pain increasing things moving to fast - update

jim and i
jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
edited June 2013 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Everyday Jim's pain is increasing and breathing is starting to be a problem. Jim's color is not good either. He refuses to take the pain meds because then he will not be able to go fishing in the mornings. He is very sensitive to pain meds. The Lortab makes him sleep almost 24/7 and he can't be left alone because he starts wondering outside, usually in the nude. We don't see the oncologist until Friday. I am praying he just has an infection or has the flu since I am getting over the flu. Please pray for him.

Debbie

Jim;s daughter talked him into going to the ER. Not the flu, pneumonia or infection so guess we wait until Friday afternoon for oncologist visit. Thanks for the prayers and encouragement.

Debbie

Comments

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #2
    My Prayers...

    You guys are top on my prayer list....

    I do have to admit though..., the thought of a nude flounder fisherman wondering out and about in this weather gave me a chuggle..., LOL.

    John

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #3
    Skiffin16 said:

    My Prayers...

    You guys are top on my prayer list....

    I do have to admit though..., the thought of a nude flounder fisherman wondering out and about in this weather gave me a chuggle..., LOL.

    John

    Prayers for Jim

    You have mine.........

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,773 Member
    #4
    Friday is a few days yet.

    Debbie,

    So sorry to hear about Jim's current state. Please do try to get him to manage his pain and stay hydrated and such until Friday. I am praying for you both. Don

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    #5
    Absolutely!

    Positive thoughts and prayers coming your way!

    "T"

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #6
    Absolutely sending positive thoughts

    and prayers Jim's way. 

    Would he be willing to go to emergency, in order to be seen by the Oncologist sooner?

    p

  • Ladylacy
    Ladylacy Member Posts: 773 Member
    #7
    Deb

    So sorry to hear about your husband.  My husband takes lortab 10-325.  He takes 2 pills every 6 hours sometimes sooner depending on the pain.  He doesn't like to take the medication either.  But, and I know each person is different, he doesn't sleep 24/7 when he takes it and they just increased the level from 7 to 10.  He sleeps for a while and then gets up and does what he wants.  I would call the doctor, even your primary, and tell them what is going on.  Maybe a lower dosage or cut the dose in half or a different pain medication.  Friday is a long way off yet, to my way of thinking anyway.  I have even had the doctors talk about the fentayl(?) patch for Joe, but having read so much about it, I keep saying no.

    My husband had a complete laryngectomy and breaths thru a hole in his neck.  His cancer, as I think I told you before, had gone to the cervical of his esophagus (2nd primary) and then after 3 months NED reocurred and spread to his right lung.  I know you are worried and scared.  I find myself watching my husband, too closely at times and am always asking him if he is okay. 

    Good thoughts and prayers coming your way -- Sharon

  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #8
    Ladylacy said:

    Deb

    So sorry to hear about your husband.  My husband takes lortab 10-325.  He takes 2 pills every 6 hours sometimes sooner depending on the pain.  He doesn't like to take the medication either.  But, and I know each person is different, he doesn't sleep 24/7 when he takes it and they just increased the level from 7 to 10.  He sleeps for a while and then gets up and does what he wants.  I would call the doctor, even your primary, and tell them what is going on.  Maybe a lower dosage or cut the dose in half or a different pain medication.  Friday is a long way off yet, to my way of thinking anyway.  I have even had the doctors talk about the fentayl(?) patch for Joe, but having read so much about it, I keep saying no.

    My husband had a complete laryngectomy and breaths thru a hole in his neck.  His cancer, as I think I told you before, had gone to the cervical of his esophagus (2nd primary) and then after 3 months NED reocurred and spread to his right lung.  I know you are worried and scared.  I find myself watching my husband, too closely at times and am always asking him if he is okay. 

    Good thoughts and prayers coming your way -- Sharon

    this is good advice

    the blood level of narcotic can have a very narrow window of efficacy.  A little too much and some get very drowsy.  Not enough and they have unremitting pain.  Most people can be titrated to the required dose.  One way to do this is to cut the tablets into small portions, maybe into quarters.  Then have him take one every 30-60 minutes until comfortable.  They can find a compromise that will work for him, but this is always worth a try right now.

