Thanks Seda Bug.
I just had one other question - how long did it take for the Fentanyl to kick in the first time you put on a patch? We were told 24 hrs. and are anxiously awaiting 3:30 this afternoon for some improvement. If there isn't any, we can use a 2nd patch.

Radiation is bad enough, but adding chemo to the mix increases the mouth sores and pain. The Dr. we saw yesterday referred to the treatment as "barbaric", a word my husband has used more than once, and I'd have to agree from what I've seen so far.

I hope you continue to be in good shape and have good pain control - that seems
to be key.

Thanks to everyone who has responded - you are all so helpful. Anne

Anne - CG to Gordon (59), non-smoker/non-drinker. SCC, BOT, HPV 16+, stage 3. Jan./10 - radical neck dissection to remove 48 lymph nodes, 1 node pos. Apr. 23/10 - finished 35 rad. and 3 cisplatin. Jul. 22/10 - PET scan clear.