Felt empowered now feel defeated

hi Kerr Kerr, I have just started radiation this week in Brisvegas and my rads nurse recommended I use Strata xrt gel twice a day instead of the film. She applied my first one for me after my first session and gave me a whole tube to take home which should last for the whole 5 weeks. I've only had 4 therapies but so far so good.  I'll comment an update in week 3 to advise on my skin status. You should have an interview with a rads nurse after your first session so mention it to her then.  Best of luck and hope your treatment goes well whatever you decide.

xx debbie

Hi Kerr Kerr, that is not a good start to your next step of your treatment. If only some of the people treating us had experienced what we are going through they might be more understanding of our needs at such a vulnerable time. I have just had my 14th treatment of 30 and within the first two treatments I had one hand size patch of skin went quite pink and hot feeling. When I saw the nurse she recommended I swap from the moo goo I had been using 3 times a day to calendula to reduce the redness and heat. I did for a couple of days and it did reduce but not sure if swapping creams helped or it just settled on its own. I went back to the moo goo and it has stayed the pretty much the same with just a slight feeling of tenderness. The film was never mentioned and if this is as bad as it gets it will be ok. I hope you get on better with your next visit and get to use what you prefer.  Regards Maria

Wow  That is shocking.  Not to mention the fact that if you sunbaked without protection everday for 6 weeks, you probably would end up in hospital.  Maybe I.m a horrible person, but I would make a complaint.  Luckily you will probably find the nurses and radiation attendants are fantastic.

Pam 

I was treated at Genesis Cancer Care in Nambour. They provided the film and have clinics in towns and cities around Australia.

You need to ask your oncologist which radiation centre will be treating you. Then bring up the use of Mepitel at your initial planning consultation with them. 

hang in there and stick to your guns.

Apologies, in my excitement I spelt the company's name incorrectly. Its Molynlycke but even if you just type in Mepitel it will come up.  k

Hi there,

The film comes from a company called Molyncke, you can google them. You could email them and they will help you access the dressings .Mention, that you know about the successful study results you have read.  I am about to start radiation, 6 weeks of 5 days a week, and I am going to use the dressing. My oncologist and the radiation team in Ballarat are happy to use it.

You have every right to use the dressings and the cream. The impact of radiation on the body should not be taken lightly. So, do not be discouraged from looking after yourself. Your body and you have to look after it as best you can. My best wishes to you and stay strong!!   kristine

Hi Kerr Kerr

I am so sorry that you have to encounter a mean and narrow mind doctor.

I am lucky that my treatment team consists of specialists in the field of breast cancer who keep themselves up to date with new technology , listened to my concerns,  discussed all options available and allowed me to have a choice from day 1.

As a scientist myself when my radiation oncologist recommended the use of Mepitel film I immediately searched for the information and about 2 weeks ago passed  it to other members who might be interested to know more.

I am glad that I am protected by the film because I have no skin reaction at all from the beginning of the radiation until now (27 days) with 3 more days to complete the course.  In addition, I still do not feel tired or running out of my energy either.

When the nurse removed the film to replace the damage d film it was easily removed and it did not pull any layer of my skin or left any marks at all.

I do not know that you can buy the film yourself because the cancer care clinic (in Brisbane) that I attend provided it as it has to be put on properly by a nurse as well as repaired it if it was damaged, usually only a small area. I am not sure that how this will happen if your radiation oncologist  is not interested in this protective measure.

Cheers

Piak

Traveltext 

could you tell me where you got the film from as they said if I wanted to use it I had to get it myself. 

Hello Kerr Kerr

I know how you feel - I wanted to use the Mepitel film too but was told Canberra hospital was not going to trial it yet because they already had two breast cancer trials in progress-despite being routine protocol in WA and SA I believe!

I decided I would use Moogoo though- (all the hospital offered was aqueous cream!)

I have only had 5 radiation sessions so far - 28 to go and I use Moogoo 3x a day- (but not within 2 hours before my treatment session - times are are all over the place, though now just in the afternoon ) and I really lather it on-I am fair skinned ??

I'm going to my sons wedding in 3 weeks and hope my skin will at least be unbroken??

Wish you well in your journey

Jan

Hi Kerr Kerr, how cold and rude is that attitude. See if you can make an appointment with the nurse at the rads unit, she should be able to give you some leads about the film. Honestly, some doctors might be clever, however they need lessons in working with people in vulnerable positions !!! Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ????