From Morphine to Oxycodone

Oxy is what we used after surgery and prior to radiation therapy last year. It wasn't much fun then and it isn't any better now.

Different than morphine, Mary's little gray cells are not as wonked out. But, her urge to sleep is overpowering. She is taking the Oxy at noon, 6PM, midnight and 6AM. We try to get food into her shortly after taking the pain medication. After that, she sleeps for a few hours followed by waking up for the last hour or two when she is very grim from the pain. And, when the pain is bad, she will not eat.

Last summer they suggested we add benedryl to the mix to help with managing the Oxycodone. I gave Mary two benedryl tonight after the 6pm dose of Oxy had no effect on reducing her pain level. Well, Benedryl will put you to sleep all by itself. Mix it with two narcotics and Mary went to dreamland very quickly--because the pain level reduced nicely with the benedryl.

Where are we? Back on the phone in the morning to see if there are any other ideas. And, we do see the surgeon on Friday and the Oncologist on Monday.