I started Rads today
Diana
Comments
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I have fair skin and was
I have fair skin and was told it was expected that I would burn, and I did. They have good creams you can get by prescription that will help if you do burn. I also found an aloe plant and that helps a lot too. You have to really baby your skin.0 -
Hi Diana
I just finished rads a little while ago. I was lucky, I did great. I just got pink and a little red/burnt next to my collarbone, but, nothing serious. I did use the creams that my rads oncologist told me to use. I used Biafine for the burn, and, Aquaphor at night only to keep my skin moist and soft. The aquaphor is really, really greasy, so, if you use it, wear something that you don't care about cause you might just have to throw it away when you are finished with rads. Don't rub your skin when you bathe or shower. I used Dove soap, but, ask your own rads oncologist. It seems they vary a lot in what you should do and use and you need to follow your own rads oncologists orders. Don't wear an underwire bra as that will irritate your skin. I was told NO bra at all, which was fine. I liked being free! lol You will get tired, no ifs ands or buts about it! So, you have to get lots of rest, naps, bed early, whatever it takes, but, get lots of sleep. I took naps during the day and that helped me. I had the regular rads and then the boosters. I also had the tattoos which I can barely see. Ok, I think that might be enough for now. lol Just ask, someone will always help you out!
Sue
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Welcome, new Rad Girl!
Welcome, DianaLou -- there are quite a few of us here who have just started rads, so you're in good company!
(Well except for MyTurnNow, who totally flirted her way into getting started with rads before me -- she can't be trusted. :-)
Okay, back to seriousness...I'm only on Day 12, so don't have a lot of input for you yet. I'm also doing 33 treatments, although mine are 28 regular + 5 boosters.
The most important thing I've learned so far is that Aquaphor does, indeed, as Ritzy said, ruin your clothes. R.I.P. my favorite t-shirt. I finally went to Target and bought men's white undershirts, nice and big and soft, and I live in them when I'm at home. I can wash them in hot water, which is the only thing that gets the Aquaphor out, and, if need be, they're cheap enough to throw away.
Hope to hear from you often -- we Rad Girls need to stick together!
Traci0 -
Diana☻Ritzy said:Hi Diana
I just finished rads a little while ago. I was lucky, I did great. I just got pink and a little red/burnt next to my collarbone, but, nothing serious. I did use the creams that my rads oncologist told me to use. I used Biafine for the burn, and, Aquaphor at night only to keep my skin moist and soft. The aquaphor is really, really greasy, so, if you use it, wear something that you don't care about cause you might just have to throw it away when you are finished with rads. Don't rub your skin when you bathe or shower. I used Dove soap, but, ask your own rads oncologist. It seems they vary a lot in what you should do and use and you need to follow your own rads oncologists orders. Don't wear an underwire bra as that will irritate your skin. I was told NO bra at all, which was fine. I liked being free! lol You will get tired, no ifs ands or buts about it! So, you have to get lots of rest, naps, bed early, whatever it takes, but, get lots of sleep. I took naps during the day and that helped me. I had the regular rads and then the boosters. I also had the tattoos which I can barely see. Ok, I think that might be enough for now. lol Just ask, someone will always help you out!
Sue
Diana, some people do burn with radiation treatments and some don't. It depends on so many things. The rads machine, the amount of rads, the type of treatment, your skin type, the creams you use or don't use. There is no magic formula. The most important advice is to get LOTS of sleep, as you will tire out very easily. And, use the creams your rads oncologist tells you to use from day one and continue to use them for a few weeks even after you are finished. Be ever so gentle with your skin. We are here if you have more questions.
Love, Jeanne ♥0 -
Welcome, Diana, to the RADS
Welcome, Diana, to the RADS group. I've completed 15 of my 34 treatments. I've always been very competitive and therefore, managed to start my RADS before Traci to hopefully hit the finish line first. LOL. So far, I have noticed just a tiny bit of pinkness under my breast. I really have not noticed any additional fatigue. I still do my Jazzercise a minimum of 3 times a week, sometimes as many as 5 times. My oncologist told me that she believes I've done so well with my treatments because of the exercise. So, I make it a point to include it. Keep posting and we'll compare our results. Good luck!!0 -
Hi Diana! Ritzy and TraciMyTurnNow said:Welcome, Diana, to the RADS
Welcome, Diana, to the RADS group. I've completed 15 of my 34 treatments. I've always been very competitive and therefore, managed to start my RADS before Traci to hopefully hit the finish line first. LOL. So far, I have noticed just a tiny bit of pinkness under my breast. I really have not noticed any additional fatigue. I still do my Jazzercise a minimum of 3 times a week, sometimes as many as 5 times. My oncologist told me that she believes I've done so well with my treatments because of the exercise. So, I make it a point to include it. Keep posting and we'll compare our results. Good luck!!
Hi Diana! Ritzy and Traci have given good advice for you. You do need to keep your creams on and get lots of rest. Also, I found that a little exercise really did help with the exhaustion. Just take a walk for 15 minutes or so and it will help. Good luck!
