Treatment for radiation burns

Dear Dale  I too am going through your pain - underarm blister burst and is like raw meat - also the burns on my neck and chest are crusty.  I have been perservering with the silver cream and sorbolene that the hospital gave me but am going back to the hospital today to let them have a look at it.  Panadol helps but there seems to be no end in sight.  It is over a week since I finished the 25 doses of radiotherapy and I am hoping it starts to improve soon.  I have not worn a bra for a couple of weeks now, but found a black two piece costume top with a built in soft bra and was able to wear this as it was low cut under the arm and at least I looked normal (with a soft prothesis inside) with a soft blouse over the top.  Let's hope we all heal together ... Abby 

Annie, that link is certainly more informative and I can now see why there is no advice on treatment. Thanks.

Now to get over the fatigue! :) I hope to return to work next week, at least for a couple of days but I'm not sure I can get through without the nap in the afternoon - maybe under the desk?? (I'm a teacher so that might be a bit tricky!!) Fortunately, there is only a few more weeks of term and then the summer vacation starts. That will give me some time to fully recuperate and regain my pre-radium energ levels.

Regards

Gadgetmumma

Hi Gadgetmamma,

I'm so glad to hear that the new layer of skin is forming and looking good. Also congratulations on completing your radiotherapy treatment!

The reason why our article did not give any advice on the treatment of skin burns is because we are not medically trained to provide any information relating to treatment. We always refer women to their treating doctors who are able to provide medical advice. We were also unable to list all reactions that occur to women in the article, but we certainly went into more detail in the research report which is available here http://www.bcna.org.au/sites/default/files/radiotherapy_burns_-_full_report_v5-_ag_-_20110624.pdf.

HI Annie and Dale

I thought the BCNA article understated some reactions and didn't really give any advice on treatment.

I had some burns, blisters and peeling that began about week 5. I had been anticipating this because I have very fair skin and everybody who looked at my breast before radiation began told me that I would likely have a poor reaction.

I had been using pawpaw gel (optimised fruit extract) but my oncologist told me to stop that and start with Bepanthen. When the skin broke, I needed to use IntraSite and Mepilex dressings. Unfortunately, I was told erroneously that i could shower with the Mepilex on (wrong) so when the dressing was peeled off, my skin came with it - the entire breast! Ouch!!

The dressings have to be changed every second day and can't get wet, meaning I can't shower in the normal way. When I can't stand myself any longer, and need to wash my hair, I've been removing the dressings, applying IntraSite gel to it and then covering with Glad Wrap to keep it moist. This works very well.

My last treatment was on Monday of this week (4 days ago) and the skin has almost stopped peeling. The new layer is appearing and looks good. My nipple is extremely sore and tender. I've been using one of the Target 'post-surgery' bras (pocket for a prosthesis) which closes at the front with hooks & eyes. It is 100% cotton and has no seams to irritate. I've put a combi dressing over the gladwrap and under the elastic so that it doesn't irritate. I've got another over the nipple to provide some padding.

The Lignacane (anaesthetic cream) has been an essential part of the process to provide relief from the soreness. I mixed this with Sorbolene into a paste and spread it over the breast, then covered it with 'chux-like' cloths moistened with warm water.  I did this on rising and again before retiring. Our breast nurses recommended this - good advice.

Dale, I'm sorry you had some unresponsive nurses where you are located. Remember, you are the patient and you can ask for further help. Do you have a McGrath Breast Nurse in your area? They are there specifically to assist you and give advice, or refer.  One of the nurses who attended me (of many) was a bit brusque and told me how much the Mepilex dressings cost (they are used by burns patients). She wouldn't cover the entire breast with it because of the cost, although my radiation oncologist had prescribed that. Whilst I am a great proponent of cost saving in the public health system, I do not support this at the expense of the patient's wellbeing. Fortunately all the others were very respectful and compassionate. I cannot speak highly enough of the treatment I have received.

Best wishes . . .

