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Cancer Pain and its Management

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Posted 9/7/2011 10:08 AM (GMT -5)
I have learned from my oncologist, that the severe and chronic pain I suffer from is officially considered "cancer pain".  Like many folks, I had only associated the term with cancer pain in regards to mets to the bone/organs/etc.  Pain that is associate with cancer treatment is just as real and just as recognized, and in my case, as the results of a cancer treatment, salvage radiation, that went very, very wrong.

It gives me respect to how my doctor is treating this quality of life issue in my life so seriously, as we both know, as my cancer progresses, pain will be even more of an issue.

The link below is a pretty good primer on the subject of cancer pain, it may pertain to some of you guys too:

http://www.asahq.org/For-Members/Practice-Management/Practice-Parameters/Practice-Guidelines-for-Cancer-Pain-Management.aspx

david in sc

Posted 9/7/2011 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
David, even though I haven't posted much lately, I've been following your heroic struggle with this terrible disease. So much of it is a roll of the dice -- we were diagnosed and treated around the same time, our numbers weren't that different, but yours has so far progressed so much faster. Who knows, mine might take off as well. If it does I hope to be able to handle it with the wisdom and courage that you have displayed. Best of everything to you and yours.
Posted 9/7/2011 1:26 PM (GMT -5)
reachout, thanks, to some degree, all our different journey's have a bit of the luck of the roll. Mine is what it is, but do wish it hadn't been so filled with very long periods of pain, discomfot, and at times, sheer terror.

i wish you much better results for sure.

david
Posted 9/7/2011 2:27 PM (GMT -5)
Purg,

I've had chronic pain for periods in my life. I’ve found it made me fell dull because so much of my energy had to be set aside to deal with the pain. It didn’t leave a whole lot of energy left to be involved in the moment. Good luck to you and I hope you can get some relief.
Posted 9/7/2011 5:13 PM (GMT -5)
Gleason,

You bring up a good point for those dealing with chronic pain issues. There are so many things in my life that I still enjoy, and want to enjoy, but when you hurt, it wears you down not only physically, but mentally as well. I have lots of time on my hands most days, but all too often, don't feel well or strong enough to engage in some of ths things I like, so they sit on the back burner often.

My oncologist is very much aware of this catch-22, and is doing all he can to help me improve my overall quality of life. Some one recently was trying to push me into a major video project (and I was interested), but I couldn't get him to understand, that all the will power and wishing in the world, can't make me physically do things on demand, with the combination of chronic fatigue and pain that I live with daily. All I can say in those situation, is that I am truly doing the best that I can, under the circumstances.

I think other's mean well sometimes, but unless you are in my shoes, it's hard to translate to others what a struggle it is some days for me.

David
Posted 9/8/2011 11:43 AM (GMT -5)
I thought this subject and the link would have provided better interest. I can not be the only one dealing with cancer related pain at this point. And the science of pain management in general has so advanced in the past few years. I know no one wants to think about pain, or knowing that they may eventually be dealing with severe pain if/when their cancer progresses, but its a real part of the world of Cancer.

Now that I am about to pass the 2 year mark with continuous severe pain, it's making a believer out of me. I am just thankful that I have the level of expertise with my oncologist that truly understands the pain related issues with cancer.

As things progress with me, I know in advance that its going to take even a more sopisticated approach to keep the present and future pain in check.

Today, could barely go to PT and finish the session, woke up in such extreme hip/back pain. I tripped 3x while there, which never happens, and it was all I could do to make it home. I have already canceled any afternoon plans, and now took hopefully sufficient meds and going to try to "nap", even if it means just lying there resting.

David
Posted 9/8/2011 10:04 PM (GMT -5)
David,

Thank you for link to the primer on cancer pain. I have printed it and have put it in my PC file for future reference. I have watched my next door neighbor go through Stage 4 of this dreaded disease over the last five years. He is close to the end, but we have talked about his pain management in detail over the years. You remind me a lot like him, a fighter with resillience and grace. As I am only into this experience since January of this year, i know there are going to be some really tough years ahead of me.

You posts and experiences are priceless and I really appreciate your unselfishness to share your experience with all of us. May we all be more like you in reaching out and helping our fellow PC brothers. You have a lot of fans and friends, and we appreciate your wealth of experience.
Posted 9/8/2011 10:49 PM (GMT -5)
devasted,

sorry to hear about the ordeal of your neighbor for 5 years now, that's a horrible feeling to watch someone up close fighting that level of fight, knowing that they are hurting, and his case, near the end after putting up such a long fight.

from re-reading your stats, you are 7 years younger than me, and your pathology is quite serious. i am most interested in your experience with provenge. i am sure others here are equally interested in how it work with you. i can only hope it helps you in your personal PC battle.

keep on keeping on yourself, while we are all in this together, it still comes down to a very personal, one on one battle against the PC beast. and as you know yourself, it doesn't play fair, or play by the rule, and really isn't any normal.

wishing you only the best, and for your heroic neighbor as well.

david in sc
Posted 9/9/2011 8:00 AM (GMT -5)
David,

I couldn't have said it better than Dev. Thank you for providing this important information for all of us.

Nellie
Posted 9/9/2011 8:33 AM (GMT -5)
thanks, nellie
Posted 9/9/2011 1:10 PM (GMT -5)
David,

It's been several months since I have visited this site and I wish you well.

When I read this part"..For these guidelines, cancer pain is defined as pain that is attributable to cancer or its therapy. " I had to give some pause.

Unfortunately, surgery can sometimes trigger an autoimmune response and attack healthy tissue and nerves. Very rare, but the pain from nerve damage and deterioration is sometimes unbearable for me. So while it's hard to relate to your situation completely, I do understand your pain and where you are coming from.

Just remain as positive as you can, do the things that your therapist makes you do, adjust your surroundings to accommendate your specific needs and foremost....never give up. Tomorrow is a dream and today is a luxury if you get my drift.

All the best to you and yours
Posted 9/9/2011 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
David,

I suspect many are like me. The information is good, and as my colo-rectal issues worsen after radiation, I know that this discussion will arrive sooner than later.

But, it is hard to discuss in a context with someone who makes my situation seem like a common cold in comparison.

So, I'll leave it said that I read it, am following the thread, and just don't feel that I can offer anything to improve the discussion. But I do, as best I can, understand where you are coming from.

I guess my PSA anxiety has got my attention this week. It was supposed to be after GFMPH, but appointments got shuffled.

Hang in there!

Posted 9/9/2011 2:58 PM (GMT -5)
les, good to hear from you, brother. you bring up a good point there. and no, while i may appear to pragmatic to some here about my situation, i can assure you, i am a long way from giving up. i made the concious decison months ago, that i won't let this cancer, or its progresion, rule my life, emotions, or mind set. it is what it is, and i can only do "x" about it, the rest of it is out of my hands

142, having an understanding gives one the perespective of honest empathy. i wouldn't expect many to fully understand, unless they were living a life in constant pain. hope your next psa isn't too disturbing to you, but regardles, don't let it ruin your time at the meet, or anything else in your life. it's been 3 months since my last one shot up to almost 6.0, and it still wont be until late december until i get my next one, and i can still honestly say, i am not worried, i simply dont care. as my oncologist said recently, what's the point of checking again this soon, we both know that its going to keep climbing up, and then what?

david
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