Please provide some do's and don'ts on dealing with pain from cancer.

Ignore: Don't suffer in silence. Tell your cancer doc about your pain level on every visit.

Ignore: Do take pain medicine instead of avoiding it due to fear of addiction; that is a myth.

Ignore: There is no maximum dose of narcotics. Medication should be carefully titrated to maximum relief.

Ignore: Be your own best advocate and require the doctor to control your pain.

Ignore: Don't chase pain, be one step ahead of it. Don't be afraid of addiction to pain medicine.

Do: Do not accept pain as part of the process. Request an Interventional Pain Management consult.

Ignore: Do not put up with pain.Do not get frustrated.Do be positive.Do assure the dr. helps your pain.

Ignore: First let your doctors know about your pain and the severity, is it getting worse or better.

Ignore: DO accept pain medications. DON'T forget about ibuprofen and tylenol (acetaminophen) - they work at the right doses.

Ignore: Some people worry about narcotic addiction.Don't be afraid to take narcotics to help with your pain.

Ignore: Cancer pain is real. Take pain meds regularly, using both long and short-acting meds.

Tips for Narcotics: - Make sure you are on stool softeners if you are started on narcotics. Constipation is the only side effect of narcotics that doesn't improve on it's own. - Make sure you know how long the medication is expected to last for. Taking a medication that lasts 4 hours every 6 hours, isn't helpful if you are constantly in pain - Make sure you let your doctor know early if you are having side effects.

Until: Until seeing an Interventional Pain Management Doctor, you haven't exhausted your treatment options.

Ignore: Do take pain meds, don't skip a dose. Do what you feel like doing, don't over do. Avoid contipation.

Ignore: Do tell your doctor so she can help! Don't suffer in silence; we want to treat your pain!

Ignore: Tell your doctor about symptoms of depression or anxiety. They often worsen pain symptoms.

Ignore: Maintain a consistent pattern of pain medication. Goal of medication is to maximize functionality.

Ignore: Did you know that morphine that is used to treat cancer pain can actually make pain worse.

Ignore: If you take opioids for cancer pain, make sure you also take stool softeners to avoid constipation.

Ignore: 1) stay ahead of the pain and on schedule. 2) be complaint. 3) keep a pain journal and Med schedule.