Is pain still normal with cancer even when on morphine?

Offline Harn87 over 5 years ago

My dad got taken into hospital last week with pain in his stomach & side that was agony, he was crying out in pain. They told him that it was bowel cancer that had spread to the liver, lungs & gallbladder. The nurse who told him said its not good its cancer but its ok your big & strong. When I spoke to the nurse on Tuesday she had no mention of gallbladder and said abdomanol lymph nodes not bowel. I chased his consultants secretary who was very helpful and said they arent sure if it is bowel and gallbladder so further tests are needed. Hes still in hospital now on morphine and still in pain. He had a liver biopsy yesterday and the results will be discussed on Monday at the MDT. The colonoscopy has been cancelled due to covid-19 and will be at a hospital 1.5hr away in 2 weeks.

My question is....

Is pain still normal with cancer even when on morphine? He said its not making him scream out like it was, but hes still in alot of pain.

Obviously I cant see him due to covid-19 so im trying to get answers over the phone.

Offline gruntifen over 5 years ago

Hello Harn87
                     it would depend on the dose level.Morphine is highly addictive and comes with a whole range of problems it can cause.For someone at end of life,addiction and subsequent withdrawl issues are not going to be a problem,so high levels can be administered,but for those with a future it would be the minimum dose possible,just enough to make the pain bearable.During my treatment l refused the offer to take it., preferring instead to tolerate the pain
                               Also high levels might compromise ongoing tests and future treatments.l hope they find your fathers exact problems and can start him on a treatment plan
                                                                                                                  David
Cancel
Join to reply Sign in to reply

Cancel
Offline Kuiper over 5 years ago

Hello Harn
Im so sorry to hear about your dad. It's devastating when a diagnosis hits you out of the blue. My husband was told in January that he has advanced stage cancer that's spread. They gave him 4-6 months to live without treatment or 12 months with. He opted for treatment. We were shocked and horrified. Like your dad he'd been in severe pain.
Anyway, my husband was getting breakthrough pain when he was first on morphine. They upped the dose by 10mg and he's been okay since. He needs to tell the doctor just how bad his pain is so that they can get him the correct dosage
Please keep me posted how he's doing
Kuiper
Cancel
Join to reply Sign in to reply

Cancel
Offline clara56 over 5 years ago

Hi Harn87
This is such a bad time for you and dad. I cant imagine what it must be like trying to sort things by phone.
In reply to your question re:pain
It is known as breakthrough pain whilst on morphine and is a sign dosage needs to be titrated(upped).
A cancer patient is given oromorph to begin with to get the body accustomed to morphine.Once accustomed they move onto other types and doseges.
My husband had slow release morphine morning and night and used oromorph for breakthrough pain in between doses.
If you feel you are not getting anywhere with speaking to nurse do phone Drs secretary that way you know Dr will be informed of his pain.
My father had a liver biopsy and was in great pain afterwards so this may be adding to his pain.
Sending you my thoughts and best wishes xx
Cancel
Join to reply Sign in to reply

Cancel

All Categories

Is pain still normal with cancer even when on morphine?

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us