Overachieving Rad Girl -- would appreciate advice from Rad Graduates!

TraciInLA

Hello, all -

So I had my first official radiation treatment yesterday, listened diligently at my meeting with the nurse, and read everything they gave me afterwards, but I realize that I'm still confused about a few things.

(Yes, I'm a total Overachiever Patient -- I think I probably have leftover angst from my school days, and am afraid that I'm going to be "graded" or scolded for not doing it "right" or something....but I guess they can't make me "repeat" radiation if I don't do it "right" the first time, can they? :-)

Nurse Junnie gave me two approved lotions (Aquaphor and Udderly Smooth), and told me to start using them right away, which I have -- but I realize that I don't know how many times a day I should use them? Any thoughts?

Also, she mentioned using cornstarch under my breasts and in the underarm area -- but I certainly can't use cornstarch and goopy lotion on top of each other -- hello, scary science experiment! Any thoughts on this?

I'd appreciate any input from any other "Overachievers" who've been here already!

Traci

sgamtd

Hi Traci
I am taking a chance here repsonding to your post as I know my avatar "scares" you, lol, but insomnia hit me tonite again, so here goes. BTW I had my last rad treatment today. YEAH, YEAH
First remember all rad teams, docs are diff. in what they allow you to use, and also how many hours before the appointment of the day you can apply lotions. I could apply 3 to 4 hrs before the treament.
I was only allowed pure aloe vera, and was told I could apply it as often as needed, of course, being a bit of an overachiever patient myself I asked 2 times 3 times 4 or what ? We settled on 3 times a day. Usually in the am after my shower, then after radiation and before bedtime worked for me. I have a small fan in the bathroom and it worked great to dry my skin thoroughly without touching or rubbing it, and as time goes by you want to touch your radiated skin as little as possible. Now if I was allowed cornstarch and that seems like a good idea as I bet it removes any moisture especially under the breast,I would apply that, then wait a few minutes, brush your teeth, hair whatever to pass the wait, then I would get a dry soft wash cloth and gentle touch the cornstarched area to remove any residue of cornstarch until it feels real smooth. The I would apply the lotion, "udder"ly smooth is quite a cool name I think. Sounds soothing. I am not familiar with either of those products, and wouldnt know if you use them both at the same time, I would think not, but someone else can maybe help here who used those 2 brands, I would think one or the other depending on their specific purpose, maybe one is for cooling the area and the other for soothing effect.
Good luck to you traci, I got thru 33 treatments without any major skin breakdown as of yet, was told I would be "cooking" for another 2 weeks though. Skin feels like leather, not smoothe as of yet, I was told I could use whatever lotions, potions I liked now that I was done with rads, and if it stung, don't use it again, heehee. I am looking for some udderly smooth tomorrow, just besause the name cracks me up and I gotta try it.
Best of luck traci,
sgamtd

elizarose

sgamtd said:

Hi Traci
I am taking a chance here repsonding to your post as I know my avatar "scares" you, lol, but insomnia hit me tonite again, so here goes. BTW I had my last rad treatment today. YEAH, YEAH
First remember all rad teams, docs are diff. in what they allow you to use, and also how many hours before the appointment of the day you can apply lotions. I could apply 3 to 4 hrs before the treament.
I was only allowed pure aloe vera, and was told I could apply it as often as needed, of course, being a bit of an overachiever patient myself I asked 2 times 3 times 4 or what ? We settled on 3 times a day. Usually in the am after my shower, then after radiation and before bedtime worked for me. I have a small fan in the bathroom and it worked great to dry my skin thoroughly without touching or rubbing it, and as time goes by you want to touch your radiated skin as little as possible. Now if I was allowed cornstarch and that seems like a good idea as I bet it removes any moisture especially under the breast,I would apply that, then wait a few minutes, brush your teeth, hair whatever to pass the wait, then I would get a dry soft wash cloth and gentle touch the cornstarched area to remove any residue of cornstarch until it feels real smooth. The I would apply the lotion, "udder"ly smooth is quite a cool name I think. Sounds soothing. I am not familiar with either of those products, and wouldnt know if you use them both at the same time, I would think not, but someone else can maybe help here who used those 2 brands, I would think one or the other depending on their specific purpose, maybe one is for cooling the area and the other for soothing effect.
Good luck to you traci, I got thru 33 treatments without any major skin breakdown as of yet, was told I would be "cooking" for another 2 weeks though. Skin feels like leather, not smoothe as of yet, I was told I could use whatever lotions, potions I liked now that I was done with rads, and if it stung, don't use it again, heehee. I am looking for some udderly smooth tomorrow, just besause the name cracks me up and I gotta try it.
Best of luck traci,
sgamtd

