managing of bone metastatic pain

My mother has IV stage of breast cancer with bone metastasis (right hip, spine, and some on the scull). She had raditherapy on hip and spine, but not on her scull. Now she has terrible pains in her left hip, and both knees. She can't walk, or stand up. She is taking methadone, but it is not hepling at all. Is there any other drug that she could take, or you have some other solutions? She didn't take any bisphosphonates, because they are too expensive, and I've found out for theese drugs a week ago.
Please, help me.
j.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear jovanche:  There are other options for bisphosphonates that are given IV - meaning they should be covered by insurance (Aredia and Zometa).  You might ask her doctors if either of these would be appropriate for her.  Has the pain in her left hip and knees been documented to be metastasis?  Although bone mets to the hips is common, mets to the knees is not.  I would wonder if there isn't some arthritis.  Nonetheless, some of the medications that are used for arthritis can also help with pain management in bone mets.  Specifically, non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications.  You should speak with her doctor to be sure there is no reason that she couldn't take them.