Forum Discussion

GenK's avatar
GenK
Member
4 years ago

Prepping for localised Radiotherapy and symptom management

Hey beautiful ladies,
Currently between lumpectomy with node removal and transfer to medical oncologist, and my mother doesn’t trust the internet and is asking me to explain the treatments etc. I was a nurse and some of my training and early work was with cancer, but that’s a while age and I’m not a specialist, so can only give her broad info especially as haven’t yet got confirmation on treatment plan (how long radio and which hormone therapy medication). 
We prepped for post-op inc household cleaning and frozen meals, and apart from junior dr causing skin tear when removing outer dressing she’s doing well, and yes trying to get her to take things one step at a time and just be gentle with herself but she’s not really doing that or easy to divert from it.
hence, any tips on prepping for radiotherapy treatment (localised to breast area and possibly node region), and anything particular to help with side effects especially the skin related potential burns? 
Yes open to integrative therapy approaches, and was thinking aloe vera a good backup but according to the pharmaceutical site on dr google mum found it can be harmful (I’m dubious about legitimacy of that information). She’s also worried Re vitamin supplements as a couple of her levels are currently low in the bloods. Ideas?
hope wherever you are on this journey you and your loved ones are doing ok. Thank you all x

4 Replies

  • noosa_blue150's avatar
    noosa_blue150
    Member
    3 years ago
    Totally agree with others -ask about Mepitel -I found some info from a NSW radiation service that explains a bit more about it 


  • Abbydog's avatar
    Abbydog
    Member
    3 years ago
    I had my R/T at a public hospital in SA.
    Mepitel was used routinely.
    I was covered all over my R/T site, 24/7.
    I had minimal skin changes.
    The mepitel is a special plastic looking dressing.
    It keeps moisture in the skin, and prevents friction damage to sensitive skin (from clothing and bedding)
    Mepitel does peel at the edges, over time. But the nurses patch it up as needed.
    I did not have much fatigue. Driving there daily contributed to fatigue.
    Everyone is different. But I truly think Mepitel is worth a try.

  • Julez1958's avatar
    Julez1958
    Member
    4 years ago
    Hi I see you are in Sydney.
    I had my radiotherapy at Genesis Care at St Vincent’s Private
    I had 28 sessions ( Monday to Friday) and all went well
    They normally applied Mepitel which helps prevent radiation Burns but I couldn’t have it as my mastectomy left me with “ dog ears”.
    I sent away for strataxrt cream from the USA it was expensive but did the job my skin was not affected at all.
    I felt a bit fatigued towards the end of treatment but I was really happy with how little it impacted me .
    I kept up gentle exercise throughout ( walking during f the week and swimming in the ocean on the weekend ) and I think that was beneficial.
  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    4 years ago
    @GenK, it is always best to check with her oncologist. 
    There are lists around re vitamins etc but maybe someone else has a link of known ones for you ?  Ladies ?