Dealing with the Pain

Even though almost everyone worries about pain, it may not be a problem for you. Some people don't have any pain. Others have it only once in a while. Cancer pain can almost always be relieved. If you're in pain, your doctor can suggest ways to help you feel better. These include:

• prescription or over-the-counter medicines
• cold packs or heating pads
• relaxation, like getting a massage or listening to soothing music
• imagery, such as thinking about a place where you feel happy and calm
• distraction, like watching a movie, working on a hobby, or anything that helps take your mind off your pain

There are many ways to control pain. Your doctor wants and needs to hear about your pain. As soon as you have pain you should speak up. Dealing with your pain can also help you deal with the feelings discussed in this section.
When you describe your pain to your health care providers, tell them:

• where you feel pain
• what it feels like (sharp, dull, throbbing, steady)
• how strong the pain feels
• how long it lasts
• what eases the pain and what makes it worse
• what medicines you are taking for the pain and how much they help