You should discuss this with your doctor and decide what schedule of medications works best for you. We hope this helps you to understand that there are many options for you and your doctor to choose from when trying to control your pain. If one is not working, communicate with your doctor, and find about the other choices you have. 89, No.17, September 3, 1997. People with cancer have two types of pain.
Persistent pain means it is continuous and present most of the time.
You may be on medication around the clock for this type of pain. Pain is an unstable phenomenon, meaning that it may vary due to numerous factors, including disease progression, activity level, specific movements, or stress level. Most patients experience many peaks and valleys of pain daily. Breakthrough pain is defined as a temporary moderate to severe flare in pain that occurs even though you may be taking medications regularly. This does not mean that your around the clock medication has failed, or that your pain is uncontrolled.