Pharmacological Management Of Cancer Pain

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Cancer pain is an unpleasant feeling and emotional experience related to cancer. Pain is one of the many symptoms that may tell you something bad is happening to your body. Cancer occurs when cells grow and divide without control or order, often making too much tissue (tumor). Cancer cells can travel through the blood or lymph vessels, and spread to other areas of the body. The body contains special cells that receive signals when there is damage or injury to the body. These cells send a message to the brain. When the brain receives the message, you will feel pain.
  
  
• There are no tests available that will diagnose cancer pain. Caregivers may first check for possible causes of your cancer pain before making a diagnosis. The diagnosis of cancer pain is based on the type of cancer you have and how it causes pain. Medicines can help ease cancer pain. These include different analgesic and anesthesia (numbing) medicines. Depending on the cause of your cancer pain, your caregiver may also need to treat the cancer first. Your caregiver may also suggest other medicines to help control your pain or prevent the side effects of pain medicines. With treatment, your cancer pain may be relieved, and you may enjoy your life more.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• If you are taking pain medicine as a shot or in an IV, your family should learn how to give it. Ask your caregiver to show you how to do this. Take enough medicine to keep comfortable. Also, do not worry about becoming hooked on these pain medicines.
  
  
• Do NOT take any medicine that has aspirin or ibuprofen-like medicines in it. Ask your caregiver before taking any medicine you buy at the store.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Activity:

• Rest: Try to get six to eight hours of sleep each night. You may feel like resting more. Match your activity to the amount of energy you have. Nap a couple of times during the day. Going to bed early and getting up late may also help. If you are not able to sleep, call your caregiver.
  
  
• Sports and exercise: Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising or returning to sports. Together you can plan an exercise program that best suits you. Sports and exercise increase your strength, improve overall fitness, and help control cancer pain.

Keeping a pain diary: It may be easier to answer your caregiver’s questions by making a pain diary or book. A pain diary will help you remember exactly what happened each day because it is all written down. This will help you tell caregivers about your pain and may help them figure out what is causing it. Write down all the words that come to you to describe your pain. A diary also helps track pain cycles. This may make you more aware of when and how the pain may start and end.

Wellness hints:

• Diet and nutrition: Eat a variety of healthy foods every day to help you feel better and have more energy. Your diet should include fruits, vegetables, breads, chicken, fish, and beans. Ask your caregiver for more information about the best diet for you.
  
  
• Learn ways to manage stress. Deep breathing, meditation, and listening to music may help you cope with stressful events. Talk to your caregiver about other ways to manage stress.
  
  
• Preventing bed sores: A special mattress called an egg crate or air mattress may be put on your bed. You will need to be turned often if you cannot move by yourself. Turning often will keep you from getting bed sores.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You cannot make it to your next appointment.
  
  
• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• You have nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel more pain even after taking your medicines.
  
  
• You feel so depressed that you cannot cope with your disease.
  
  
• You feel very anxious or irritable after you take your medicines.
  
  
• You have problems sleeping or thinking clearly.
  
  
• You have trouble controlling your bowel or bladder.
  
  
• You have severe chest pain and trouble breathing all of a sudden.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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