radiation!

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.

@Locksley I also thought it was for extra protection and asked them if that was it, but they said that it actually serves as extra tissue and aids the effectiveness. I had to ask a few times as I couldn’t quite grasp what they were saying, so I’m not sure what I actually understood 🤷🏼‍♀️. I kept it as a souvenir. 

The wonder woman shield is called a boulis.  I asked the technician today.  He said it's used as an extra protection for your skin during radiation.    I'm starting to feel itchy with the metapil but I'm trying not to think about it as I know it will be worth it in the long run.

@mg2 I had a lumpectomy in December 2017 & started radiation treatment in Feb/March the following year. The main reason it was that late is that I had to have genetic testing done beforehand & my rad onc wanted the results before he started the rad treatment as if I came back positive, it may have effected my treatment plan & whether I was to go ahead with it or not. Luckily, I was negative so the treatment went ahead as planned. 
As mentioned above by others, I used Mepitel film through the course of my treatment & cant speak highly enough of it. I had NO redness, irritation, peeling or burning & would recommend it to anyone who is able to have it. One of the many benefits is when you use it, you dont have to use ANY creams with it as the mepitel film covers your entire radiation area. Once i removed the film, 3 weeks after treatment, I used calendula cream just to soothe it as it had been wrapped up for 5 weeks, not because I was burnt. Good luck with your treatment xx

@SIro Yes, that’s the one. I’m glad you’ve decided to use it 😊. I used it and it was great. 

I’ve also read recommendations by others here of a cream called strataXRT for radiation skin. 

Hi FL Clover, Thanks I don’t think I described it very well but mine will be the cling wrap one Mepitel which is replaced often. So no wonder women shield for me. 😄 Has been good to to read the tips from others on getting it patched & replaced regularly. 

@SIro I think the plastic shield is different. They make it from the form of your actual chest, and you wear it when you’re irradiated. From what I understood (and was quite confusing) it acts as extra tissue for radiation to be more effective. 

hi Mg2 I had lumpectomy 14 December my radiotherapy starting 27 Jan. Similar to you. I live remotely 500km from treatment so had all appointments at once last week & have already had the Tatt markers also was told about the plastic shield (metaphil ? Couldn’t remember the name) they put a sample on my inner wrist as a test to ensure no reaction to it. So plan to have that. 

@noosa_blue150 good on you for doing the Mepitel 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