Burning during radiation treatments?

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Comments

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    Noel said:

    Welcome

    Hey Candi!  Rads aren't easy but you can do it.  I wanted to mention to not rub the area being radiated.  Always be gentle with it and I used unscented Dove white soap. 

    I think the most important rule of all is to keep the creams on and a lot of them. 

    Keep us updated,

    Noel

    For me

    For me, rads were easy (until after as I have said).  I started rads a week after last of 12 weekly Taxol which really 'beat' me up.  Every day on rads felt better and could do more as each day passed.  There is  not a one of us who can tell anyone else what THEIR experiences wil be!  We can each only give what we experienced - not what anyone else will experience.

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan

  • June Bugs
    June Bugs Member Posts: 167
    Noel said:

    Welcome

    Hey Candi!  Rads aren't easy but you can do it.  I wanted to mention to not rub the area being radiated.  Always be gentle with it and I used unscented Dove white soap. 

    I think the most important rule of all is to keep the creams on and a lot of them. 

    Keep us updated,

    Noel

    My radiation treatments were

    My radiation treatments were not easy at all.  The exhaustion set in and I am hoping that I will get some energy back soon.  My skin is very sore and I am burnt, but, not too bad.  I finished today with my boosters and I am so glad to be done.  My rads oncologist said that my skin will start healing pretty fast and that in a few weeks I should be fine.  He also told me to keep using all of the creams as the effects are cumulative.

    Ask me anything Candi and I will try to help you in regards to my own experience. 

     

    I wish you good luck,

    June

  • Pink Rose
    Pink Rose Member Posts: 493

    The 4th week?  So am I

    The 4th week?  So am I starting to turn pink too soon?  :( He gave me a prescription for Biafine, but, that's all.  I have been using it.

     

    Biafine is the best to use if

    Biafine is the best to use if you're burning, or even prior to burning.  It's good that you've got that.  Make sure you apply it everyday. 

    Everyone keeps saying this but it can't be said enough, use whatever your rads oncologist allows you to use every day.  Don't miss one day. 

    When I got sore, instead of wearing a bra, you could wear a camisole if you feel like you need to wear something.

    How are you doing today?

    Rose

  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    June Bugs said:

    My radiation treatments were

    My radiation treatments were not easy at all.  The exhaustion set in and I am hoping that I will get some energy back soon.  My skin is very sore and I am burnt, but, not too bad.  I finished today with my boosters and I am so glad to be done.  My rads oncologist said that my skin will start healing pretty fast and that in a few weeks I should be fine.  He also told me to keep using all of the creams as the effects are cumulative.

    Ask me anything Candi and I will try to help you in regards to my own experience. 

     

    I wish you good luck,

    June

    Rads are hard, just like all of our treatments.

    I don't think there is any set way for any of us to react to rads.  All of us react differently as to our skin type, the machine, the treatment itself.  I'm sorry you're worried, but, just keep the final goal in mind.  The cancer is being killed!

    Have you discussed this with your rads onco?  What did he say?

    Jan

  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member

    I am sorry you had a hard

    I am sorry you had a hard time with radiaiton desertgirl.  I hope I don't, but, I am a little worried since I am already pink and sore.  Maybe it won't get a lot worse for me?

    Thanks, Candi

    I guess I didn't see myself

    I guess I didn't see myself as having all that difficult of a time with radiation.  The burns I had to deal with came at the end of the ones before the boost.  They did not prevent the boost.  With the boosts, I had a bit of a problem again, but I got right on top of that as well.  I did heal rather quickly.  

    I'd see other people coming to the RO's who had more problems than I did.   Some of them had to stop their treatments for awhile so they could heal.

    My biggest difficulty was having to have my arm up in the position I did.  Years ago I dislocated my shoulder "majorly" playing volleyball.  There are positions I have had problems with over the years; but it seemed especially pronounced during my radiation treatments.  The people were really good in trying to help me get comfy because I wasn't, as you know, supposed to move.  The hardest time, though, was the position I had to have that arm in for the boosts.  I just gritted my teeth and told myself, Just deal with it!  The med people felt bad for me because there was only so much they could do -- actually, they told me at the end of it all that they gave me credit for hanging in there.  THIS is probably why I thought my burns weren't all that big of a deal.