I just finished radiation a
I just finished radiation a week and a half ago. I used eucerin mostly, they have different kinds ranging from thick heavy cream to smooth lotions but they are all fragrance free. I also found out an aloe plant worked better for me than the bottled aloe. My skin became very itchy and blistered a little. The nurse told me to mix 4-6 cups of water to 1-2 tablespooons baking soda and 1 teaspoon of salt, soak a cloth in it and lay it on my chest. This really worked well!! They also gave me a prescription for silvadene that works great if you get blisters or raw places. I can't imagine putting corn starch on it...
I would put the lotion, aloe or cream on right after treatment and then really slather it on at night before you go to bed. My skin is fair and I did have break down under my arm and on my collar bone. Thankfully I am still numb under my arm and couldn't feel the pain, the skin on my collar bone hurt A LOT although it was a small area.

ppurdin

Radiation treatment
Hi Tracy,I had my first radiation treatment Weds.I ask my Dr. if I could go ahead and get the perscripion for a lotion and she said to wait awhile.I was thinking I would have it when Ineeded it this way.I haven,t been real impressed with my radiation dr.She is very blunt and unfeeling.Not like my Cancer Dr. that would give me a hug sometimes.Sounds like we will finish up about the same time.I can,t wait to have this done.Take care.Love and Prayers.(Pat).

lanie940

I have had 15 treatments so
I have had 15 treatments so far, I haven't had any pinkness as of yet. I was told to use plain aloe and have been like 2 times a day. BUT, I noticed after 3 or 4 treatments I have been feeling queezy especially in the mid to late afternoon and evening. It was so bad last night I had my husband go buy me some Emetrol (nausea relief)I also have IBS and it has been acting up a lot and I have watery diarhea. I have lost 5 lbs in a little over a weeks time. I told my Radiologist I was having queeziness and he said that it couldn't be from the radiation (riiight)in the pigs eye. I even went to my family Dr. last Monday, she said I had a mild stomach virus, hmmm, well, it has lasted too long, I think for that. I have a call into my surgeon who did the hernia, he hasn't gotten back to me yet, I know he does a lot of surgeries. Hopefully he will this weekend. I'm so tired of not feeling well and the holidays coming up!

cindycflynn

Traci
I'm no help in answering your questions, but I wanted to thank you for posting them. I meet with my Rads doctor for the first time on Tuesday, so I will be sure to ask all these questions when/before I start. And thanks to all who responded with their own experiences. It really helps to hear from those who have been in the trenches before I have to dive in myself.

Hope all goes well with you in your treatment. Keep us posted on how you're doing!

Take care,
Cindy

susie09

cindycflynn said:

Traci
I'm no help in answering your questions, but I wanted to thank you for posting them. I meet with my Rads doctor for the first time on Tuesday, so I will be sure to ask all these questions when/before I start. And thanks to all who responded with their own experiences. It really helps to hear from those who have been in the trenches before I have to dive in myself.

Hope all goes well with you in your treatment. Keep us posted on how you're doing!

