Radiotherapy side effects

Hi, I have had 24 of 25 radiation zaps at Wollongong Hospital (last one on Mon. 10/4/17) who have use the Mepitel Film (glad wrap type adhesive cling film) with success. I had the film placed all over my right (implant) breast, centre of chest and under right armpit. My radiated skin went pinkish red after a week and itchy in centre after about 10 days. So the film was removed from centre of chest and I used antihistamine tablets and a hydrocortisone cream plus sorbolene cream. Now using papaw ointment. Tiredness/ exhaustion after 2 weeks then again in third week (just the odd day needing an afternoon nap or rest). I unfortunately took Mepitel Film off after about 12 zaps (whilst dry) which was stupid. I was told later by nursing staff that I should have removed Film in shower as it probably rippled off some precious skin. I used creams after this. But TRY to keep Mepitel Film on as long as possible. I have listed below some products I used and my personal advice from my experience which worked for me. Hopefully this may help anyone going through or about to go through radiotherapy. 

PRODUCTS AND HELPFUL ADVICE TO HELP WITH RADIATION BURNS, BLISTERS & ITCHING caused by radiotherapy (during breast cancer treatment).

1. MEPITEL FILM (it's like an adhesive cling film) - Insist on your hospital (radiotherapy nurses) sourcing and using this product - as it's been successfully used on burn patients and now breast cancer patients. To protect longevity of Mepitel Film (whilst on the breast, chest and armpit areas) avoid getting it wet when showering/ washing. Place a clean bath flannel or small hand towel inside a plastic bag and then place plastic bag over breast, chest and arm pit area (where Mepitel Film is secured) during showering or washing. Use sorbolene soap or Dove soap around Mepitel Film. If not using film, then gently wash with lukewarm water over radiated area using sorbolene soap or Dove soap. When film edges fray, just cut off edges but try and keep film in place. DO NOT remove Mepitel Film unless in shower or when it's almost peeling off. Without moisture, it can hurt taking Mepitel film off as it's adhesive and you can unfortunately remove previous skin cells, making it easier to "burn" skin. If a certain area on chest becomes inflamed, red, itchy or breaking/ blistering, (Folliculitis), then Mepitel Film will need to be removed and creams used instead. Seek medical advice as everyone's skin is different. Ask medical hospital radiotherapy nursing staff to put on new Mepitel film when replacement needed if advised. But best method is to keep Mepitel Film on as long as possible during radiotherapy treatment. 
2. CREAMS - Sorbolene a few times a day to "burned" areas. Do not use any creams before radiation treatment (allow 5 hour gap say in morning of treatment e.g. apply creams at 6am latest for 11am treatment). Apply Hydrocortisone acetate cream (sigmacort 1%) from hospital or chemist (keep in fridge to keep cool) for use on itchy areas. Be careful not to use 2.5% hydrocortisone cream (needs a prescription) as it can reduce skin layers, unless advised by treating doctor. Try Solugel for burns and especially recommended is Lucas' papaw ointment as useful for itchy red blistered areas. Use Claratyne in day or Phernegan or chemist equivalent antihistamine at night for itch. Allersoothe 25 (up to 3 tablets) is an antihistamine - use just before bedtime as it can make you drowsy. If you have an aloe vera plant (do not use the liquid spray from chemists and supermarkets due to preservatives) - apply this plant onto affected areas as it's natural and therapeutic. 
3. COLD PACK (wrapped in thin layer of cotton towel or thick kitchen paper towel or a  bandage). "Body Plus" (blue gel type) product is softer and less icy when used from freezer. Apply covered ice pack on burned areas to reduce heat and itch.
4. BRA - Soft wireless front opening cotton bra with pockets (for prothesis or extra padding). (When possible, don't use a bra - but a very loose cotton top that is low at front and sleeveless to help prevent friction). 
5. PADDING/ BANDAGES - obtain from hospital to place inside bra (or a loose top) around bottom and top sections of bra and especially under armpit to help prevent friction of skin rubbing onto bra and clothing. Use a small pillow or rolled up face cloth or small hand towel over chest when wearing a car seat belt (if that area hurts) when driving or as a passenger. 

Hi, I had 20 sessions in July last year. After chemo (6 X FECD) it felt easy, but this might because chemo was really bad. I have very fair skin and only went a bit red. I did get some quick sharp pains in the breast for about a month after and it itched on the surface and deep inside. The hospital gave me mountains of sorbolene cream and Solugel so I used these as much as possible :) The nurse had a look at it every 3 days to make sure I was ok. Hope it goes well for you. X Jane

Thanks for the help ladies, I have Aleo Vera so will add that to my regime.

I have had 4 out of 25 so far & feeling a little bit warm. I talked to the radiation oncologist today & they don't provide Mepitel at Lifehouse because they don't have the nursing staff to apply it & also she said studies have shown that steroid cream is more effective so they provide you with it to use twice daily & sorbolene. I am not having underarm done as lymph nodes were removed, just mastectomy site & nodes near the collarbone. I have very fair skin so I am preparing for the worst but they said don't worry about something that may not happen!

Hi @Nads I finished 20 sessions just before Christmas. Every day after radiotherapy when I got home I would cut up an Aloe Vera plant and spread the gel over my breast. I kept it in the fridge along with my sorbolene cream so it was nice and cool when I put it on. Later I would use the sorbolene. I have fair skin but I didn't get any blistering just a nice shade of dark pink. I really think the Aloe Vera helped. I have a few pot of it growing and I've always used it for burns from the oven or iron and it seems to stop the blistering and scaring. Good luck with your treatment. Lishaxx

@Nads ask your nurses to check it .... they will give you ideas to help with redness..... I used cold compresses against it each day after I got home from rads to  help take the heat out of it. 
Moo goo products are good for it.... ask your nurses again which are ok.

Good luck with it Nads!

Going for my third radiotherapy treatment this afternoon and my breast is already pink after only 2...being very liberal with creams so hopefully it doesn't get to bad..fingers crossed 

Lispy, just remember not everyone burns, mine was like a severe sunburn and then blistered and peeled. Most women just go a little pink :) honestly, I really think you'll do more than ok, step at a time! and talk with your radiologist as you'll see them weekly :) Hugs Melinda 

Thanks for that response, lots of good info, you've actually helped me feel less anxious about it (not sure why I was more worried about it than the chemo?! Although blistering still freaks me out).
I'll remember the kinesiologist advice thanks!