Hi Gary,
My understanding is that they won't prescribe the fentanyl or switch him to the 'long term' opiod until he has reached the maximum intake of morphine or 'short term' opiod as you described. This is also consistent with a recent recommendation made by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (http://www.ismp-canada.org/download/ISMPCSB2006-05Fentanyl.pdf).

The physician has prescribed tylenol to reduce the fever. He had a chest x-ray which did not show anything (on Monday) although it is common for a pneumonia to not show up for a few days on an x-ray film. His temp has dropped from 102-103 on Monday to 99-101 currently with the tylenol. He sees his oncologist again today for further management. His wife is also keeping a temperature log.

He has a CT Scan scheduled for Sept 27th which they tell us will reveal if the Radiation therapy has worked at. I'm keeping my fingers crossed smile

Thank-you again for your advice. It has been immensely helpful.

- Cindy