Hello everyone. I need some advice about pain meds and mouth sores. My husband has completed 18 IMRT. He has 15 more to go. He is also receiving Erbitux once a week, which is making the mouth sores worse. His lips and mouth are a wreck. The bottom lip is swollen and his mouth is full of sores. His throat is also very painful. He is taking lortab and morphine, but these are not controlling the pain and we are in the middle of a holiday weekend. He does not want to go to the ER. The doctor gave him a RX for Duragesic patch last week, but he is reluctant to put it on because he does not know how he will react with it. Has anybody out there used Duragesic patch? I know everybody reacts to meds differently, but I would love to hear some feedback on any experience with this med. He is also using soda and water rinses and Salicept. The pain is terrible. It breaks my heart to see him like this. I do not know how he will get through 15 more treatments. Please help!!!!

Amy --

I'm sorry to hear about your husband and can imagine how difficult it is for you to see him in such pain.

Quite a few OCFers have successfully used the Duragesic (fentanyl) patches. Until they chime in here, you can do a search (top of each page, under the New Topic/Post Reply buttons) for either Duragesic or fentanyl and read about their experiences. Be sure to search in "all open forums" to maximize your results.

All the best,
Leslie

I used the patch for most of my treatment and for about 2 weeks afterward. I started at 25mcg and quickly worked my way up to a 100mcg. The only real side effect that was bothersome was constipation. The patch and the morphine that I used for break through pain blocked me up pretty bad. I did take laxatives and stool softners but it never got better until I got off the patch.

The patch and morphine did a good job controlling my pain. It also allowed me to sleep, which is what I wantede to do. If he does use the patch then just remeber to come off it slowly. Reducing by 25mcg over time is the the way to avoid withdrawal effects. I followed the advice of my Drs and folks on this board which were very similar.

Tim Stoj

Amy,

I used the patch, and enhanced it with Oxydose 4-5 times a day (PRN). It helped ease the pain. Do not let him forget to take the stool softeners. I was neglectful, and that experience was almost as bad as the pain. I have heard that the reaction to the Erbitux means that it is working. My best to you both and just hang in there. It will soon be getting better.

Rob J.

Amy;
The patch was the most consistent relief I received throughout treatment. It wasn't a cure all but I was so thankful when my Oncologist put me on them. A patch coupled with something for breakthrough pain should really benefit your husband. I used Milk of Magnesia for the constipation. (could pour it in the PEG tube) That is definitely an issue you have to monitor closely.

Very Best Wishes,

Steve