radiation!

@mg2 I had my surgery 7/1 and don’t see the radiation oncologist until 10/2. They ‘can’t fit me in for the actual radiation until end Feb’. So that makes it 6 weeks post surgery. I also am worried about the waiting/delay but I’ve been encouraged by the comments above from those with experience. 

Is anyone experiencing upset bottom after radiation.  I had this thru chemo most of the time and the last 2 days of radiation have had me on the toilet for hours.

than
ks for all the above information , its much appreciated

Hi @mg2  the nurse who wrapped me up in it told me it was only used on mastectomy patients.  You could definitely ask them for it. It is well worth it. I'm just starting my 3rd week and I'm feeling pink and hot in places. Each hospital is different. I've asked to use the strata gel some ladies have mentioned and my hospital says it's too expensive they don't use it. My wound site is not flat  it's bumpy and lumpy.  I hope I didn't put you off that wasn't my plan.  

According to research papers I’ve read on use of mepitel , it can be used on lumpectomy or mastectomy patients. I can see how it may adhere better to a flat chest wall post mastectomy easier than breast tissue post lumpectomy BUT I will be arguing I’m prepared to fiddle and persevere with it  if that’s what they say to me  on first my radiation appointment ( and I’ll purchase my own if need be). The benefits ( protecting from radiation. burns) far outweighs the disadvantages from what I’ve read and seen so,far. 

ok Hi @Locksley, i havent had a masectomy , had 2 small tumours and 2 nodes removed, so lumpectomy is it only available to masectomy patients then???

It did peel at the edges sometimes. The nurses were great. I know one lady had hers fixed daily. But well worth it. It probably sticks better to people who have had the Mastectomy as it is flatter. 

Hi @mg2 I'm in Melbourne and the nurses at my hospital have advised me that they use mepitel only on patients that have had a mascectomy.  I'm currently having treatment with this product. I do feel it is very good.  I do peel and feel like a lepper at times.  Nurse patches me up.

thanks for that information, have not heard of any of the products you mention  , i note that you are both from south australia i am from Melbouurne and have not heard any mention of this , any Victorians on here that have heard or been advised about this product

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.