you have a severe pain at a 10, it can be reduced by pain relief, but a continuous ache which doesn't relent can be worse. Not sure that she actually understood!

If anyone has suggestions on things they have tried which have worked, we'd be grateful.

Thanks!!

  • Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community

    I'm sorry to hear about the pain that your husband is in. It must be very difficult for you both. Although I haven't had this problem I noticed that your post had gone unanswered. 

    Could I suggest that you post your question in ask a nurse and one of the specialist cancer nurses will respond within 2 working days. Alternatively, you could give the Macmillan Support Line a call on 0808 808 0000 and speak to one of the nurses on there. It's free to call and available daily from 8am to 9pm.

    I do hope you can get your husband's pain relief sorted soon.

    x

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  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to latchbrook

    I was also in pain after radiotherapy for some 6 weeks... my oncologist got a Macmillan nurse onboard to help me with my pain and she tweaked all my meds and within a few days I was up and about I cried as I was so happy. Ask for one to come and see your husband it may just help xx 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi I’m sorry to hear about your husband. My dad also has spread to his spine pelvis and also his sternum and ribs. He was only diagnosed 3 weeks yesterday and is currently in a hospice. I know bone cancer pain is very difficult to control. He has a driver which has helped significantly. First was oxy but they have changed it to fentynal which made a bit of a difference as apparently is a lot purer. I know this probably isn’t very helpful but just want you to know you are not alone x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi I also have secondary bone cancer which spread from my prostrate roughly 3 years ago, the pains you speak of sound similar to mine which leave you in constant pain no matter what you try. I went back to my GP out of pure frustration because I couldn,t sleep or do anything without being in agony. I was put on Fentanyl Patches 100mg strength and these patches are changed every three days. Along with liquid morphine as an when the pain is at its worst. This worked but it does have an effect on your internal organs. I might get in to trouble for this but may I suggest your husband do some research in to the benefits of cannabis oil. I have been using it for the last 8 months and have stopped using the patches altogether. It may help you to look at it. And I apologise if my suggestions have offended anyone.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    I have secondary breast cancer in my spine and I also was in excruciating pain after 3 vertebrae collapsed in my spine and I was thinking the same eventual route you have taken, but Macmillan came out and within three days I was like a new woman, but yes morphine can play a god awful time with your bowel.. sometimes the pain of that was worse than the other, but so far I’m doing well in my meds but I haven’t ruled out cannabis oil, I’m like if all else fails... and quality of life has to come into this god awful disease, and if it works then why not... I’m so please it’s working for you, if I change my mind I’ll be picking your brains. 

    Jo x