They can only increase Fentanyl at 25 mcg at a time. It he is taking too many breakthrough meds to compensate they will use a "titration formula" to adjust his Fentanyl dosage. Fentanyl is safe if used as directed. Be very careful about reading all of the precautions and warnings for its use. NEVER use a torn patch. It can cause a fatal overdose. Fentanyl is the most powerful synthetic narcotic known to man. It is 100X stronger than pure Heroin.

It is also important to describe his pain threahold in numbers between 1-10 with 10 being unbearable pain, to your doctors. It should be managed to a 3 or 4 worst case.

The sysmptoms you describe are relatively typical. Most of us had the same issues. My body temperature is still lower than it was pre Tx and I am 7 years post Tx. Narcotics also lower blood presuure, especially if his Fentanyl is being supplemented with Morhpine, which also acts as a vasodialator. This is why heart attack patients are given mnorphine.

Getting enough calories is always an issue - even with a PEG. Keep a log of his daily caloric intake. Make sure that he gets enough water as well since constipation is a major issue when taking Fentanyl. Staying hydrated is very important and critical to protect the kidneys from damage when getting Cisplatin.

Thrush sucks too and can cause a lot of burning throat pain. It can also be fatal if not managed quickly, if if goes systemic. I had numerous bouts with it and was on a maintenance dose of Diflucan for many months.