How to Manage Bone Cancer Pain
Bone cancer is a form of cancer that develops within your bones. Bone cancer isn't to be confused with cancers that develop within your bone marrow, such as myeloma or leukemia. The symptoms of bone cancer can vary, yet many patients commonly suffer from bone pain. There are many forms of treatments that may help alleviate your pain. It is important to discuss with your physician what your best options may be when considering pain management.
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Instructions
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Diagnosis by a Physician
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First consult with a physician to determine the severity of your pain. For example, according to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, you physician needs to determine if your pain is acute (pain that has begun within the last three months), or if your pain is chronic (pain that is persistent). This will help your physician determine how to best treat you.
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Have your physician determine the exact cause of your pain. Ask your physician if the pain is associated with the progression of your disease, if your pain is due to treatments, such as chemotherapy, or if the pain could possibly be caused by psychological factors, such as anxiety or fatigue.
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Have your physician create a management plan suited to your needs. This may include medication, behavioral techniques or other treatments, such as radiation. If you are concerned about the course of treatment your physician will be taking, don't hesitate to voice your concerns, as you're part of the treatment management.
Radiation
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Get radiation if this is one of the suggested forms of treatments. Radiation can help symptoms of bone pain.
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Radiation is similar to an x-ray. You'll need to lie still on a table while a machine moves around your body, as it points doses of radiation through specific locations at your body.
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Ask your physician if he will do a simulation prior to your actual therapy. It may also help to calm you to do a simulation test so that you'll know what to expect. You may also be fitted with a mold that will keep you in place during the actual procedure.
Medications
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Take pain medications if they're prescribed by your physician. Over-the-counter products may not be strong enough to help alleviate your symptoms. Be sure to keep hydrated when taking narcotics, as these types of medications can lead to constipation.
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Ask your physician about possibly taking bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are medications that can help prevent the dissolving of your bones due to the secretion of substances such as osteoclasts by cancer cells.
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According to ChemoCare.com, medications such as pamidronate and zoledronate, which are bisphosphonates may help with pain. By taking bisphosphonates, you may also prevent bone destruction, and fractures or breakage of your bones.
Radiofrequency Ablation
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Get a radiofrequency ablation procedure if your physician recommends it. You'll need to spend a night in the hospital after the procedure.
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Become familiar with your operating team, as this will include specialists such as oncologists and radiologists. Ask your physician if you have any concerns about the procedure.
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For the procedure, a small needle will be inserted directly into your tumor, as the needle is guided by a CT scan. You'll be under general anesthesia, so you won't feel anything.
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Keep in mind that radiofrequency ablation isn't like radiation. Radiation uses radioactive elements to treat your pain, whereas radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves. According to the Mayo Clinic, there's about a 80 percent successful rate of pain reduction with radiofrequency ablation.
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Tips & Warnings
Take medications as prescribed by your physician to have the drugs effectively work.
Don't be afraid to voice any concerns you may have with your physician.
Take a tape reorder with you to your physician's visits to make sure you don't forget anything.
Ask your physician and nurses to give you a copy of all of your treatment plans, and any types of medications you'll be receiving.
Don't wait to see a physician when you're in pain. Chronic pain can lead to depression and it's important to treat your pain as soon as possible.
