1 month post GBM resection and extremely depressed and in pain

[Jdrew3]

A month ago my husband (41) had a tumor resection of a GBM in the left temporal/frontal lobe.  He is still recovering from surgery and has begun cancer treatment (temodar& radiation) a week ago.  He has a previous accident injury where he has struggled with neck pain for ten years.  He has been on suboxone for probably 7 years now.  He is currently taking his suboxone but is not getting any relief for his head pain.  The oncologist put him back on a steroid last week for swelling in his brain.  That is adding to his sadness and anger.  He feels awful and is extremely depressed.  We have gone back and forth with his oncologists, GP and yesterday his pain clinic (whom he doesn't like).  We just can't give him any relief.  I am very worried about him and would like any advice on what we should do.  

[rumpled]

I am sorry to hear about the rough time your husband is having... I am a patient myself but this is what I know.

It is very typical to use the steroids and high dose steroids to reduce swelling. Some people don't have many side effects while others are effected greatly and sadly it cannot be predicted.

The steroid is temporary (they should tell you that) and he should taper off in a bit. I don't know why they can't find another pain med to help, there are other options... Does he have allergies? Is there an option to see another pain place?

There is also a special psych doc that specializes in brain patients, a neuro psych I think it is, and they can help a bit more than a regular shrink as they understand the physical reasons why your hubby is feeling the way he is as well as the stress of the illness... I would press for a referral to one of those and maybe he can add (or subtract) meds to get your husband feeling better.

Post back and let us know how he is doing.