feeling concerned that my radiation is not happening soon enough , my surgery was on 17th dec and my first radiation is not starting till 27 January ,is it usually this long??

Dear mg2,I had mastectomy, chemo and then Radiotherapy (5weeks) and now Letrazole for 5-10yrs.You are going from surgery to Radiotherapy. I'm sure that they would want you healed well first.I strongly recommend Mepitel. You could not tell that I had radiotherapy, no marks, burns or reaction.It took a bit to get used to wearing it as it feels like a plastic. It looks like Opsite or Tegaderm, if you had seen them.If your place for radiotherapy offers it, I recommend that you do.It is worn 24/7. I was told that the 'burning' does not only happen during the 5-10 mins that R/T is given.The explanation was that the Mepitel keeps the skins own moisture in, and protects the skin from the friction of clothing and bedding. The nurses replaced it as needed, when it sometimes lifted and rolled back. Some of my Mepitel lasted 2 1/2 weeks on. The area under arm seemed to need replacing more often.

Hi @mg2 I had my mastectomies on 1st April, and radiation started 22nd June. They do usually wait 4-8 weeks. Don’t worry, they know what they’re doing. You’ll be fine. There is a lot of waiting sometimes.

Definitely ask about the Mepitel (it does come under different brand names but they'll know what you're talking about). Some places offer it, some don't, some have it but only use it when asked. There's also different ideas about how it will be used. For my treatment, it was put on beforehand on the Monday, patched during the week if necessary, and I took it off when I got home on Friday. During the weekend I was free to shower and use moisturiser (my go to was Moo Goo). My skin held up beautifully - about 3 weeks after treatment ended, I go a small tender patch on my side. I believe the StrataXRT cream is excellent but I think you have to supply it yourself at most places and it is quite expensive.

just a update - I had first radiation appointment with radiation oncologist today and he’s happy for me as a lumpectomy patient to try and use mepitel . Admittedly I’m having my radiation as a Medicare patient with a private radiation centre , not with the public hospital. Worth asking for and pursuing if you’re interested !

Wonderful news @noosa_blue150! I also had mine as a public patient in a private clinic and was supplied the Mepitel after I asked for it. Good luck with radio ♥️

radiation! | BCNA Online Network

38 Replies

Locksley
Member
5 years ago
@mg2 congratulations that is fantastic news.
Anne65
Member
5 years ago
@mg2 As I stated in an earlier post, i had a lumpectomy & used Mepitel with great success. I thoroughly recommend it. Good luck with your treatment xx
mg2
Member
5 years ago
thanks all happy with it now , started radiation last thursday 28th jan , just completed day3 , counting down now
FLClover
Member
5 years ago
Wonderful news @noosa_blue150!
I also had mine as a public patient in a private clinic and was supplied the Mepitel after I asked for it.
Good luck with radio ♥️
noosa_blue150
Member
5 years ago
just a update - I had first radiation appointment with radiation oncologist today and he’s happy for me as a lumpectomy patient to try and use mepitel . Admittedly I’m having my radiation as a Medicare patient with a private radiation centre , not with the public hospital. Worth asking for and pursuing if you’re interested !
Locksley
Member
5 years ago
@mg2 all the best for your treatment tomorrow.
mg2
Member
5 years ago
thanks all happy with it now , start radiation tomorrow
mg2
Member
5 years ago
thanks all happy with it now , start radiation tomorrow
Kiki_Dances60
Member
5 years ago
Thanks @Locksley. Good to know.
Locksley
Member
5 years ago
@Kiki_Dances60 I was advised 6 - 8 weeks is a standard time for radiation. I finished chemo 23 Nov 20 and didn't start radiation until 11 Jan 21. I had a stint in hospital just before I was due to start and then Christmas / New Year when they were closed. On my third week now.