Pain Management

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sheren1954
sheren1954 Member Posts: 16
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Pain Management
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  • sheren1954
    sheren1954 Member Posts: 16
    edited November 2007

    I had surgery on Nov. 13th of 2007. I had a lumpectomy to my left breast between 12 o'clock and 1 o'clock position. The tumor was 2.7 x 2.5 x 1.7. I had 11 nodes removed, 4 were positive. My tumor is a grade 3, and I'm triple neg. My surgeon had a hard time getting the tumor and the lymph nodes removed because of the location. And now I'm still hurting...the pain goes from numb, needle like, shooting, very sensitive, and can stop me in my tracks at times. My left arm feels really tight sometimes but I'm exercising it and gradually stretching it out...it's beginning to feel better in that respect but it feels like nerve pain. What have you all taken that you find really helps? I am taking percocet with advil and have some relief...not a lot though. I am now taking 1/2 advil pm at night so that I can sleep...I have a really hard time sleeping all night though. I was started on paxil...supposed to help with menopausal symptoms. I was taken off my vivelle estrogen patch a couple of weeks ago. Even though I'm estrogen and progesterone receptor neg my onocologist still took away my patch. I really hate that. But I do what I have to in order to beat this awful thing that has invaded my body, mind and spirit. Any suggestions out there? Thanks so much!! God Bless each and everyone of you out there!!!

    Sheren Mesa, AZ

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  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited November 2007

    Sheren, that is frustrating that your oncologist took away your patch despite your triple neg. status. Did he have any comment on why? Just knee-jerk reaction on principle?

    About your pain, the numb, needle-like, shooting, stabbing can all be nerve pain. Nerves recently cut and nerves trying to regenerate. So you can even have a time where you think you've gotten over a hump and then have a bad night all over again as healing progresses. But it does eventually stop.Cool 

    I don't think there'd be any harm in trying to see if a whole Advil PM gives you a full night's sleep. It's perfectly safe and your sleep is vital to your healing. Have you told your doctor that the percoset is giving you inadequate pain control? After my bilat. mastectomies and reconstructions I asked specifically for brand Lortab 7.5 because I know that works on my pain and that generic hydrocodone of supposedly the same strength does not. My MD was happy to comply. I think if you leave a message with his nurse or speak to him describing the nerve pain you are having and your lack of adequate sleep, they should make an adjustment.

    And continue the exercises! That's all good!

    Lisa

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  • sheren1954
    sheren1954 Member Posts: 16
    edited November 2007

    Thank you Lisa for your quick response. With it being Friday night I'm going for the whole advil pm. I'm sure not having any problems waking up anymore! This was the reason for the 1/2 of a pill. I wasn't sure how I would respond to it because in the past I felt drugged all day. Not a problem anymore. On Monday I'll call my doctor and ask for Lortab 7.5mg. It has to be better than the percocet. I'm an RN and have always been afraid of pain meds...you know...the whole addiction scare. I don't think this happens to people who are really in pain though. Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it. Take care and have a wonderful safe weekend.

    Sheren Mesa, AZ

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  • sheren1954
    sheren1954 Member Posts: 16
    edited December 2007

    Hi Lisa,

    Just a note to let you know that I asked my surgeon for the Lortab 7.5mg and it worked!!! I am so grateful for your advice. I was definitely having a pity party last Thursday night because of the pain, and no sleep. I seen my doctor on Friday and she changed my pain meds around. Thank the good Lord and you that she did. I almost feel like myself again...and ready to start chemo on Tuesday the 11th of Dec. I'm ready for it. Thanks again,

    Sheren...Mesa, AZ

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  • Sadie-Rose
    Sadie-Rose Member Posts: 222
    edited December 2007

    Sheren,

    I don't know how long you have been taking Paxil.  I just wanted to mention that it takes about six weeks before it is at its full effect.  Antidepressants can help with pain as well as lessen the symptoms of menopause. 

    Warmly,

    Sadie

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  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited December 2007

    Sheren, this is wonderful news! Whether it is the Lortab, or the Lortab combined with your natural course of healing, your exercising, your Paxil, Divine Intervention -whatever- I am thrilled to hear you have some relief! Pain + no sleep = poor healing. You are on your way now!

    I'll be thinking strong thoughts for you on Tuesday. You know now that mere obstacles are no match for you!

    {{hugs}}

    Lisa

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