Geri,

I had hydrocodone (liquid and tablets) to take when I was at home and tramadol to take when I was at work for the beginnings of pain and discomfort. I worked up until my 4th week of IMRT and then hit a wall, but I have a very physical job where I have to talk alot! I couldn't explain things to my patients because my throat was sore and my voice gave out. I also had some stuff called MD Anderson mouthwash that was swish and swallow but it made me too sleepy to take while I worked ( 4 times a day).
Then when I stopped working they put on the Fentanyl patch, 25mcg then 50mcg for awhile then back down to 25mcg. I did have terrible withdrawals when we finally took the patch off, but it was after treatment had ended and I was not eating like I should because I didn't have to weigh in every week.
At the time I didn't
think to take the hydrocodone to help taper, I just took the patch off and thought I would be fine. Just talk to the docs about tapering the patch when you get to that point.( later
found out that there is a 12.5 mcg to step down to ) I wore it until mid December while recovering ,too.
Cold always felt good on my throat so I mixed ice cream in my Boost and Ensure plus and I liked raspberry tea up until my taste changed, now I can't tolerate sweet stuff. And you are right, you and hubby will be closer than ever during and after this journey. You guys are in my prayers.