Post radiation question

Marvin

Dear All, I was diagnosed with breast cancer September 2016 and I completed all my treatment including radiation 6th December. I'm in a remote area so had to go away for radiation and wasn't assigned a specific nurse so I've just muddled along. Since radiation finished my nipple split and I got an infection which has now been cleared through antibiotics. I am now 4 weeks from completing radiation treatment, can anyone tell me if I can now use deodorant and have my hair dyed as I'm sitting here in 33 degrees looking a mess. I called the hospital nurses and they said it was OK but they didn't know about the infection even though my Doctor faxed through the information and my Doctor is on holiday, so I'm just a bit nervous. Can anyone help please?

Michelle_W

Hi Marvin, I used deodorant once I was finished radium because It was better to feel fresh and one less worry.  I am also from a regional area and had to go away for all of my treatment, about the hair dying, not sure I would have thought that was more for chemo. I am sure there would be some information about that on this site or contact the Cancer Council they have people that can answer lots of these questions as well, I have found all invaluable, otherwise get in contact where you had your radium and they would be able to assist.
Regards Michelle

Marvin

Thankyou. I've decided to try deodorant but hold off on the hair dye until I can talk to someone that can advise properly because of the recently cleared infection. I've also contacted the McGrath foundation on the advice of someone else on this site and identified a nurse 1 1/2 hours drive south. I've left a message for her.

Michelle_W

Well done, positive steps. It is important to feel good about ourselves..

Mira

I wasn't told that I couldn't dye my hair during radiation.  Apparently there are some deodorants that you can use while you are having treatment, you would need to check exactly which ones though. I think the problem with deodorants is that an ingredient in some can cause burns so be a bit careful.

melclarity

Hi Marvin,

Crystal deoderant is one advised for use through Radiation, what they recommend is that you use an aluminium free deoderant. Melinda xo

Michelle_R

I used a deodorant called Deonat or Neonat from the chemist during rads - a wind-up bar, as Mel says, aluminium-free.  Nowadays I use Redwin - purple pump spray, aluminium-free.  Have had no problems with either.  Michelle x

iserbrown

I use Moo Goo deodorant also aluminum free.

InkPetal

It's so weird when I read things that have just never even been mentioned to me during my treatment.

I wore my usual deodorant, which does have aluminium, as soon as I came out of each session. Nobody ever told me not to wear it during treatment, just not to apply moisturisers over my breast until after the session, so I went ahead and assumed for myself that deodorant wasn't a good idea either.

Imagine that.
Gosh.

What's supposed to happen to you if you wear it?

Edit:
Oh nevermind, I went and had a look at some studies from last year and they've decided deodorant does nothing and it's safe to wear through the whole thing, now calling the idea it increases skin damage an "old wive's tale". Probably why no-one said anything to me I'd still go for sensitive skin types though.