  • Candi Cane
    Candi Cane Member Posts: 159
    Pink Rose said:

    Biafine is the best to use if

    Biafine is the best to use if you're burning, or even prior to burning.  It's good that you've got that.  Make sure you apply it everyday. 

    Everyone keeps saying this but it can't be said enough, use whatever your rads oncologist allows you to use every day.  Don't miss one day. 

    When I got sore, instead of wearing a bra, you could wear a camisole if you feel like you need to wear something.

    How are you doing today?

    Rose

    Still really sore.  I think I

    Still really sore.  I think I will look into getting some camisoles.  Any brand or store you recommend Rose?

    Thanks, Canci

  • LindaJD
    LindaJD Member Posts: 2
    Also new here

    I had my 9th rads treatment today.. So far, my skin is ok.  They told me to use a hypo allergenic cream on my skin; but not to put it on the markings.  They didn't give me anything to use.  Linda

  • grannabeth
    grannabeth Member Posts: 95
    Radiation After Lumpectomy

    This is my first time to post. I was diagnosed on March 26 and had a lumpectomy and  I, too, just had my 12th radiation treatment today of 33.  My skin is getting dark, not pink yet, except underneath my left breast.  There is some burning sensation on the underneath area.  Applying Aquaphor as I was told. Have not been able to make myself go braless when I am at work.  Afraid if irritation gets worse, I will have no choice.  Does anyone have a suggestion or what you did when it gets too sore to wear your bra, but still look professional at work?.   Also, today was the first day that I felt the first signs of fatigue. Came home from treatment and slept 2 hours!!!.  Is this normal to have the fatigue this early on.? I thought that side effect happend much later on.

    Hoping everyone is able to tolerate the radiation with  minimum of discomfort.

  • Pink Rose
    Pink Rose Member Posts: 493

    Still really sore.  I think I

    Still really sore.  I think I will look into getting some camisoles.  Any brand or store you recommend Rose?

    Thanks, Canci

    I just have some soft cotton

    I just have some soft cotton ones that I bought.  I don't remember what store exactly, but, probably one of the chain stores, like Wal Mart etc.  You may not want anything too close to your skin if you're getting really sore.

    Hugs, Rose

  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598

    Radiation After Lumpectomy

    This is my first time to post. I was diagnosed on March 26 and had a lumpectomy and  I, too, just had my 12th radiation treatment today of 33.  My skin is getting dark, not pink yet, except underneath my left breast.  There is some burning sensation on the underneath area.  Applying Aquaphor as I was told. Have not been able to make myself go braless when I am at work.  Afraid if irritation gets worse, I will have no choice.  Does anyone have a suggestion or what you did when it gets too sore to wear your bra, but still look professional at work?.   Also, today was the first day that I felt the first signs of fatigue. Came home from treatment and slept 2 hours!!!.  Is this normal to have the fatigue this early on.? I thought that side effect happend much later on.

    Hoping everyone is able to tolerate the radiation with  minimum of discomfort.

    The fatigue hits everyone

    The fatigue hits everyone taking rads eventually.  Just the going every day is enough to wear you down, besides being zapped every day.  Just try to get as much rest as possible. 

    For work, if you can't wear a bra, try a camisole maybe, or, just wear tops that are baggy.  The most important thing is for you to be comfortable and to not put anything on that gives you any pain or discomfort.

    Lex

     

  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    LindaJD said:

    Also new here

    I had my 9th rads treatment today.. So far, my skin is ok.  They told me to use a hypo allergenic cream on my skin; but not to put it on the markings.  They didn't give me anything to use.  Linda

    I had tatoos Linda, not the

    I had tatoos Linda, not the markings, so, I was able to use the creams everywhere.  May I ask why you have the markings and not tatoos?  Good luck to you!

