My brother is currently undergoing radiation and chemotherapy for tongue cancer. (He has not had surgery.) For the past 5 weeks, he has been using two 100mg fentanyl patches every three days and supplements with 1mL of liquid morphine every two hours as prescribed by his oncologist. Despite all of these pain meds, he indicates his pain level rarely drops below 7 on a scale of 1 - 10. Does this sound normal?
Posts: 2 | Location: Las Vegas, NV | Registered: 04 April 2010
The pain is caused by mucositis (ulcerations in the mouth, tongue and throat). It can last for quite a while as mucositis survey showed. Is your brother also using a mouthwash for pain relief? You will find the advice given in these posts on mucositis and Mucositis/Gelclair/MuGard helpful.
Best wishes Vinod This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,
Disclaimer: Please see your own dentist/doctor for a proper diagnosis as my words should not, in any circumstances, be taken as dental/medical advice.
"If you see what is small as it sees itself, and accept what is weak for what strength it has, and use what is dim for the light it gives, then all will go well. This is called Acting Naturally." Lao-Tsu, Tao Teh King
Posts: 3778 | Location: St Luke's Hospital, Bradford and Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield | Registered: 14 December 2002
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi, 