Call the doctor for a new prescription before the last pain medicine is given. Be sure you have at least a 3-day supply of pain medicine at all times. If it is the end of the week, you should have at least a 5-day supply. If you are planning to be out of town, be certain to have a sufficient supply until your planned return. To provide non-drug interventions, discuss with the health care team what may help to soothe the patient.
Nurses can provide a skin care plan, information on positioning and the use of heat and cold.
Heat relaxes the muscles and gives a sense of comfort. Do not set heating pads on high because they can burn the skin. Do not place them over or near areas where radiation marks are on the skin even when treatments are over. Warm showers, baths, hot water bottles and warm washcloths can be soothing. Using cool cloths and ice.