When my dad was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, he had horrible pains that affected his stomach, his back, his side and his shoulders. He was originally told to take Tylenol and Advil, but as the cancer progressed, so did the pain. They then prescribed Percocet and finally, Oxycontin, except he was told to take his 40MG tablets every eight hours. For the most part, the Oxycontin did an adequate job of controlling the pain if you took it on schedule and if you immediately popped a Percocet if you felt there was breakthrough pain coming. But there were some days that even the Oxycontin would not stop the excruciating stabbing pain he was feeling. At one point, hospice told us to crush the pills ... something you should never due. Sadly, my dad passed away, but despite its imperfections, it was probably the only pain pill that provided some relief during his final days. Constipation was a big side effect, but that was about it.
