I knew that the war on drugs would eventually be a war on cancer patients and others seeking relief from severe pain. The recent suspension of the license of Dr. Kenneth P. Sun left hundreds of patients suffering from severe pain from cancer and other maladies in the lurch. Many like my husband were on medication that cannot be abruptly discontinued.
A Phillipsburg doctor is accused of inappropriately prescribing Subsys, a painkiller 50 times stronger than heroin that is typically used for cancer patients who have built up a high tolerance to medication.Andy Dean | Getty Images
Sun is one of the most thorough physicians I have ever met. My husband’s initial consult for excruciating pain from pancreatic cancer lasted two hours. My husband’s treatment was careful and conservative. Advanced pain medications were prescribed and appropriate use and caution were stressed.
Before we were referred to Sun our physicians were unable to treat his pain appropriately. Some were not authorized to prescribe pain medications; others would not or could not prescribe the tier of drugs needed.
Our life was one of sleepless nights, agonizing, excruciating pain, and trips to various emergency rooms for temporary pain relief. I was outraged at the systemic lack of appropriate pain management until we were finally referred to Sun. No terrorist in U.S. custody has been forced to endure the level pain of that my husband has been forced to endure.
Cancer patients should not have to suffer because of recreational drug users.
Susan M. Mertz
Palmer Township
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