radiation!
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The wonder woman shield is called a boulis. I asked the technician today. He said it's used as an extra protection for your skin during radiation. I'm starting to feel itchy with the metapil but I'm trying not to think about it as I know it will be worth it in the long run.
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@Locksley I also thought it was for extra protection and asked them if that was it, but they said that it actually serves as extra tissue and aids the effectiveness. I had to ask a few times as I couldn’t quite grasp what they were saying, so I’m not sure what I actually understood 🤷🏼♀️. I kept it as a souvenir.My skin was also very itchy from the Mepitel, at one point my ribs hurt from all the scratching. But it does calm down, and very def worth it. Good on you 👌🏻1
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Definitely ask about the Mepitel (it does come under different brand names but they'll know what you're talking about). Some places offer it, some don't, some have it but only use it when asked. There's also different ideas about how it will be used. For my treatment, it was put on beforehand on the Monday, patched during the week if necessary, and I took it off when I got home on Friday. During the weekend I was free to shower and use moisturiser (my go to was Moo Goo). My skin held up beautifully - about 3 weeks after treatment ended, I go a small tender patch on my side. I believe the StrataXRT cream is excellent but I think you have to supply it yourself at most places and it is quite expensive.4
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Dear mg2,
I had mastectomy, chemo and then Radiotherapy (5weeks) and now Letrazole for 5-10yrs.
You are going from surgery to Radiotherapy. I'm sure that they would want you healed well first.
I strongly recommend Mepitel. You could not tell that I had radiotherapy, no marks, burns or reaction.
It took a bit to get used to wearing it as it feels like a plastic. It looks like Opsite or Tegaderm, if you had seen them.
If your place for radiotherapy offers it, I recommend that you do.
It is worn 24/7. I was told that the 'burning' does not only happen during the 5-10 mins that R/T is given.
The explanation was that the Mepitel keeps the skins own moisture in, and protects the skin from the friction of clothing and bedding. The nurses replaced it as needed, when it sometimes lifted and rolled back.
Some of my Mepitel lasted 2 1/2 weeks on. The area under arm seemed to need replacing more often.
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thanks for that information, have not heard of any of the products you mention , i note that you are both from south australia i am from Melbouurne and have not heard any mention of this , any Victorians on here that have heard or been advised about this product0
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Hi @mg2 I'm in Melbourne and the nurses at my hospital have advised me that they use mepitel only on patients that have had a mascectomy. I'm currently having treatment with this product. I do feel it is very good. I do peel and feel like a lepper at times. Nurse patches me up.1
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It did peel at the edges sometimes. The nurses were great. I know one lady had hers fixed daily. But well worth it. It probably sticks better to people who have had the Mastectomy as it is flatter.0
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According to research papers I’ve read on use of mepitel , it can be used on lumpectomy or mastectomy patients. I can see how it may adhere better to a flat chest wall post mastectomy easier than breast tissue post lumpectomy BUT I will be arguing I’m prepared to fiddle and persevere with it if that’s what they say to me on first my radiation appointment ( and I’ll purchase my own if need be). The benefits ( protecting from radiation. burns) far outweighs the disadvantages from what I’ve read and seen so,far.2
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Hi @mg2 the nurse who wrapped me up in it told me it was only used on mastectomy patients. You could definitely ask them for it. It is well worth it. I'm just starting my 3rd week and I'm feeling pink and hot in places. Each hospital is different. I've asked to use the strata gel some ladies have mentioned and my hospital says it's too expensive they don't use it. My wound site is not flat it's bumpy and lumpy. I hope I didn't put you off that wasn't my plan.1
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than
ks for all the above information , its much appreciated1 -
Is anyone experiencing upset bottom after radiation. I had this thru chemo most of the time and the last 2 days of radiation have had me on the toilet for hours.0
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@mg2 I had my surgery 7/1 and don’t see the radiation oncologist until 10/2. They ‘can’t fit me in for the actual radiation until end Feb’. So that makes it 6 weeks post surgery. I also am worried about the waiting/delay but I’ve been encouraged by the comments above from those with experience.1
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@Kiki_Dances60 I was advised 6 - 8 weeks is a standard time for radiation. I finished chemo 23 Nov 20 and didn't start radiation until 11 Jan 21. I had a stint in hospital just before I was due to start and then Christmas / New Year when they were closed. On my third week now.2
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Thanks @Locksley. Good to know.0
