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