     

    Pat

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    #9
    Jim and Debbie,
    Sending

    Jim and Debbie,

    Sending prayers and well wishes!  I hope Jim improves quickly! 

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #10
    phrannie51 said:

    Absolutely sending positive thoughts

    and prayers Jim's way. 

    Would he be willing to go to emergency, in order to be seen by the Oncologist sooner?

    p

    Yes

    His daughter finally told him he could ride with her or go in an ambulance so he has agreed to go to ER. Will update later.

    Debbie

  • Greg53
    Greg53 Member Posts: 849
    #11
    CherieLW said:

    Jim and Debbie,
    Sending

    Jim and Debbie,

    Sending prayers and well wishes!  I hope Jim improves quickly! 

    Good Mojo!

    Debbie,


    I relate to the other survivors on here, but I truly admire all the great caregivers – you are definitely at the top of that list.  Sending my best to you and Jim!

    Positive thoughts coming at ya!


    Greg

     

  • Laralyn
    Laralyn Member Posts: 532
    #12
    Thinking of you today!

    I hope the diagnosis is just that he's got a touch of the flu.

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    #13
    Thoughts and Prayers

    Debbie

     

    I am with Don. Take good care of him and get him top the office on time and hopefully it is just the flu. We are all pulling for you both.

    Take care

  • fisrpotpe
    fisrpotpe Member Posts: 1,349 Member
    #14
    more

    more prayers continue for Jim and You. 

    i don't mind seeing nude fish but nude fishermen..... not!    LOL

    looking for good news come fridays oncologist appoint

    john 

  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #15
    prayers and positives sent

    Debbbie,

    This crazy walk seems endless.  Jim is very loved, and I know you are doing everything possible.  I will second the opinion, you are a fantastic caregiver.  My thoughts are with you all.   Katie

  • Jan Trinks
    Jan Trinks Member Posts: 477
    #16
    So sorry to hear this

    Debbie:

     

    Sorry to hear about Jim's pain.  Will be anxious to hear update from er/oncologist visit.  It's so hard to have them doing so well and then as you say things moving too fast!  Good luck my friend and as always praying for y'all.  Good luck and God Bless!

     

    Jan (Basketcase)

     

     

  • Jan Trinks
    Jan Trinks Member Posts: 477
    #17
    So sorry to hear this

    Debbie:

     

    Sorry to hear about Jim's pain.  Will be anxious to hear update from er/oncologist visit.  It's so hard to have them doing so well and then as you say things moving too fast!  Good luck my friend and as always praying for y'all.  Good luck and God Bless!

     

    Jan (Basketcase)

     

     

  • wolfen
    wolfen Member Posts: 1,324 Member
    #18
    Jan Trinks said:

    So sorry to hear this

    Debbie:

     

    Sorry to hear about Jim's pain.  Will be anxious to hear update from er/oncologist visit.  It's so hard to have them doing so well and then as you say things moving too fast!  Good luck my friend and as always praying for y'all.  Good luck and God Bless!

     

    Jan (Basketcase)

     

     

    Debbie

    Will be thinking of you and Jim as you fight through another round in what seems to be a never ending battle. Hoping his pain can be better controlled and he will start to get his color back. I know it is a scary, helpless feeling.

    Luv,

    Wolfen

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #19
    prayers

    Debbie,

    Prayers and good thoughts for Jim and for you.  Keep him comfortable.

    Matt

  • Tim6003
    Tim6003 Member Posts: 1,514 Member
    #20
    CivilMatt said:

    prayers

    Debbie,

    Prayers and good thoughts for Jim and for you.  Keep him comfortable.

    Matt

    Hi Debbie and Jim...

    Feels like I have been out of the loop forever, crazy stuff going on with my mom's mental state and it has been like taking care of a 6 year old child that is STUBBORN.

     

    Anyway...whispered a prayer for Jim, then wanted to send you this note I did so.  Gosh durn it I want Jim to be well and I just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you both.

     

    Tim

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