treatment

Hi Snow, like the girls before said everyone has different reactions to the radiotherapy so I guess it's a wait and see. In October 2015 I began 25 + 5 boost treatments and my skin was quite pink and warm by the 12th treatment and I was given hydrocortisone for the itchy sunburnt feeling. At the 18th treatment my nipple and underarm were very sore so I was given solugel which didn't seem to help much and 2 days later my skin started to blister and breakdown and I was given xylocaine gel and bepanthan to soothe it. I used calendula cream and/or moo goo at least 3 times a day and found them both very moisturising. I have large breasts and was told the treatment needed was the cause of the severe skin breakdown. Must be fairly normal cause everytime I went back to the nurse she always had something else to give me. I was also told no hot/cold packs but when desperate I used a wet flannel in a zip lock bag kept in the fridge. Good luck with your treatment and don't be afraid to see the nurse if you are having problems. Be prepared to feel very tired and weary the week after you finish and look after yourself. Maria

As below outlined , the effects are cumulative and you may feel quite frazzled, tiered and teary towards the end . A freind of mine advised me to take a week  off  work after the end of treatment, and that is what I will do.

Yes I believe the emptied dressing will be offered in day 2 of your treatment. 

Hi Snow! I am also lucky one, do not need chemo but awaiting Radiotherapy. I have mapping appointment on Tuesday, I had similar questions,  posts above are very helpful, specially Piak's post. Wondering if we can just request using protective material ie mepitel or it would be offered?

Thank you and Best wishes to all of you.

rita

Hi Cheryl. Good to hear that you don't need chemo. As others have said, everyone's reactions are different. So are the hospitals treatment recommendations. I was "lucky" ??, & started reacting after only 2 treatmemts. I was given a mild hydrocortisone cream to apply,  & used aqueous moisturising lotion. The nurse also recommended making a solution of 1litre of cooled boiled water with 1 teaspoon of salt, chilling, then soaking washers & applying to my breast. This was soothing. Not sure that it made any other difference, although my skin never act broke down. Hope it all goes well for you.

Tale care, Lyn

Hi Snow

I have not yet had radiation but have been told it is probable that I will need it. A nice lady from the cancer council advised me to use Dove soap as it is a moisturizer & rub in aloe vera gel to avoid burns.

Wishing you well.

Eileen

Hi Snow

I had radiation with Mepitel film on so I had no problems with skin reaction. During my radiation I carried on my usual exercise (walking, streching, and breast exercise) without feeling tired even after I complete the 30 day treatment.  When the Mepitel film was removed there was a few flaky skin on the nipple and a little bit on the breast but no itchy burning or anything at all.  After few Moogoo udder creamapplication all the flaky skin come off and the area is now soft and smooth as prior to the treatment.

The reaction to radiation is quite individual so I hope yours will be free of problems too.

Good luck with your rad.

Piak

Hi Snow and Marlee, good luck to you both with your treatment, it's awfully hard to give advice about this as we are all different and have varying treatments but if it helps this is how I found it....

1. Get plenty of rest, just the physical going 5/7 for 5-6 weeks makes you weary

2. Drink enough water to drown in ! Water will help your good cells regenerate faster than anything

3. As treatment goes on ( and again this is different for us all ) you may feel some heat coming from your breast/s , I found it really helped to use chilled face cloths on my breasts to take some of the heat out before applying cream

4. Have a really good book to read, after 1 week of treatment you will be sooooooo over the magazines, am sure in my 6 weeks that some celebrities married , divorced and had babies... ??

5. Exercise as much as you are able, go for nice walks, go for a bike ride...... Just anything as long as you are moving and are out in the fresh air

6. Be really kind to yourself, listen to your body ... Accept all the help you are offered.... Really, I mean that, and don't be afraid to ASK for help.... Sometimes people don't know what to do to help and are afraid to offer but are so willing once asked

Prayers and best wishes to you both , hopefully you can friend each other and do this journey together. I hope the time passes real quickly . ??

Cheryl, Christine & Marlee, I've had 14 of 25 radio so far. I'm also lucky not to need chemo. I can only speak from my own experience. I'm still trying to work 4 shifts per week & racing to & from appointments - tiring. I started radio about 8 weeks post op - I had a therapeutic mammoplasty so I'm still recovering ?? As of treatment 5, I could start to feel a little like a sunburn sensation but not too bad. As of treatment 12, I've felt really tired as expected. As of treatment 14, I have some almost spotted reddening & an area along the crease of solid reddening & burning sensation, also swollen  & tender breast. They told me no heat or cold packs. I also have Mepitel dressing applied to help prevent friction against bra/clothing & that makes me feel warmer. Overall it's uncomfortable but do-able ?? I have my last treatment on Feb 22nd. We can do this ?? I wish you all the best.?? Feel free to keep in touch. ??

I start on the 24th too

Lets hope we both do well :)

Chemo is done so like you said hopefully not too bad and the skin holds up 

Hugs to you ??