Gadgetmumma

I would just like to thank everyone for their suggestions regarding radiation burns.  I finished the last of my treatment on Thursday and continue to let the "girls" swing free as to wear a bra is most uncomfortable.  I have a wedding to go to today, so must wear a bra, so no doubt it is going to be a long day.

I must say  that unfortunately the nursing staff at the place I attended for my radio weren't as helpful as most of you ladies found.  I was given copious amounts of dressings, Solugel, cotton buds etc, but despite asking several times for something other than Solugel, something stronger to help take away some of the pain, I was always told to "take Panadol".  I have to say that I was very disappointed with the treatment I received from the nurses  just had to soldier on as best I could.

I found the padding gave me incredible itching, so I cut up some clean, soft , toweling  and placed it over the top of a sterile pad, this lessened the irritation on my underarm. At that time I was still wearing a bra. I also found that at bed time I went bra less, covered the burn liberally with Bepanthan cream,  didn't cover it at all, and got a relatively good nights' sleep. I am still doing this and through the day I continually apply Sorbolene. 

So once again ladies, many thanks for your help, and maybe my little hint of what helped me, might help someone else.  I still feel that Lignocaine would have been of great benefit in helping control the pain, but unfortunately this was never offered.

Best wishes ladies, Dale

Hi Dale,

This is Annie from BCNA's Policy Team. I'm sorry to hear you have experienced radiotherapy burns - no wonder you're grumpy.

I'm writing to let you know that BCNA recently surveyed members of our Review & Survey Group to ask them about their personal experiences with radiotherapy burns, and what skin care tips they would offer to other women, to help prevent or manage burns. We wrote an article in a recent edition of The Beacon about our findings, and the article contains some skin care tips that women recommended to us. The article is located on page 11 of this Beacon edition - http://www.bcna.org.au/sites/default/files/thebeacon55_0.pdf

Also, if you are interested in reading other past editions of The Beacon, they are located here - http://www.bcna.org.au/news/beacon-magazine/beacon-archive.

I hope that information is helpful Dale.

Annie

Hi Dale,

This is Annie from BCNA's Policy Team. I'm sorry to hear you have experienced radiotherapy burns - no wonder you're grumpy.

I'm writing to let you know that BCNA recently surveyed members of our Review & Survey Group to ask them about their personal experiences with radiotherapy burns, and what skin care tips they would offer to other women, to help prevent or manage burns. We wrote an article in a recent edition of The Beacon about our findings, and the article contains some skin care tips that women recommended to us. The article is located on page 11 of this Beacon edition - http://www.bcna.org.au/sites/default/files/thebeacon55_0.pdf

Also, if you are interested in reading other past editions of The Beacon, they are located here - http://www.bcna.org.au/news/beacon-magazine/beacon-archive.

I hope that information is helpful Dale.

Annie

Hi Dale, The nurses should be jumping onto it quickly, as they have all the special creams on them.. I know with me they ask me every day how my skin is and do i need any other creams, Also  they have said if i start to burn let them know straight away and they will treat me that day. 

I would definitely be asking for some more treatment on top of the solugal.

My biggest problem is pain on the center of the breast bone after radiation, also a lot of sharp jabbing nerve pain through out the boob. Did anyone else get that?

Good luck with clearing up the burns

Hi annie2,

Thanks for answering my question.  Yes, this problem is horrible and painful.  I shall continue with the solugel and shall ask the nurses tomorrow, so far I have only been told to continue the solugel.  The 12 hour morphine tablet sounds a wonderful idea.  Again, thanks for your help.  Dale

Thanks hilsandglen,

Your idea of a crop top is a good idea as wearing a bra exacerbates the pain as it is right on the burnt area.  I have had some panadol at times.  It is much better at night when I can cover it with cream and not have to dress it. Then the next day, even though it is covered and padded it gets worse.  I guess I shall just have to continue with the solugel and soldier on.  Many thanks for taking the time to answer me, I truly do appreciate it.

Dale x