Angie0 -
RadsAngie2U said:Hi Diana! Ritzy and Traci
Hi Diana! Ritzy and Traci have given good advice for you. You do need to keep your creams on and get lots of rest. Also, I found that a little exercise really did help with the exhaustion. Just take a walk for 15 minutes or so and it will help. Good luck!
Angie
Hi Diana ... I'm 65 and finished radiation the first part of August. I'm also fair skinned and didn't really "burn" until the last couple of weeks. I found that aloe gel worked best for me. (NOT lotion WITH aloe ... but the straight clear aloe gel). It took the sting and itch out of the burn and also helped heal the one open blister/sore I got under my arm. I also found that baby foaming soap in the squirt bottle worked great to wash with. No scents or misc. junk in it ... just smooth foamy stuff.
As far as fatigue goes ... I did just fine ... again up to the last couple of weeks. I work full time and the last week was pretty rough with the "boosters" ... but I just went to bed early ... and tried my best to stay awake on the job.
You'll do fine... especially if your radiation center crew is as terrific as mine. They were wonderful!
hugs.
teena0 -
Radstgf said:Rads
Hi Diana ... I'm 65 and finished radiation the first part of August. I'm also fair skinned and didn't really "burn" until the last couple of weeks. I found that aloe gel worked best for me. (NOT lotion WITH aloe ... but the straight clear aloe gel). It took the sting and itch out of the burn and also helped heal the one open blister/sore I got under my arm. I also found that baby foaming soap in the squirt bottle worked great to wash with. No scents or misc. junk in it ... just smooth foamy stuff.
As far as fatigue goes ... I did just fine ... again up to the last couple of weeks. I work full time and the last week was pretty rough with the "boosters" ... but I just went to bed early ... and tried my best to stay awake on the job.
You'll do fine... especially if your radiation center crew is as terrific as mine. They were wonderful!
hugs.
teena
Diana, I don't think age is a huge factor in rads. I think they just affect everyone differently to some extent. Great advice given to you so far. I just want to emphasize to use your creams from day one and keep on using them. I used biafine during the day and at night and aquaphor at night. The aquaphor is really greasy and will stain whatever you wear, so, wear something you don't care about. I found that I could wash my tops in hot water and it seemed to come out pretty well. I think my hubby got tired of seeing the same old tops every night, but, I didn't want to buy a bunch of new ones just for the aquaphor. Ask your own rads oncologist what he suggests to use and do what he says. Get LOTS of rest. Go to bed early and nap when possible. I also did some exercising and it did help with the exhaustion. Take good care of yourself and your skin!
Lex♥0 -
Fatige and burning.......
I finished 3 1/2 weeks ago......fatigue didn't set in nor even any pinkness until the 4th week...I kept thinking "is this really working?" ....everyone is different.....I do not burn easily yet I did TAN big time.....the last 7 boosters did make a rather red place that itched...I was told to use my Biafine as soon as I got off the table before dressing, I did this faithfully and then 3 more times that day.....the last being about 10:00 pm as my rads were at 8:00 Am...told to put NOTHING at all on 4 hours before treatment.....it can interfer with the radiation.Only NON METALLIC deodorant...Used as told, Dove unscented soap.I never used Aquafor until treatment was completed after 6 1/2 weeks as it is petroleum based. I asked about using it and was told not to until the end......AGAIN.........Difference in doctors...My "tan"has already started to fade big time...My energy is coming back.....best in the mornings....I have just worked through it..napped when I needed to......but for me I found that the busier I was, the less tired I was.........different strokes.......
Keep your eye on the "finish line."......Best wishes
Peace be with you0 -
And,MAJW said:Fatige and burning.......
I finished 3 1/2 weeks ago......fatigue didn't set in nor even any pinkness until the 4th week...I kept thinking "is this really working?" ....everyone is different.....I do not burn easily yet I did TAN big time.....the last 7 boosters did make a rather red place that itched...I was told to use my Biafine as soon as I got off the table before dressing, I did this faithfully and then 3 more times that day.....the last being about 10:00 pm as my rads were at 8:00 Am...told to put NOTHING at all on 4 hours before treatment.....it can interfer with the radiation.Only NON METALLIC deodorant...Used as told, Dove unscented soap.I never used Aquafor until treatment was completed after 6 1/2 weeks as it is petroleum based. I asked about using it and was told not to until the end......AGAIN.........Difference in doctors...My "tan"has already started to fade big time...My energy is coming back.....best in the mornings....I have just worked through it..napped when I needed to......but for me I found that the busier I was, the less tired I was.........different strokes.......
Keep your eye on the "finish line."......Best wishes
Peace be with you
I was told no deodorant unless it was aluminum free. The one they recommended was Tom's of Maine deodorant. You can buy it at any drugstore. But, I didn't need it. I don't sweat that much anyway and the rads kill your sweat glands, so, you will not perspire under your arm anyway after a few zappers. And, don't shave under your arm either. You will also lose all of the hair where the rads hit. So, no underarm shaving!
I never got the tan as the machine they used was almost brand new and they don't give you a tan. Just take good care of yourself and your skin! Make sure that your rads oncologist checks or his nurse checks your skin every week! If they don't offer to, insist on it.
