radaition starts monday

Hi Wendy,

Judging by some answers from others on here regarding radiation burns, I dont think it is usual to burn excessively, but then again it's not unheard of (hope that makes sense!)

Last time I was in hospital for cancer related treatment, there was another lady who was in because of her radiation burns.  Maybe it just depends on your skin type.  I have very fair skin, and that part of me hadnt ever seen the sun, so maybe I reacted a bit more than others.  I was originally supposed to have 30 sessions (6 weeks) but it was cut back to 25 sessions as my skin was starting to go very red with little red pustule type things???.  The effects of radiation keep going up to 2 weeks after you stop treatment and that is when my skin broke down.  I have had severe sunburn over the years, I used to burn, blister and peel when I was younger and didnt have the sense to stay out of the sun.  However, even though the radiation burns are extremely red like sunburn, they dont hurt as much.  It doesnt hurt when water touches it like sunburn does.  The radiation nurses told me this is due to the fact that the area is usually numb from surgery anyway. 

You are given cream to rub into the skin several times a day during your treatments, but dont worry, if the burns are too severe there is other treatment and creams they give you containing lignocaine and I had to wrap the area in glad wrap (great look - haha).  The dead skin just sloughs off in the shower and this is good for the healing process.  Please dont be alarmed, I know all of this sounds terrible, but trust me it is bearable and apparently it doesnt happen to everyone.  Always best to be forewarned though (I think.)

I'm glad you have someone who can drive you if you need it, but I think you should be OK.  The treatment itself doesnt last long at all.  I used to travel 2 hours for a 10 minute treatment.  Ahh, the things we do, but we get there in the end.

Good luck.

Di  xo