Hi Lois,

It sounds like the doctor is a bit reluctant to prescribe pain meds, which is a bit strange when dealing with a cancer patient. My dad started with Vicoden and then moved to Percocet, then they upped the Percocet. I agree with Petey on the Darvocet...it actually made me laugh out loud that a doctor would even waste the ink to write the prescription considering what you are dealing with. I wouldn't ask for a stronger prescription, I'd tell him (nicely but firmly) what he needs to write it for. If he says he won't then I would talk to your family doctor about the situation and see if he will prescribe something stronger. Some physicians are reluctant to prescribe narcotics due to all the DEA regulations.

I am very fortunate that with my work I deal with experts in the pharmaceutical industry. Your pharmacist can also help you with questions you may have. Any good pharmacist will be more than happy to listen to your concerns and tell you what the next step should be in pain management.

When Dad was in the hospital and had difficulty swallowing it was me who spoke up and said..."Can't we put him on a Fentanyl patch?". You would have thought I had turned water into wine by the look on their faces. Within an hour they were puting on his patch.

Just remember, you are in charge. If you don't get the answer you want, keep climbing the ladder until you do.

Good Luck!

Joy

Finally! A surgery date of July 19! Buzz will be admitted on July 18 and all pre-op tests will be done at that time. The nurse told me that the surgery, to be performed by two surgeons, would take 'about all day', that he would go to ICU for 24 - 48 hours, and that the minimum hospital stay is expected to be 7 days.
Baptist will also coordinate with our county home health services to contract nursing services, which relieves me of a great deal of anxiety. I don't mind wiping his butt, but don't think I'm qualified to change dressings, etc.! Was also told that he would come home with a nasogastric (NG) tube. I forgot to ask her about chemo and radiation, which Dr. Sullivan stated last week would be needed.
I'm mentally and physically exhausted tonight...There are so many things I want to get done before the surgery! Fortunately, I own my own shop, and will just close down for a few weeks unless I find someone to assist during that time. Buzz and his recuperation is my #1 priority at this time...to heck with anything else!
Thanks to all of you for your comments and encouragement! Lois & Buzz in NC