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Annie13's avatar
Annie13
Member
13 years ago

Advice for radiotherapy

Hi ladies....I yesterday started my first session of radiotherapy (1 down, 24 to go!). I'm just wondering if you have any hints or tips for what I should / shouldn't be doing during this period. The nurse told me yesterday I was supposed to receive a booklet or something, which I never got, so thought I'd look to my next best resource for advice - all the ladies here!

All I know so far is to apply pure sorbolene cream after treatment and in the morning after I shower, pat dry, and no deodorant on that underarm.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :)

4 Replies

  • rhyme's avatar
    rhyme
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Annie

    I finished radiation in September 2012. With support from great nurses. Keep up sorbelene creme and any other creme that is recommended. My skin broke down after about 12 sessions ( i had 35) and the relief for that was soaking pads in salt water and just lying them  on the broken area of skin, Was very soothing. I can say keep a close eye on your skin and if you see anything that you dont feel is right get nurses to look at it. My axilla became swollen as well and very painful. I went to dr yesterday and we now think the sewlling that is still there and painful is lymphodema. I recommend you just be aware of any changes, ask if not sure and be positive. Some people go through radiationm with no effects. I hope you are one of them. You are not alone and the treatment in the end is worth it

    Good luck on your journey

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Annie,

    I was advised to use Essential Vitamin E cream 3-4 times a day, but not in the 2 hours prior to treatment. Sorbelene is good, too, but nothing with oil in it.

    Also, the chemist will have crystal stick deodorant, which you wet under the tap and then apply. It is ok to use during rads, but not before your treatment. I used to carry it in my gandbag and apply it afterwards. Hated the thought of no deodorant.

    I had 28 sessions September/October 2012 with no bad side effects. Just keep up the cream - prevention is better.

    All the best with your treatment.

    Michelle

  • Jo_L_'s avatar
    Jo_L_
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Annie The BC book you got with your my journey kit will have some info, and the cancer council 131120 will send you out a raidotherapy booklet may be online as well. Each doc is different re what they like on your skin I used 99% aloevera and still had 'minor' ( love that word) issues slap on the moisturizer early whatever one they choose. Sorbolene is cheap and is still good :) comfy clothes cotton is good,eat sleep, exercise smile and have coffee with friends is my BEST advice Good Luck Hugs Jo

  • Jo_L_'s avatar
    Jo_L_
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Annie The BC book you got with your my journey kit will have some info, and the cancer council 131120 will send you out a raidotherapy booklet may be online as well. Each doc is different re what they like on your skin I used 99% aloevera and still had 'minor' ( love that word) issues slap on the moisturizer early whatever one they choose. Sorbolene is cheap and is still good :) comfy clothes cotton is good,eat sleep, exercise smile and have coffee with friends is my BEST advice Good Luck Hugs Jo