Forum Discussion
Protecting body from radiotherapy
I am about to start 4 weeks of radiotherapy and I am keen to do whatever I can to prevent or lessen side effects and to protect my normal cells from damage. I have read contradictory information about taking vitamins and antioxidants when undergoing radiotherapy (them interfering with effectiveness of radiation versus protecting healthy cells). Someone suggested I get vitamin c injections to protect against side effects - while there seems to be evidence that Vit C can fight cancer and assist in chemotherapy, there doesn’t seem to be conclusive evidence of how it effects radiotherapy. I am looking for advice on what nutrition or supplements I can take that will support my body and not interfere with the goal of the radiation but I keep reading conflicting information. I’m interested if others have any reliable sources of information or what you have done yourselves (before, during and after treatment). Thanks
26 Replies
- Wonderful @LIttleBlueWren! Congratulations. K xox
- Hi,I finished 25 days of rads today! I had mepitel on for the duration and had no problems at all. My skin is slightly red around the edges, I will put moogoo on that area over the next couple of weeks. I removed some of the mepitel this afternoon so that it isn't visible when I am wearing a t-shirt, I was advised to keep it on for two weeks post treatment (and will leave the non-visible area covered with mepitel for the two weeks).Mepitel is provided as standard part of the treatment where I was treated.I had no tiredness either.Good luck
- @Sarnicad do you find that just having a wireless bra (but with cups) is ok, or do you think I need something super soft without any seams etc under the breast?
- @Mjheke I looked up StrataXRT today and you can order it online from the supplier Stratpharma but I don’t know how long it takes to ship.
I also am thinking about using Simplicité Nutritive Body Lotion as it has good reviews for radiation protection. - Drink heaps of water, eat well, exercise moderately and keep out of the sun. Rest when you can. It's a month out of your life and it will pass quickly. Mxx
- @Mjheke I was very fortunate in that my rads oncologist gave it to me (maybe because I'm an age pensioner). But you could ask your rads nurses if they know; or maybe the hospital pharmacy might have it. It's also available online. It's currently on sale price with a good reduction here:
https://www.myskinpharmacy.com.au/product/strataxrt-50g/
The 50 g tube was enough for my whole treatment (25 days + weekends) and for a few days after the end. You only need the tiniest bit. Put a tiny dot on and use the palm of your hand to wipe it across the skin. It forms a sort of second skin. Your skin becomes shiny. - @Flaneuse-I am on day 2 of radiation and I am definitely looking red. The Rad onc nurse took a photo today to monitor of the next few days. I don't have a temp at the moment so it is watch and see. I am particularly sensitive with most things. I am wondering where you sourced the StrataXRT from please?
- MooGoo worked for me - 15 rad treatments and no discomfort except for a very mild burning sensation. 4 months and my skin is almost normal colour. I applied the lotion twice a day.
- Should have said that I used MooGoo as well!
- @Pookie all I used was qv intensive the preferred cream of my clinic and I just slathered it on as many times a day as I could manage my appts were middle of the day so I could moisturise before I went to work after treatment and again before bed. As predicted by my onc I did have some very mild burns (I’ve had worse sunburns being stupid in my 20’s) they were mainly under boob in the crease and I had to do solugel and glad wrap dressings for a few days. The other less worse days I used a silicone dressing called Mepilex Lite on the nurses advice.
My biggest tip is to have a bra that won’t rub. That will do far more good than anything else
