You Don't Have to Suffer

This is the book that anyone who has taken care of a loved one with cancer wished they had from the beginning. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive manual for families who want to be sure they are aware of the kinds of options available to relieve pain and suffering that may result from cancer treatments, side effects of medications, and effects of the disease itself.
It begins with a review on why cancer pain is still an everyday tragedy when modern medical techniques can relieve it in almost every case. It then goes on to give the consumer numerous tips on working most efficiently with doctors.
The book goes step-by-step through medications commonly used to relieve cancer pain, from the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to the opioids (narcotic pain-relievers), and then explains how other medications are also used to enhance the pain-relieving effects of standard painkillers or to relieve side effects. A chapter here also explains "high-tech" neurosurgical options for pain that has not responded well to simpler techniques.
The next section first focuses on ways to relieve the common complaints of constipation and nausea and other side effects and discomforts commonly associated with cancer and cancer treatments. The book then explains how psychological and cognitive approaches can help relieve pain and suffering associated with cancer, including numerous techniques that families may employ. A section here deals with depression and other psychological components that contribute to suffering. The book concludes with a detailed chapter on how to cope with the myriad of problems that may occur with the advanced stages of cancer.
The book has a detailed appendix of resources on where to get information relating to cancer, referrals to paid specialists, group support, hospice, and home care. It also includes detailed tables on medications mentioned in the book, a glossary, bibliography, and index.

Susan S. Lang is Senior Science Writer at Cornell University. Richard B. Patt is Deputy Chief of the Pain Service at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Neuro-Oncology at the University of Texas.

- Part One
- 1: Cancer Pain Undermines Cancer Treatment
- 2: Understanding Cancer and Pain
- 3: Assessing Pain and Planning Strategies
- 4: On Being an Active Health-Care Consumer
- Part Two
- 5: Understanding Mild Pain Relievers
- 6: Understanding the Weak Opioids
- 7: Understanding the Strong Opioids
- 8: Understanding How Adjuvant Drugs Relieve Pain and Suffering
- 9: "High-Tech" Options
- Part Three
- 10: Dealing with Constipation, Diarrhea, Nausea, and Vomiting
- 11: Dealing with Other Side Effects and Discomforts
- 12: Mind-Body Approaches to Easing Pain
- 13: Special Cases: Children, the Elderly, and Patients with Special Needs
- 14: Dealing with Feelings
- 15: If Death Approaches
- 16: Notes
- 17: Appendix: Where to find more information
- 18: Appendix: More information on medications
- 19: Glossary
- 20: Selected Bibliography
- 21: Index