StratXRT - first use, not sure I’m doing this right?!

Peachy

Hi all
Invasive lobular carcinoma (Grade 2, ER+ PR+). Breast conserving surgery completed 4/9 (after a wide excision open biopsy on 6/8). 

Started the first of 15 radiation treatments today and have opted to use StrataXRT. Have only used it once and it doesn’t feel like I expected. Everything talks about a ‘gel’ ‘drying’ and forming a film but this feels like a greasy, not wet solution, and it doesn’t feel wet or dry or appear to have made any film - just a soft, slightly greasy layer similar to how your skin is after using a body butter. Am I doing something wrong? Can anyone who’s used this give me any advice? Keen to get on top of this before application 2.

So grateful in advance for your assistance. 🤗❤️

Cath62

Hi @Peachy, I didn't use this but I understand it is a morning and night application and it is meant to be a fine covering over the area radium is treating. Have a chat to the radium nurse and team. They should be able to show you how to apply it. Best wishes for your treatment.

Blossom1961

I was told if it feels greasy you may be using too much. I didn't end up needing it due to shorter radio time but have heard great results.

Peachy

Thanks for the quick responses Blossom and Cath. I’ll have to take it in and speak to the nurse today. The product is certainly not working for me so far!

Sheri

Hi I used this through my whole radiation treatment.  It is a greasy feel.  I actually had to stand the tube up with the lid at the top because it leaks out of the tube.  I would apply it morning and night.  Apply to all the area being hit and rub it in and I waited about five minutes before putting on my bra to let it dry a little.  You don't have to apply a lot but make sure you cover the whole area. This gel worked fantastic for me and I had no redness no sores nothing at all. I used the gel before my first treatment and used it for a month after finishing as they say the peak is ten to twelve days after finishing.  Best wishes for your treatment. 

Paris_24

@Peachy sounds like you are doing it right maybe just using too much.  I am also using the same for radiation at the moment.  I was told no more than 10 cm drop in your hand, then use your fingers to dot it on the outline/ areas enforce joining it all up.  I know it is greasy when I pop on too much.  It just feels like you have a light cream on your body - love you can shower with this product.  Good luck

Julez1958

Hi @Peachy
I was given a lesson on how to apply it by the nurses at the radiotherapy centre.
If if feels greasy it means you have applied too much.
I practiced at home a couple of times ( then washed it off ) before my first session.
I had 28 sessions and only got a little bit of pinkness towards the end but no blisters or skin breakdown.

Peachy

Thanks for the fabulous responses. It turns out I had misunderstood what the “film” would be and what I perceived as greasiness was the actual film! *facepalm* 
Based on all the great commentary here I’ll persist with it. I’ll come back and let you know how I go!

melzzs

Hi I am currently doing radiation up to 5th day now so far so good no real side effects as yet I have been applying moo goo after each shower and before bed,I asked about the film and they told me it wasn't necessary for me I don't understand why

Peachy

Just popping back to close this thread out. 

I did 15 radiation sessions and used the StrataXRT cream twice a day and drank 2 litres of water. While I had breast pain/tenderness including nerve pain I had no skin breakdown and barely any redness. Now two weeks post treatment - and still applying strata - I’ve had no visual breast changes and aside from some residual tenderness  you’d never know I had radiation. The only downside for me was the tenderness when applying Strata due to the need to spread it thinly - I don’t think something like Moo Goo would have felt like this as I would have been able to slather it on. That said, given my results I’d chose StrataXRT again if I was starting over. In my case it felt worth the money.
cheers and thanks again for the support.

GrannyBerd

I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy also and used Moo Goo Restore Cream. I completed the therapy without any burns or tenderness and continued it for a couple of weeks after. The cream was easy to apply and left my skin feeling soft, not greasy. Highly recommend.

Julez1958

Hi @GrannyBerd and @Peachy
I had 28 sessions of radiation and used the strata X and had only very mild pinkness and no skin breakdown.
The centre I went to used Mepitel as the standard ( was free) but not everyone is suitable.
I had to pay for the strata x but it was worth it in my view.
I have seen posts on other forums of radiation burns that are not pretty so would not necessarily rely just on moo goo if the Mepitel or Strata X are a possibility.