Sue 0 -
ThanksRitzy said:And,
I was told no deodorant unless it was aluminum free. The one they recommended was Tom's of Maine deodorant. You can buy it at any drugstore. But, I didn't need it. I don't sweat that much anyway and the rads kill your sweat glands, so, you will not perspire under your arm anyway after a few zappers. And, don't shave under your arm either. You will also lose all of the hair where the rads hit. So, no underarm shaving!
I never got the tan as the machine they used was almost brand new and they don't give you a tan. Just take good care of yourself and your skin! Make sure that your rads oncologist checks or his nurse checks your skin every week! If they don't offer to, insist on it.
Sue
Thanks, gals, for all the suggestions.. I bought white T shirts, got samples of Aquafor and have started using it..I also bought a white sports type bra that hooks in the front, larger than I usually wear, for those times when I don't need to be "flopping". I am so grateful for your suggestions. 3 treatments down, 30 to go!!!0 -
Congrats on having 3 down!DianaLou said:Thanks
Thanks, gals, for all the suggestions.. I bought white T shirts, got samples of Aquafor and have started using it..I also bought a white sports type bra that hooks in the front, larger than I usually wear, for those times when I don't need to be "flopping". I am so grateful for your suggestions. 3 treatments down, 30 to go!!!
Congrats on having 3 down! Use lots of the Aquafor or whatever cream your rads oncologist allows you to use. And, REST!
Diane0 -
Hi Diana -
I finished rads in June and have been reading a lot of what others have posted about what to use for the rashes and burning. Of all the remedies on the market, my doctor recommended the old fashioned Domboro's Solution. Of course I had XClair and Sulfur Silverdine (I know I mashed the name but it sounds something like that), but it was the good ole Domboro's solution that helped mostly at night. Its over the counter.
Good Luck - and whatever you use I hope it makes it feel better.
Hugs - Pat0 -
You are prepared now Diana!DianaLou said:Thanks
Thanks, gals, for all the suggestions.. I bought white T shirts, got samples of Aquafor and have started using it..I also bought a white sports type bra that hooks in the front, larger than I usually wear, for those times when I don't need to be "flopping". I am so grateful for your suggestions. 3 treatments down, 30 to go!!!
You are prepared now Diana! Ask your onco for something else beside Aquaphor, incase you burn. I had Biafine that was specifically for burning, besides the Aquaphor. I think you might want a combo of both or of something else. Congrats on getting 3 out of the way!
Sue 0 -
I am also 62; completed rads
I am also 62; completed rads in Sept. The last week was pretty rough with the burning, but I was determined to get through it. Fatigue has been a huge problem for me, as my job is quite demanding. I also used the Domeboro soaks as recommended by onc. I am rather large-busted, so I wound up buying cotton bras in a size or 2 larger & lining them with soft white flannel toward the end & I was able to wear a bra every day.
I exercised until about day 20; then I was just too tired.
But everyone is different, and I wish you the best.0 -
Good luck!Tux said:I am also 62; completed rads
I am also 62; completed rads in Sept. The last week was pretty rough with the burning, but I was determined to get through it. Fatigue has been a huge problem for me, as my job is quite demanding. I also used the Domeboro soaks as recommended by onc. I am rather large-busted, so I wound up buying cotton bras in a size or 2 larger & lining them with soft white flannel toward the end & I was able to wear a bra every day.
I exercised until about day 20; then I was just too tired.
But everyone is different, and I wish you the best.
Want to wish you continued good luck with rads! Lots of good advice given already and there is another thread too with questions and answers if you want to look it up. We are all here to help you thru them. A couple of tips:
Get lots of rest
Use your creams daily and nightly
Get some exercise, even if you are tired
Be gentle with your skin
Get your skin checked weekly by your rads oncologist
If you have a problem, let them know a.s.a.p.
KYLEZ ♥0 -
Hey, congrats on having 3!DianaLou said:Thanks
Thanks, gals, for all the suggestions.. I bought white T shirts, got samples of Aquafor and have started using it..I also bought a white sports type bra that hooks in the front, larger than I usually wear, for those times when I don't need to be "flopping". I am so grateful for your suggestions. 3 treatments down, 30 to go!!!
Hey, congrats on having 3! I thought they actually went pretty fast for me. I hope they do for you. Get LOTS of rest like everyone says and use LOTS of your creams!
Very gentle hugs to you!0 -
DianaLou
Thank you for posting these questions. I also have DCIS and am scheduled for a wire guided lumpectomy on the Dec 16 then rads to start in January. I have the light Danish skin and burn easily so we will see what happens. I am thankful for everyone's reply to your message ... I learned a lot. This is a great group. Good luck with the rest of your journey ladies.0 -
Diana and GloriaGloria09 said:DianaLou
Thank you for posting these questions. I also have DCIS and am scheduled for a wire guided lumpectomy on the Dec 16 then rads to start in January. I have the light Danish skin and burn easily so we will see what happens. I am thankful for everyone's reply to your message ... I learned a lot. This is a great group. Good luck with the rest of your journey ladies.
Good luck with rads Diana!
Gloria, good luck to you too with your surgery and on rads. We will help you thru it!
♠♣ Susie ♠♣0
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