Radiotherapy creams

Hi Sorrelle

I am down to 7 booster zaps starting tomorrow and then my rads are finished thank goodness.  So far so good, a lot of redness in a very defined area, a bit sore occasionally and a bit itchy occasionally but nothing to write home about so I am very happy up to date with how rads are going.  It makes up for my chemo time.  I think Sorbolene is a good way to go, no deodorants, fragrance free soaps and I don't need to shave that side cause no hair growing back there but is slowly slowly starting everywhere else now.

Good luck with the last of your rads, I hope they continue to go smoothly for you.  It is so good to be on countdown now.

Mich xoxo

Hi Mich

Am quickly jumping on here to let you know that last year BCNA conducted a survey of our Review & Survey Group, to find out about their experiences with radiotherapy burns. Many women gave us tips to help prevent or manage burns which we listed on the right side of our radiotherapy page.

All the best for your remaining booster sessions.

Annie - BCNA's Policy Team :)

Hi everyone

I thought I'd just add to this discussion as I actually worked in Radiotherapy for Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute.

My role there was to be the PA to the person in charge and also book all the patients in for their therapy.

Ironically years later I got mucinous carcinoma of the L breast and had to have a mastectomy and months of chemo (couldn't have R/T as I have a rare skin condition that couldn't possibly withstand the rads).

But I distinctly remember patients being given good old Sorbolene for their skin and told not to use any products with oil as this could potentially make any broken down skin worse. 

Also remember the crystal deodorant being recommended (although it was a fairly new thing then) and I think you can get that from either a chemist or health food shop.

With soap - try to use a non fragnaced (can't spell!) as fragnance has oil in it.  I found Pure N Simple Soap the best to use for my wound when it was healing and I'm sure this particular soap doesn't have oil in it.  If it's suitable for EB then I'm sure it's suitable for R/T Skin.

I hope this helps everyone.

cheers & luv

H

Hi Mich,

I used only sorbolene( the hospital issue) as I too only had a lumpectomy. My skin was absolutely fine. No cracks what so ever. Only the usual discolouration. I count myself as one of the lucky few that had no reaction. I found that the nurses didn't like you using a different one as they couldn't be responsible for reactions if you used one of your own.

Take care,

Alison xx

Hi Michelle

It is amazing how every hospital/rads place tells you a different cream.  I will be very interested to hear how you fair with the cream you are using and having had a mastectomy.  I have heard of the crystal deodorant but not tried it.  I have been on a trial for the hospital of no deodorant and using a QV soap plus my sorbolene cream. It has worked for me and my skin so far. Needless to say a lot of showers as I am also suffering major hot flushes.  Radiotherapy is a breeze compared to chemo.  Just keep putting that cream on, try and get some air to the area when you are in private and you should be fine.  Our hospital supplies the Sorbolene cream which has been wonderful.

My girlfriend who has not faired well thru her rads at all now has a broken rib which they thought was her heart because of the terrible pain and rushed to hospital.  It seems you can get broken ribs from your rads so take it easy and no pole dancing until your rads are over please :-)  She is on morphine for the pain and they are cleaning her burns regularly so she is in the best place to get better.

I am doing okay now thank you, it has been a hard slog and docs still trying to sort out what meds I am to stay on for next 5 years but we will get there and I hope I just keep improving every day and I will one day get my mojo back.

Good luck with your rads and hysterectomy, you will breeze through them I am sure.  I am also wishing this year away and looking forward to a fresh start in 2013.  You have your birthday to look forward to and lots of good reasons to party party party!!!!!!.  Look after yourself.

Mich xoxo

Hi Michelle

It is amazing how every hospital/rads place tells you a different cream.  I will be very interested to hear how you fair with the cream you are using and having had a mastectomy.  I have heard of the crystal deodorant but not tried it.  I have been on a trial for the hospital of no deodorant and using a QV soap plus my sorbolene cream. It has worked for me and my skin so far. Needless to say a lot of showers as I am also suffering major hot flushes.  Radiotherapy is a breeze compared to chemo.  Just keep putting that cream on, try and get some air to the area when you are in private and you should be fine.  Our hospital supplies the Sorbolene cream which has been wonderful.

My girlfriend who has not faired well thru her rads at all now has a broken rib which they thought was her heart because of the terrible pain and rushed to hospital.  It seems you can get broken ribs from your rads so take it easy and no pole dancing until your rads are over please :-)  She is on morphine for the pain and they are cleaning her burns regularly so she is in the best place to get better.

I am doing okay now thank you, it has been a hard slog and docs still trying to sort out what meds I am to stay on for next 5 years but we will get there and I hope I just keep improving every day and I will one day get my mojo back.

Good luck with your rads and hysterectomy, you will breeze through them I am sure.  I am also wishing this year away and looking forward to a fresh start in 2013.  You have your birthday to look forward to and lots of good reasons to party party party!!!!!!.  Look after yourself.

Mich xoxo

I only used sorbolene cream and then the cream the radiotherapy nurses gave me which was thicker once my skin got tender, and did not use any deodorant or perfume and soaps during the rads...I had had a mastecomy and reconstruction prior to the radiotherapy...I think from memory that the Paw Paw cream may not be suitable for use with rads but would definately recommend checking with the nurses before using.  And remember to pat dry not wipe with towels:)