I concur with Charm on the Fentanyl patches. My RO started me on those around the 3rd week or into tx stair stepping up dosage as pain increased and stair stepping down following end of tx. I never felt loopy but think it helped take the edge off along with magic mouth wash and oxicodine. Good luck to you.

Bill . . . SCC - originated in right tonsil, drifted into neck ( 28 lymph nodes removed - one positive ). Radical neck dissection in September 07, completed 34 radiation tx on January 4, 2008. Used Peg. Non smoker, 61, good shape, no previous health issues. Second year PET scan - "all clear".