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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Stage 4 Breast Cancer - Addiction to Pain Meds
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Stage 4 Breast Cancer - Addiction to Pain Meds
by CGTMHI, Nov 13, 2002 12:00AM
, Nov 13, 2002 12:00AM
I have stage 4 breast cancer that has mete into my bones. It is extremely painful. For this I take 180 mg. mscontni and also 15mg for breakthrough pain. To make a long story short I also have had a stroke. This all started 6 years ago and I was given 6 months to live.
The thing that troubles me is that I am starting to have blackouts and once I went into some peoples house! That is so unlike me! I am so terrified I am just beside myself with fear I want to stop the meds but every time I stop I go into terrible vomiting, severe gas pain ,flue like symptoms, and dithers and terrible, and it never stops! Not for days and days. Last time I developed a hernia. It was terrible. I have no means to go to a rehab and my family is just now starting to understand what is going on. Guys, it has been pure hell. Please help me. I cannot stand the aping and I am on the brink of killing myself. I have a new grandson who will be born on the 25th on November. I would like to be there for him and my Daughter. Please, I am BEGGING YOU With all my hopes and prayers I pray you can help me.
My daughter will not let me take my other 6 year old grandson. She objects to my cursing.
The thing that troubles me is that I am starting to have blackouts and once I went into some peoples house! That is so unlike me! I am so terrified I am just beside myself with fear I want to stop the meds but every time I stop I go into terrible vomiting, severe gas pain ,flue like symptoms, and dithers and terrible, and it never stops! Not for days and days. Last time I developed a hernia. It was terrible. I have no means to go to a rehab and my family is just now starting to understand what is going on. Guys, it has been pure hell. Please help me. I cannot stand the aping and I am on the brink of killing myself. I have a new grandson who will be born on the 25th on November. I would like to be there for him and my Daughter. Please, I am BEGGING YOU With all my hopes and prayers I pray you can help me.
My daughter will not let me take my other 6 year old grandson. She objects to my cursing.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Nov 13, 2002 12:00AM
Dear Cindy: From what you describe, I am not convinced that this is due to the pain medications. Also, while you are likely dependent on these medications (your body needs them and will require a slow taper in order to get off of them), it is unlikely that you are addicted. Addition is when you crave the medication for the "joy" of it. You need to alert a doctor immediately who can help you deal with this. If you seriously are thinking of killing yourself, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately!
Member Comments (2)
by Geral, Nov 16, 2002 12:00AM
To: Cindy
Dear Cindy, I am so sorry for all you're going through! When you feel like it, please post your message onto the American Cancer Society (ACS)discussion board @ www.cancer.org Click on Cancer Survivors Network (CSN). It's very active, and there are some stage 4 survivors as well as others who would try to help you with some of your questions. As far as your thoughts of suicide. You are lucky to have a daughter and grandchildren who love you - YOU HAVE ALOT TO LIVE FOR! Don't take it personally that your daughter won't let you keep your grandchild because of your cursing. I'm sure she's just being protective as I'm sure you were when your daughter was 6 yrs. old. As far as your cursing, if I were going through what you are I'd be cursing alot too! With all you're going through, you need as much support as you can get. Check your local yellow pages under 'mental health'. Your city or county Dept. of Mental Health can help you locate a counselor who either counsels for free or on a sliding scale based on your resources. Family is a great & impt. form of support, but sometimes we need more. ******IF YOU ARE CONTEMPLATING SUICIDE CALL *911*!!!******** I hope to 'see' you on the ACS/CSN discussion board! Take care...Geral
