Scarring from radiation

Hi @newbie3312 I only did 15 days (higher dose) but my experience was not bad.  I had the right side done including the superclave area.  I used Mepitel film (but had to ask for it - it wasn't offered) although I believe that many places are suggesting StrataXRT (think I've got that right) but it is pricey and I think you have to get it yourself.  I also used MooGoo cream fairly liberally whenever the film was off.  The film certainly made a difference because there was a tiny gap for 1 session and I got a significant tan line from it.  I had no burning during the treatment but about 3 weeks after I finished, I had a very tender reddened spot on the soft skin to the side of where my breast had been.  That's as bad as it got.  Now, other women have different stories to tell but for me, radiation was not a big deal.  The only other thing I could say is that I got very tired at times which is common, but to be fair, this was off the back of 6 months of chemo.

Hi@newbie3312 Firstly sorry this  is even a decision you have to make. Just like @Sister, my experience wasn’t bad either. I opted for the shorter stronger course. I carried plain Sorbolene with me everywhere I went and kept the skin practically white with it,(several times daily), and before bed last thing I did was coat the radiated area with AloeVera that I kept in the fridge. I made sure that in the shower I didn’t direct the shower directly on the breast, used dermaveen gentle wash and kept the water cooler than I would have liked! I wore very very soft cotton tshirts. Only slightly differcult part was soft bras(I’m D cup)for when I was at work. ( I worked the entire time). Perhaps while your skin is fragile you could smother in cream then bandage the breasts gently/firmly for horse riding.?

Hi @Newbie3312 - Like @Sister and @JanineG - my own radiation experience wasn't bad at all.  I had 4 weeks worth (the final 2 or 3 were 'boosts' at higher levels.)  Mild redness with a bit of peeling.  Keeping the lotions up to it is the trick.  

Your Rad Onc will be doing their best to give you the required level of radiation, whilst NOT causing burning or scarring - but some people have more sensitive skin or scars from their surgery - so try not to be too scared of the treatment.  It is important that you advise the nurses at the clinic if you notice red areas or pain ..... 

Some people are able to use Mepitel film or similar - ask if this is suitable for you?  I ended up having my rads 'face down' so the Mepitel wasn't suitable for my treatment.  Where abouts are you? If you put your town/city in your 'Profile' ... others near you may be able to assist with local services that may be of use to you.  If you have to travel to Rads, you should be able to claim 'petrol money' from your State Gov.  Each state has slightly different rules.  You will need to get your GP/Specialist to fill in the initial form & then it should be easier after that.  You can have multiple visits on one claim.

I actually 'stayed over' at a Hospital Lodge during my Rads treatment, as I am 1.5hrs from treatment. It worked out well for me.  We came home on weekends.  It sort of made it a bit like a holiday.  The cost was also subsidised by the State, so made it a worthwhile choice.

All the best - try not to get worried about it - I think you'll be surprised at how easy it should be xx

@Sister thanks for reply that’s very reassuring. I never google stuff I’m not sure why I did!!! I think I was just worried about long term damage. I kind of just assumed it was only targeted to where tumour was. I’m still confused about long term issues. The radiologist was talking about damage 10 years from now. I’m not the type to be worried about cosmetic look but the images I saw were pretty bad and I’m not sure if they were just initial reactions then it settles down or how it’s going to look I’m 10 years time! 🤷‍♀️  Thanks so much for taking time to reply and advice in creams. I hope you

@JanineG @arpie thank you both so much for taking time to post your experiences. I have super reactive skin so that’s probably my biggest concern is how it will react to treatment but the nurses had said that that probably doesn’t necessarily mean I will have any bad reactions to treatment. I don’t mind if I do have a bad experience but I just really want to keep riding and I realise it’s only a very short moment in time to be out of action but it really is all I have in life so it’s mentally a big thing for me to keep life as normal as possible. Your post have definitely given me positive vibes so thank you xx 
best wishes to everyone 

@Newbie3312 the love of and for your horses will get you through. At worst maybe a few days without bouncing, that won’t stop them loving you and giving you strength xx

Hi @Newbie3312 I had 15 radiation sessions, finished them a month ago. The last day was the only time I had any problems, my shoulder felt stiff when I woke up that morning. The nurse told me just to do keep doing the exercises. Ten days later my underarm skin was very red looking so I started to put Bepanthen on the area as well as using moo goo udder cream. I didn’t realise that was getting treated, so wasn’t really moisturising there. I think it was just peeling. It was all clear a couple of days later when I saw the radiation nurse. The staff will keep an eye on you to make sure it looks okay. Xx

Look I’ll be the devils advocate; I was the one who had a really bad reaction to radiation. Extreme pain from burning and awful ulceration that stuck to the dressing OUCH. Had to take panadeine forte for I while it was horrible. For me, worse than chemo. 
Everyone says it is easy, I didn’t find it so. My skin must be super sensitive. Peter MAC doesn’t give mepitel film, I asked for it. I had 25 sessions in February.

 Caz1 - when did your skin start to get bad from radiation - how many sessions in? I have had 6/25 so wondering how long till the problems may start?

Hi @ddon, prob started end of week4 then got steadily worse going into week5. 
You mightn’t have any probs, I think most don’t. :)   I just found it surprising and confusing when everyone said how easy it was going to be and it wasn’t and I wasn’t at all prepared for it.
Fingers crossed for you! xx