Forum Discussion
Radiation and Mepitel Film to prevent Burns?
Hi Ladies. I have often commented on the Mepitel Film that was offered to me during my radiation treatment and how it prevented burns to my skin and how my cosmetic result was very good after treatment with the film. I have often recommended other ladies ask their radiology dept if they could use it too as I was unsure whether this was offered to patients who had radiation through the public system.
I belong to a support group on FB for BRCA gene mutation carriers and this past week a lady contacted me from the USA after reading one of my posts regarding my 'burns free' radiation treatment and asking more info on the Mepitel film as she said her radiologist onc. didn't know about the product. A copy of her messages to me is at the end of my post here.. In the end her Onc declined the use of Mepitel saying that it wasn't FDA approved in USA and she was unsure if it would interfere with her radiology treatment.
My question to anyone who has had radiation with Mepitel Film... Given the strict health standards in Oz and the assurance from my Radiology Onc Specialist that it was absolutely safe to use Mepitel and that it wouldn't interfere with my treatment, has anyone else here ever had a similar discussion about Mepitel to their Radiology team and where you also ensured of the safe use of the product?.
I have always thought USA to be on top of all the latest treatments and therapies so I was caught a bit off guard with her message and her dr's reluctance to use it.
Here is what she wrote
Hi Rene! I am in the BRAC FB group and you had replied to my question about radiation. You mentioned the doc using Mepitel film during radiation. My doctor wanted to know... 1. Is it FDA approved? 2. Where were you treated and what your doctor's name was? 3. How did you get the film? 4. Was it used for every treatment? My doc hasn't ever used it and wanted to know more. She was concerned with it affecting the effectiveness of radiation. Any info you have so that she can consult with your doc would be sooo appreciated. I have another appt with her tomorrow. Thank you so much!
My doc said she can't use it during radiation because it's not FDA approved to use here during radiation. I'm going to start calling around to other radiation onc's though. I'll email your doc since I'm in USA I can't call there. So if that film can't get wet how did you shower? I'm concerned my doc won't let me use it.
Thank you so so much. My radiation onc unfortunately said I could not use it during treatment.
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48 Replies
- @Pammy46 - so sorry to hear this. You can purchase Mepitel Film in Australia. It was originally used in New Zealand for burns patients. Wollongong Hospital have only been using it for past year on breast cancer radiotherapy patients only - with success. I have the Mepitel Film changed or just some bits replaced every Monday as it peels off on the outer edges through wear and tear and friction with clothes. The main film has remained for past 10 days. It was a bit itchy on the weekend - as the edges rubbed against my skin, so the hospital told me to just cut off the peeled edges. It gave my skin a "breather". The RT told me yesterday the most vulnerable area is the centre of chest above breast as well as under the arm pit where bras and clothes rub.
So here it the link for your hospital to consider using it or purchase it yourself perhaps? http://store.independenceaustralia.com/search/go?lbc=independenceaus&method=and&p=Q&ts=custom&uid=708654721&w=Mepitel&cnt=300 - My burns from radiation are severe my under arm the worst I wish my hospital used mepitel I have been in agony for weeks
- Shells, I have a sticking plaster allergy and so far after a week with Mepitel Film, I have not had a skin reaction. Will post if this changes.
MichelleBella, I am also having my Radiation treatment at Fiona Stanley, so will be interested in what you find out. Hoping it is available and that I don't have an allergic reaction to the adhesive.
- Just a tip from yesterday's radiotherapy session using bolus. The Radiation Therapists put cling film "Glad Wrap" on the sticky side of the bolus so that it didn't grab onto Mepitel Film on my right breast. They then put masking tape firmly over bolus and my sides to hold it down before being zapped. Afterwards when the bolus was taken off, it did not peel off the Mepitel Film. Voila!
- Thank you for feedback , will make some enquires .
Have been quite worried x - Hi Michellebella, I started radiation last week and Wollongong Public Hospital provide the Mepitel film for patients. It lasted a week but came off today as the Radiation Therapists pulled off the bolus, which happens. The bolus is sticky and so the Mepitel Film came off attached to the bolus. I try to protect the Mepitel film by putting a large hand towel in a plastic bag and place it over the Mepitel film radiated breast area - so that it doesn't get wet when I shower. The Mepitel film is waterproof, but I am helping to prolong its use by making sure it doesn't get wet.
You should ask the Breast Care Nurse at Fiona Stanley hospital if they use the Mepitel film and if not, why not and show her the images and links I have shown above so they can obtain the Mepitel Film in Australia. Wollongong Hospital has been using it for over a year with great success. - I was offered Mepitel for my rads in October 2013 at the Genesis Clinic in Nambour, QLD. I was a public patient. It had to be replaced once or twice, but worked very well and, while I was red at the end, I had no blisters or skin problems.
I have recommended it to a male bc friend in the US and his Rad Onc didn't know anything about it. I don't believe the film could interfere with treatment, that's a bit of BS IMO. - Hi , it won't be long before I start my radiation. I'm in Perth WA
and treatment in Fiona Stanley Hosital
Does anyone know If this product available there , or should I source myself . Really concerned about effects off radiation on my breast
M - Thanks @Kristen - Linda Pesavento is a good friend of mine from church and I read her book "Keep Walking" a few years ago. It was brilliant. Having had her husband go through cancer then her young son with cancer. She was so and still is so strong. Linda is now doing the "She is Project" - real accounts of women coping with life's difficulties (on internet). BTW radiation is not temperature based as such. Will update developments in due course.
