Johnny should be getting better pain relief, which is a patient's RIGHT -- unfortunately our MO at Hopkins says many docs are reluctant to prescribe adequate pain relief as they fear legal entanglements or patient addiction.

Most everyone who goes through radiation needs serious pain relief. This may take the form of Oxycontin (timed-release oxycodone which is equivalent to 10 or 20 oxycodone pills) but most eventually go onto Duragesic (fentanyl) patches. These are a timed-release dose which lasts 72 hours. My husband was able to get through with 25 mcg Duragesic but it is not unusual to have to use 50 or even 100 mcg. The patient is eventually weaned off this medication as the healing progresses, most have no problem. Some people also use a milder oral opiate (e.g. oxycodone or liquid morphine) for break-through pain, or to allow (relatively) pain-free eating. There are also rinses which help dull oral pain, does your husband have these? One is Gel-clair (prescription) which is also available over-the-counter in a weaker formulation as Rincinol, made by GUM.

You MUST be your husband's advocate in this -- INSIST that he get adequate pain relief. BE aggressive, do not take "no" for an answer. Go to your hospital's patient advocate if you get no satisfaction. Constant severe pain slows healing and can lead to other physical and emotional problems.

When real pain exists, it is rare for a patient to become addicted to the opiate drugs.

Gail Mac