    Lex

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    Alexis F said:

    The fatigue hits everyone

    The fatigue hits everyone taking rads eventually.  Just the going every day is enough to wear you down, besides being zapped every day.  Just try to get as much rest as possible. 

    For work, if you can't wear a bra, try a camisole maybe, or, just wear tops that are baggy.  The most important thing is for you to be comfortable and to not put anything on that gives you any pain or discomfort.

    Lex

     

    Fatigue DOES NOT hit everyone during rads!
    Exhaustion/Fatigue does not hit everyone doing rads! I felt better EVERY day while doing rads. 12 weekly Taxol had me dealing with complete/utter exhaustion/fatigue. I started rads a week after last Taxol and only felt better EVERY day. By the time I was done with rads I was very close to being back to 'myself' energy wise. As I have said - after rads I burned very bad but I never experienced fatigue during those healing months.

    There is no one set of 'rules' that ALL of our bodies follow (or that we follow.).

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    Rague said:

    Fatigue DOES NOT hit everyone during rads!
    Exhaustion/Fatigue does not hit everyone doing rads! I felt better EVERY day while doing rads. 12 weekly Taxol had me dealing with complete/utter exhaustion/fatigue. I started rads a week after last Taxol and only felt better EVERY day. By the time I was done with rads I was very close to being back to 'myself' energy wise. As I have said - after rads I burned very bad but I never experienced fatigue during those healing months.

    There is no one set of 'rules' that ALL of our bodies follow (or that we follow.).

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan

    Yes, I was so tired that I

    Yes, I was so tired that I found myself having to take naps.  I had never taken naps before, but due to rads, I just had to.  I found myself just dragging after a few weeks.

    I also started going to bed earlier as I am a night owl and like to stay up late, but, I just couldn't keep my eyes open. 

    Someone had suggested exercising and I did find that an evening walk with my husband seemed to help with my energy level.  It sounds strange, but for me, that helped somewhat.

    Do whatever your body tells you to do.  If you are exhausted, then take naps, get to bed earlier, just whatever you need to.

    I am wishing you all good luck with rads!

    Hugs, Debby

  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    Noel said:

    Welcome

    Hey Candi!  Rads aren't easy but you can do it.  I wanted to mention to not rub the area being radiated.  Always be gentle with it and I used unscented Dove white soap. 

    I think the most important rule of all is to keep the creams on and a lot of them. 

    Keep us updated,

    Noel

    Just keep a close eye on your

    Just keep a close eye on your skin and let your rads onco know how you are doing every week.

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    DebbyM said:

    Yes, I was so tired that I

    Yes, I was so tired that I found myself having to take naps.  I had never taken naps before, but due to rads, I just had to.  I found myself just dragging after a few weeks.

    I also started going to bed earlier as I am a night owl and like to stay up late, but, I just couldn't keep my eyes open. 

    Someone had suggested exercising and I did find that an evening walk with my husband seemed to help with my energy level.  It sounds strange, but for me, that helped somewhat.

    Do whatever your body tells you to do.  If you are exhausted, then take naps, get to bed earlier, just whatever you need to.

    I am wishing you all good luck with rads!

    Hugs, Debby

    Welcome Candi Cane!

    There seem to be several starting and in rads now.  You sisters ought to start a separate post and keep up with each other.  And, others that have been through them could offer you advice.  Sound good?

    I was tired also and I got really dark pink, close to a burn.  We all react so differently, so, you can't judge your rads on our experience.  We are just saying what happened to us, which I know you understand.

    You aren't using deodorant, are you?  You can't use your regular deodorant.

    Keep us updated and we'll help to get you through this, all of you girls!

    Sue :)

  • jlharris
    jlharris Member Posts: 47
    Ritzy said:

    Welcome Candi Cane!

    There seem to be several starting and in rads now.  You sisters ought to start a separate post and keep up with each other.  And, others that have been through them could offer you advice.  Sound good?

