Using EMLA /generic cream before Mammogram?

Rague · July 2010

My 1st mammogram (had single rad. mod. mast in Oct '09) since surgery will be Aug. 9 before my appts with chem, rads and PA. When I talked with Radiology place today (to confirm date/time), I was told that it might be an 'idea' to use my 'cream' in the port area and 'down' a ways on that side for comfort.

Makes sense to me but never heard that before - anyone - have you heard that?

m_azingrace · July 2010

mammogram
This past Thursday I had my first mammogram since the DX & surgery. The "coordinator" who showed me to the changing room said that if I had used deordorant, powder or cream I should use the wipes provided to clean it all off. So you should probably find out what they want at the mammo clinic. It would be terrible to have to wipe your sensitive skin with alcohol wipes. Probably worse than not using the cream in the first place. Have the cream with you in case you can use it after all, and you can put it on as soon as the mammo is completed. I hope it goes will for you. I got my results back today. Nothing "abnormal"...so I'm doing a little happy dance, although I know that with stage IV every day's a gift. Hugs to you. Gracie

Flakey_Flake · July 2010

Check with rad doc
I also was told that even the cream they tell you to use to keep your skin in tact shouldn't be applied for a couple hours before radiation. The particles in the cream act like sunshine reflecting off water. If anyone has ever spent the day on a boat, you get a raging sunburn because of the sun reflecting off the water. I was told not to have ANYTHING applied to the skin in the areas of radiation.

Perhaps the person you talked thought she had a "bright" idea because the Emla cream numbs the skin. (It didn't sound like you were talking with the rad doctor.) You don't really feel much durring the radiation treatments, but it just builds up with each treatment - much like if you were to stay out in the sun, even after burning, you would eventually get blisters, etc. The important thing is to keep the radiated area extremely well moisturized. I also heard from my chemo nurse that Emla cream is what they use on skin to remove it for a grafting procedure, and not to leave it applied to my skin for more than a couple of hours.

I would leave the Emla cream to use on the port when needed. But it scares me that someone at a clinic recommended it for the use you described. Besides, when in doubt - ask the doc. If you don't understand the answer - ask again. Besides, the rad doc should know if someone in the office is giving out bad advice. Maybe I am wrong ... but I am sure glad you asked instead of just going ahead with it.

Good Luck Rague - BTW - contrats on bucking some hay. My finace is a lifelong farmer, so I understand just what hay bucking involves. And I admire your "git r' done" attitude. Right now I would be a worthless bucker. (giggle) It would take me a good ten minutes or better to get one bale stacked, and I would be asking for help.

Sharon

Skeezie · July 2010

Flakey_Flake said:
Check with rad doc
I also was told that even the cream they tell you to use to keep your skin in tact shouldn't be applied for a couple hours before radiation. The particles in the cream act like sunshine reflecting off water. If anyone has ever spent the day on a boat, you get a raging sunburn because of the sun reflecting off the water. I was told not to have ANYTHING applied to the skin in the areas of radiation.

Perhaps the person you talked thought she had a "bright" idea because the Emla cream numbs the skin. (It didn't sound like you were talking with the rad doctor.) You don't really feel much durring the radiation treatments, but it just builds up with each treatment - much like if you were to stay out in the sun, even after burning, you would eventually get blisters, etc. The important thing is to keep the radiated area extremely well moisturized. I also heard from my chemo nurse that Emla cream is what they use on skin to remove it for a grafting procedure, and not to leave it applied to my skin for more than a couple of hours.

I would leave the Emla cream to use on the port when needed. But it scares me that someone at a clinic recommended it for the use you described. Besides, when in doubt - ask the doc. If you don't understand the answer - ask again. Besides, the rad doc should know if someone in the office is giving out bad advice. Maybe I am wrong ... but I am sure glad you asked instead of just going ahead with it.

Good Luck Rague - BTW - contrats on bucking some hay. My finace is a lifelong farmer, so I understand just what hay bucking involves. And I admire your "git r' done" attitude. Right now I would be a worthless bucker. (giggle) It would take me a good ten minutes or better to get one bale stacked, and I would be asking for help.

Sharon

I had my first mammo on my remaining left breast
just this past Thursday. My port is on the left side a couple of inches down from my collar bone. I thought about the port a couple of days before my appt. but then forgot about it. The mammo didn't bother the port at all and I didn't even realize it was there during the procedure. And believe me that poor boob was really squeezed!

Good point about not wearing any creams or powders. They stress that in their pre-appt. instructions. Sure don't want anything to give a false report.

Oh, got my results....NORMAL!

Hugs, Judy :-)

pattimc · July 2010

Mammo
I had my first mammo after dx on June 4th. I was scared, too, that the port side would hurt or worse that the area would open up (I had my port out on May 7). Honestly, it didn't hurt at all! Not even my lumpectomy boob! The tech was very aware of how scared I was (I bawled like a baby!) so maybe she was more gentle, but in any case, I was surprised at how it didn't hurt.

I did take Tylenol before I went so maybe that helped, too.

Good luck!

Patti

Using EMLA /generic cream before Mammogram?

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