Secondary bone cancer

After having g treatment for Thyroid/Neck cancer now having treatment for secondary bone cancer. In the right shoulder.

Neck cancer was on right side so spread to shoulder.

What I am having trouble with is the pain at night. Despite pain killers , every night between 2 and 3am I'm awake.

Is this normal? Or do I need a strong pain killer ?am on DHC 3 a day  with paracetamol 2 tablets 4 times a day..

Can cope with the day  just starting to dread the night time.

Any advice gratefully received.

  • Hello and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to hear about your situation and the pain you have.

    It sounds like your pain needs to be reassessed by your GP or your specialist hospital team. There are different types of pain relief medication and sometimes some treatments such as radiotherapy can help with pain also. We have information about cancer-related pain and what makes it better, this includes bone-type pain. 

    It might also be helpful and be of some support to have a referral to a community palliative care (sometimes called Macmillan) nurse team. These are health professionals who are experts on symptoms and how to make them better. They can liaise with your GP to ensure you are getting the best symptom control and support. Your GP or hospital team can refer you to this service.  

    You also may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline