I guess there are varying views because I have information that says morphine and other opiates impair immune function, particularly NK activity, lymphocyte-macrophage production, and other key immune cytokines. Healthy immune function is required post surgically to kill cancer cells which have escaped from the primary tumor and are seeking to metastasize. Tramadol is actually a better choice post surgically. In the lab tramadol actually stimulated NK activity in humans and blocked enhancement of lung metastasis induced by surgery, whereas morphine did not provide this beneficial effect. We were in a post surgical situation, with lung mets being a persistent problem in the past, so it may be very appropriate as pain management in many cases, but I still feel it was one of the factors in why the mets came back so quickly after being totally under control for months. Morphine also stimulates angiogenesis, activates a tumor cell survival signal, and inhibits apoptosis of cancer cells according to research released in 2002. I appreciate your info, even though I don't agree in this case. I'm also very intuitive, and know my inner voice told me he would do best using as little morphine as possible at that point. I hadn't uncovered any of this research at that point That doesn't mean it won't be the totally right choice some other time, or in some other case. It is clearly an effective choice at times. Thanks for the info.