    I was tired also and I got really dark pink, close to a burn.  We all react so differently, so, you can't judge your rads on our experience.  We are just saying what happened to us, which I know you understand.

    You aren't using deodorant, are you?  You can't use your regular deodorant.

    Keep us updated and we'll help to get you through this, all of you girls!

    Sue :)

    Sue;
    Why can't use use

    Sue;

    Why can't use use regular deodorant during rad treatment? My rad doctor has not said anything to me about that. I have completed only three treatments. Would it be advisable to use deodorant after treatment? I will check with the tech tomorrow.

    Thanks

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    jlharris said:

    Sue;
    Why can't use use

    Sue;

    Why can't use use regular deodorant during rad treatment? My rad doctor has not said anything to me about that. I have completed only three treatments. Would it be advisable to use deodorant after treatment? I will check with the tech tomorrow.

    Thanks

    Hi Jharris!  You are suppose

    Hi Jharris!  You are suppose to use, or my rads onco told me, only deodorants that are aluminum free.  Most are not.  The only one I know of is Tom's of Maine.  I didn't need one really as the rads killed my sweat glands under my arms, so, I didn't sweat.  See what your doctor says tomorrow and let us know.

    Sue :)

  • June Bugs
    June Bugs Member Posts: 167
    Ritzy said:

    Hi Jharris!  You are suppose

    Hi Jharris!  You are suppose to use, or my rads onco told me, only deodorants that are aluminum free.  Most are not.  The only one I know of is Tom's of Maine.  I didn't need one really as the rads killed my sweat glands under my arms, so, I didn't sweat.  See what your doctor says tomorrow and let us know.

    Sue :)

    I was told the same thing, no

    I was told the same thing, no deodorant unless it had no aluminum.  I was also told no vitamins during rads.  Were you told that?

    June

  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member

    That's great that they did

    That's great that they did that for you TexasCharlie.  I wish they would have for me.  They told me some and gave me some pamphlets, but, it seems there is still so much to know.

    I've always tanned great, so, I was hoping I would get through this without burning.  Crossing my fingers that I won't burn, or if I do, that it won't be so bad.

    I will keep watching for your updates TexasCharlie.  I hope you do great with radiation and thank you.

    Candi

    Welcome Candi Cane!  For the

    Welcome Candi Cane!  For the first few weeks, I had nothing, but, kept using a lot of my creams.  Then I started turning a little pink, but, noticed the tenderness first.  I didn't burn, but, got very close to it.  My skin healed up really fast afterwords and is beautiful now, looks better than before as it looks and feels like baby skin now.

    Good luck Candi and keep posting.  I hope we can all help you.

    Hugs, Kylez

    p.s. I was one of the ones that got really tired too.  Rads exhausted me too.

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    June Bugs said:

    I was told the same thing, no

    I was told the same thing, no deodorant unless it had no aluminum.  I was also told no vitamins during rads.  Were you told that?

    June

    I do not take multi-vitamins

    I do not take multi-vitamins and was told not to take any during chemo and rads. I was, however, given permission to take my Vit. D. from both chemo and rads Drs as both were during fall and winter and I fight SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Even with using my light box, daily during fall/winter/spring, and am outdoors more during summer than inside I still have to suppliment with D year round (more in winter than summer but still have to take it year around ). So it is imparative for my mental health I was told to take it at very high levels.  I was also given permission to take my Super B. I had to start taking mega doses of potassium about 1/2 way through 12 Taxol to keep potassium levels up to close to norm. So had permission for it also- still have to 3+ yrs later. Was told definately no anti-oxidant suppliments, but was told to use all the fresh (not dried) garlic I wanted to in cooking which was good as I use a LOT of garlic and onion in my cooking. I was also told not to worry about using a little soy sauce when we occasionally went to asian restaurants.

    I was told no aluminum based deodrants during chemo. I had also heard that yers ago as some studies in England had shown a relationship between aluminum and Altzheimers.

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan