Week 3, and pain.

Hi Trev, 

Oramorph and eventually Fentanyl patches. Don't be afraid to ask.

I was ok until week 4 but then it was like a tsunami. Take whatever you need.

Thanks, ill ask about oramorph, it is really bizzare how it suddenly comes on isnt it? i was eating all sorts on sunday with no problems ! and suddenly...bam

Thanks again 

Let us know how you get on Trev - I’m just at the beginning of the journey and any advice / experience welcomed. Hope you sort it x

Hi, TervW There is not really a set pattern, on how we react to the treatment, everyone is different. Some people can sail through with just a few side effects, whereas some  get more side effects and pain. You certainly are not a wimp. If I remember rightly, by the end of week 3, I was unable to drive, so my wife had to drive us there and back every day. Please tell your team how much pain you are in, they will give you something to help with it, they don't want you to be in pain. All the best.

Regards Ray.

Remember  Trev

that pain relief is best taken by rote so that you stop pain before it breaks through. 
I had a list of all my meds on a sheet in the kitchen which husband ticked off as he did them. Once the pain kicked in I was on 20mg long acting morphine twice daily with paracetamol four times and oramorph every four hours. 
Did the trick but had to come off gradually. 
Add lots of Laxido or you will get very constipated

Thanks for all the replies, it is appreciated, i think its just taken me by surprise how suddenly ive gone from no pain to...red sores everywhere and lots of pain....even my teeth hurt?

Very good point about using meds as a pain preventative not in a reactionary way, i have not been using any up to now, but will see if max cocodamol (8 a day) helps and if not ask for morphine

Thanks again all.

Hi Pinz, welcome to the club that no one wants to be a member of, i hope your prognosis is excellent.

Trev whatever you do get stocked up with whatever you need before a weekend. Two days can be a heck of a long time. 

Hi Trev. Sorry you have suddenly got pain, but I have a thought - sometimes oral thrush arrives about week 3, heralded by a sudden very sore mouth with red patches, plus some white bits too. I certainly got my 1st episode of thrush about week 3/4......Have a good look around and show your mouth to your team tomorrow. Usually the pain from radiation is fairly localised to one area this early, rather than all over as yours sounds. If they think it’s thrush don’t settle for Nystatin liquid, ask for Fluconazole capsules. Hope it’s the temporary pain of thrush, if not, take everyone’s advice and get solid pain relief. Fingers crossed 

Hilary

Hi Trev you are on track sorry to be the bearer of bad news. At my worst I was in 6 x 30 mg co codomol and uo to 40 mil,of oramorph  daily It’s imperative yiu keep on top of the pain meds I used a spread sheet and duly ticked off each medication it’s all about controlling the pain . I have a blog  with links to other sites if  haven’t already read it www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  pop by I do a week by week account if my experiences with tonsil cancer. At the end if this month I will be 2 years post treatment.Do you have a peg if so use it nutrition and hydration is vital ,if not ask about g tube being fitted. Nit to be bleak but things will progressively get worse from here , but the good thing g is the cure rate is excellent.Take yiunchemo medication as directed as well it’s there  to help you. 

Hazel x