Oh my goodness, the patch ALL THE WAY. On the scale of pain meds, Vicodin is like one step up from codeine-Morphine works for some-didn't work at all for my dad. He ended up on the patch and squirting short acting oxycodone into his peg. YES, they make this in a syrup. Now, we are happy to report that he is weaning off of his Fentanyl patch. You have to gradually decrease it when your done due to physical withdrawl. Janet, my dad had over a week break-boy did that so wonders for him. I can see your fear and anxiety, it will be okay. We didn't worry about it, the Docs know. Breaks are very, very common. Hang in there!! You will make it. If he does go on the patch be aware that Fentanyl is a very powerful drug. Know that it will peak anywhere from 6-12 hours. It peaked at 6 for my dad. Just be with him to ensure he tolerates it well and get lots of education on the powerful narcotics.