Chemo & meds

Hi MaFoster:

Hydrocodone is generic for Vicodin. I was on that after my second surgery when my pain was not as severe. For the first surgery, pain was as issue and I was given hydromorphone, generic for dilauded, and it was effective for me.

During chemoradiation, I was on Zofran and Reglan. Zofran seemed most effective, although I was told I could alternate the two so I could take something a little more often.

I was never on fentanyl or magistrol.

I hope our various experiences help. Obviously everyone responds differently to these drugs, so if something isn’t working for your dad, hopefully his physicians can make a change.

Best wishes to you and your father.

Mark

Hi MaFoster. I think the loss of appetite goes with the territory and chemo. I used to give Teddy Carnation Instant Breakfast, he loved the vanilla with a banana blended in, this shake takes the place of a full meal and has all the needed nutrients. Also can be used for each meal. I personally am not a believer in pushing food when a patient is not up to it. We recommend ‘grazing’ during the day instead of full meals. Comfort foods work well too. For pain Fentanyl never worked for Teddy he had Morphine in small doses and as needed later the doses increased. He did have Zofran and it worked quite well. Do you know what pain level Dad is at on a 1 – 10 scale? Never heard of Magestrol but again, I did not give him things to enhance his appetite. Very similiar experience on the wanting to eat but couldn’t. I would make him a scrambled egg and toast then he would apologize that I made it and he just couldn’t eat it. My bottom line was always pain control and I think when the pain is controlled the rest may follow. Be Strong!