first appt with oncolgy today

I have been moisturising my arms, breasts and legs (just to keep them nice too) since my first op back in Sept 2006.  I went to an information session not long after surgery (Queensland Cancer Council) and they said that it is very important to keep your skin soft and suble.  This stops it drying out, becoming itchy (scratching) and stopping infections  as a byproduct of these first two reasons.  Mind you, only use body creams that don't have any nasties in them.  I use and swear by Natural Instincts Body Lotion (white bottle with blue writing which can be obtained from health stores and most chemists).  Before you go to your actual radiation treatment each day, they recommend that you don't use anything on your skin for a couple of hours prior. But I found moisturising at least 3 times a day and putting cold wet washers on the area immediately on my return from the treatment was very beneficial.  I have fair skin and did not have any broken skin both times.  Of course my skin did get "sunburned" and was quite irritated.  I went out and bought so many cotton loose fitting tops, dresses, PJs etc.  Best not to wear bras when possible as they rub on the radiated area. (this could be a reason not to work).  Cotton, daggy bras are the best (now their is a bigger variety with the Aah bras).  Hope this is helpful. XLeonie

Hi Leonie and thanks for the advice I am in two minds about working during radiation especially since I now have to delay it due to the hematoma which came from maybe me doing to much. All this sitting around and doing nothing is really beginning to get to me but on the other hand I don't want to not be able to do things due to tiredness from radiation, I'm thinking of going back to work until radiation starts and discussing this with both work and oncologist. Can I prepare my skin prior to radiation? moisturising maybe? Thanks for the info re: fact sheet.

Thanks again

Georgie

Hi Georgie,  BCNA have a fact sheet on radiation which is very informative.  Look after your skin and get plenty of rest.  Many people who wish to attend work  have their radiation appointments in the eening.  That way you can then go home and get a good nights's rest.  It really depends on how you feel.  I have had two "sets" of radiation.  Back in 2006 I ended up very ill at the end as I was a bit silly and didn't get enough rest and overdid it.  I was extremely fatigued for months after it.  This last time in 2011, I was a "smarter" girl and rested up each day.  I really sailed through.  Take care - maybe you could schedule in some shorter days near the end of the radiation.    Best wishes XLeonie

Hi Georgie,  BCNA have a fact sheet on radiation which is very informative.  Look after your skin and get plenty of rest.  Many people who wish to attend work  have their radiation appointments in the eening.  That way you can then go home and get a good nights's rest.  It really depends on how you feel.  I have had two "sets" of radiation.  Back in 2006 I ended up very ill at the end as I was a bit silly and didn't get enough rest and overdid it.  I was extremely fatigued for months after it.  This last time in 2011, I was a "smarter" girl and rested up each day.  I really sailed through.  Take care - maybe you could schedule in some shorter days near the end of the radiation.    Best wishes XLeonie

Well..... due to having the hematoma (goose egg size) I am not going ahead with radiation treatment as first scheduled, apparently the oncologist cannot do any correct planning until the hematoma has gone or at the very least reduced considerably in size and is not willing to go ahead until that time.  Next appt in three weeks to check on size etc.

I'm not sure how I feel about this, not that I was looking forward to radiation but I do want to get this treatment started and therfore finished.  Hmmmm is about all i can say. Has any one else had this happen re: delayed radiation?

cheers to all the lovely ladies

Georgie