First of all, welcome to OCF. Im glad you have found this site as it seems like you really need some assistance. By stopping the fentanyl patch it is why he is now in so much pain. Fentanyl is the strongest pain medication. Vicodin is not as nearly as strong as the patch. I would suggest to get his pain under control by going back on the patch. Then if he has breakthru pain take additional pain meds. Nobody should have to be in pain. A cool compress will help with the swelling too.

If you have been around reading posts for a few months then you understand that we are not doctors. OCF is made up of members who are patients both past and current and their caregivers. We are lucky enough to have a dentist and Gary and Brian who are both brilliant.

That said, it could be possbile that he has an infection that is causing the swelling. Does he still have his teeth? When was the last time Ron had a dental check up? Did he use flouride trays while he was doing radation? It may be something simple or could be more serious like problems with his jawbone. Some people suffer from osteioradionecrosis which is death of the bone. That is treated with pressurized oxygen therapy (HBO). So you see it could be several differnt problems. I suggest taking him to the doctor. Does he have an ENT? If so thats where I would start and insist that they see him right away.

Im glad you figured out how to post. Now please keep asking any questions you may have. Best wishes, hope Ron feels better very soon.