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pain

I have stage IV breast cancer metastasized to bone (skull, spine upper part of long bones (arms and legs) sacral area and ribs.  So far have had success with mastectomy and estrogen blocker.  Stable scans since Aug 2011, when diagnosed.  I noted another person on MedHelp with metastatic breast cancer that is 6 (SIX!!) 100 mcg fentanyl patches.  My  question is:  Just how painful is this going to get?? I am on one 50 mcg fentanyl patchy q. 72 hours with hydrocodone for breakthrough pain.  I almost missed a day but caught it at 14 hours and the pain was pretty intense.  I have a pretty good idea re: longevity, etc, but not sure about having to be so drugged that I can't wipe my own bottom.  I have a pretty good relationship with my oncologist, but am just trying to get a better feel on how bad this is going to get.  Any info welcome,,  Thanks.
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Avatar universal
Just wanted to make sure I didn't come across the wrong way....Writing can be difficult between strangers...

My main point was that I would hate for you to worry about pain in the future as it may or may not happen that you end up in that much pain.

I happen to be a Christian and it's helped so much in times of need to give my worries/anxiety up to Him.

We can only do so much and then try to live each day to the best of our ability.

Again..it's wonderful that you have a great Oncologist as this is paramount as I'm sure you know so you can feel safe that he will look after you and not let you ever be in a lot of pain.

I really do wish you well and maybe others who have gone through this will come on...




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Avatar universal
Thank you very much for your input.
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Avatar universal
Hi there...I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis but happy to hear about the success so far...

I have quite a few friends with different stages of breast cancer and you really can't compare one person to the other, even in the same stage as one who is in stage 4 hardly has any pain whatsoever for now...But then another with stage 2 is having difficulty after the surgery.

So, I would think that trying not to project too far into the future on what might happen...and be thankful that you have a great Oncologist who will work with you if/when you need greater pain control so that you will not be in much pain.

Working with him on pain control versus quality of life with not being too "out of it"....

I have a brain tumor...(non cancerous thank God), but still growing...and I've had 3 cervical fusions, 3 abdominal surgeries, two knee surgeries...one foot surgery...the list goes on and I am in Pain Management. Obviously I'm not comparing to cancer at all...just that pain can affect anyone with any type of illness or it can escape many people with similar conditions.

I wish you well...
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