Be very careful with the fentayl patch! When I was about week 4 I was on 75mg of the fentanyl patch. I was up to 150mg for about a week and then backed down to 125 then 100 etc. Always go slowly up and back down with this medication and be sure to follow all directions exactly. No long hot showers or baths, never cut, rip, fold, tear, etc the patch, always place it on a different spot every 72 hours.

Make sure you are getting at least 2500 calories and 48 oz of water every single day. Right about now is when the skimping begins and its all downhill from there. No matter what you do, your daily goal of 2500 calories and 48 oz of water needs to be your top priority. Push yourself no matter how difficult it becomes you must take that in every day. Check with your doc and getting hydrated in the chemo lab. You probably can use the extra fluids, it will make you feel much better.

Hang in there!!!



Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile