Radiation treatment over

Hi Beth

As Leonie advised don't put any cream on before your treatment. I used to take a shower before I went to make sure all the cream was off as one of the ladies told me that too much cream can cause problems with the radiation. I took the cream with me and put it on in the bathroom after the treatment when I got changed back into my clothes. I was lucky and had perfect skin. I used 100% sorbolene cream at least 3 times a day. I also tried not to wear a bra too much and let my skin have lots of fresh air (basically went topless a lot - wasn't working and home all day) .

Good luck with your treatment hope you go well.

Sarah x

Hi Holly

The nurses gave me something similar - zinc cream and castor oil.  It was really bad for about a week and a half but a few days ago it started getting better and now it's looking great - well maybe not great but compared to how it did look it's much better!  I'm on Tamoxifin as well - fun, fun!

Amy

I had my radiation at the Mater in Woolongabba Brisbane and my info said not to put any cream on one hour prior to treatment.  Each day I would put wet washers in the freezer before I left for treatment so on arrival home I used these to "cool down" the area.  Smother yourself in the nominated cream at least three times a day.  Don't forget to get plenty of rest and relaxation.  Good luck. XLeonie

Great to hear Amy I finished 1 week ago and am so excited. The nurses at the RBH told me to use Sodu cream (used for nappy rash and bed sores) and has cleared mine up really quickly. Also put glad wrap over it in the daytime to stop it going all over your clothes, helps with wearing a bra or sports top cause it doesn't rub. Kept it nice and moist and at night just put cream on  no plastic so it aired. Oh the freedom. But little nervous as about to start Tamoxifin and am really over taking anything cause I feel so good and back to normal. Ho hum the journey continues.

Hi Deb

Just today I feel as I have turned a corner and my skin is showing signs of improvement.  It's still tender under the breast area but my armpit area which was really sore even during the last days of radiation has improved and I am now getting more movement in my arm.  I also feel today that I have had more energy than previous days so I'm hoping it's all up from now on.  I start back at work in a couple of weeks, but only 2 days per week, I hope I can manage! (Even though it's been a terrible reason to have been off work I must say I have enjoyed being a homebody!)

Amy

Mine is starting to get better now - I feel I have turned a corner.  I have been keeping it under bandages too to keep the area moist and this has really helped.  Fingers crossed that each day it will get better and better. 

Debbie

Greetings to you too.  My op was 16 months ago and unfortunately due to lots of side effects etc I haven't yet been able to return to work which is quite frustrating.  Although I have enjoyed the free time (after I stopped being sick) it doesn't pay the bills.  I was going to go back a couple of weeks ago but am still having good and bad days.  I have peripheral neuropathy as a result of treatment and it can be pretty bad at times so just taking every day as it comes now.  Today is beautiful and I have been spending a fair bit of time on our verandah lazing in the sun (nice).  So very glad I am still here to be able to enjoy these simple things in life. We can either sink or swim and I, like a lot of people, have chosen to swim like mad.  Positive, positive. 

All the best to you.

Regards

Fay (goldnolde)

Tonya,

Thankyou to you too. I just have to get my mind into work mode again.

Debbie

Sarah,

Your thoughts are good to read. Workmates have been great for me too.

Good luck with your first shift.

Debbie

Hi Deb

I am also on my way back to work after 10 months away on April 5th. Picked up my roster yesterday and was weird to see my name there. Not sure how I'll go but have a "Return to Work " programme in place apparently  but they have yet to contact me so we'll see! I have been a nurse forever but am sure my stint on the other side will change some of my practice particularly with the breast cancer ladies having a much deeper insight.

Looking forward to seeing all my lovely workmates who have been so supportive during my time away.

Good luck with your return to work.

Sarah x