My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 oral cancer at the end of September. He is a little over 2.5 months out from treatment (radiation and chemo). He didn't have surgery. His pain had started to decrease slowly, but over the past couple weeks, it has increased to where it is debilitating at times. This week he increased his oxy to around the clock (was only taking it at night before) and his doctor increased the Fentanyl patch from 75 to 100 mcg and added nortriptyline. He still gets very intense pain despite the increase in pain meds. In addition to the pain where radiation hit in his jaw and mouth, he now has pain around his right temple. So far, none of the docs has a good explanation for that or a strategy that has relieved pain.

We would be interested in hearing about pain relief that has worked for you - either non-narcotic medication or things that don't involve meds.

Jane

I'm wondering why the pain so much now. My husband ended his rad and chemo for stage 4 beginning of October. I will say it wasn't a picnic for him but now 6 months out, he's had some pain where a tooth was extracted but not really complained of anything else. I always like to look for the root cause or origin of symptoms and wonder what would be causing his pain at this point. Hoping some of the seasoned members have some thoughts for you. I will say mine barely took pain meds during or after treatment. The feeding tube was the most painful thing for him. I suppose everyone is different explains a lot.

Thanks for your response, Connie. The pain had subsided a month or two after treatment, but now has ramped up in intensity to a level of 7 out of 10. It isn't all the time, just when he gets up after a nap. He paces and does neck stretches for about 10 minutes to work through it. The docs don't seem to have an idea about the root cause, which in addition to pain that isn't under control, is an additional source of frustration.
Jane

It has been awhile Jane, now is your husband now?