Take care,
Cindy

Rads
My rads oncologist gave me Biafine and Aquaphor. I used both of them from day one. That is important! And, I used them even after I finished rads. That is important too! As soon as I got home, I put the Biafine on. I normally only used the Aquaphor at night as it is so greasy, but, I know many put their lotions on immediately after their treatment at the cancer center. Only use what your rads oncologist tells you to use. Many differ on what they think is ok. And, I was told to not take any vitamins too, as you don't want your cells being healthy.

TraciInLA

susie09 said:

Rads
My rads oncologist gave me Biafine and Aquaphor. I used both of them from day one. That is important! And, I used them even after I finished rads. That is important too! As soon as I got home, I put the Biafine on. I normally only used the Aquaphor at night as it is so greasy, but, I know many put their lotions on immediately after their treatment at the cancer center. Only use what your rads oncologist tells you to use. Many differ on what they think is ok. And, I was told to not take any vitamins too, as you don't want your cells being healthy.

Sexy Saturday night here
Thank you, all, for your advice and input.

Especially you, SG -- I don't know how you manage to type so well with just your beak! Seriously, CONGRATULATIONS on finishing rads -- I can't wait till I join you!

Nurse Junnie said most of her patients use the Udderly Smooth during the day, since it's a lotion that soaks in pretty well, and the Aquaphor at night, since it's so greasy and gloppy. So I've been experimenting today -- yes, I've basically spent the day rubbing my own breasts, which isn't nearly as sexy as it sounds....:-o

I used the Udderly Smooth this morning after my shower, let it soak in for a few minutes, then dusted myself with cornstarch before putting on my bra -- that worked well. Now I'm sitting here marinating in Aquaphor, and discovering that it soaks through a t-shirt. Whoever said cancer treatment wasn't sexy? :-)

BTW, SG, the Udderly Smooth was a little disconcerting at first -- no joke, the FIRST words on the back of the tube are "Developed for use on dairy cows." Again -- sexy, no?

Traci

e_hope

sorry can't help you.. I
sorry can't help you.. I finished rad. Nov 2.. and my rad oncologist only wanted me using the pres. cream she ordered.. and NOTHING else...

but I wanted to wish you a speedy radiation and hope all goes well for you...

fauxma

TraciInLA said:

Sexy Saturday night here
Thank you, all, for your advice and input.

Especially you, SG -- I don't know how you manage to type so well with just your beak! Seriously, CONGRATULATIONS on finishing rads -- I can't wait till I join you!

Nurse Junnie said most of her patients use the Udderly Smooth during the day, since it's a lotion that soaks in pretty well, and the Aquaphor at night, since it's so greasy and gloppy. So I've been experimenting today -- yes, I've basically spent the day rubbing my own breasts, which isn't nearly as sexy as it sounds....:-o

I used the Udderly Smooth this morning after my shower, let it soak in for a few minutes, then dusted myself with cornstarch before putting on my bra -- that worked well. Now I'm sitting here marinating in Aquaphor, and discovering that it soaks through a t-shirt. Whoever said cancer treatment wasn't sexy? :-)

BTW, SG, the Udderly Smooth was a little disconcerting at first -- no joke, the FIRST words on the back of the tube are "Developed for use on dairy cows." Again -- sexy, no?

Traci

Udderly Smooth was a lotion
Udderly Smooth was a lotion my daughter used to keep her skin soft. Then when she had her son she used for his diaper rash "Butt Paste". Yes, that's the name. I thought she was making a joke the first time I was there and she was changing JJ and asked me to go into her room and get the Butt Paste off his dresser. Imagine if you were using both Udderly Smooth and Butt Paste. Or traveling and packed them both and then had them go through your luggage.
Continue enjoying your sexy Saturday night, Traci. You are very funny.
Stef

Akiss4me

TraciInLA said:

Sexy Saturday night here
Thank you, all, for your advice and input.

Especially you, SG -- I don't know how you manage to type so well with just your beak! Seriously, CONGRATULATIONS on finishing rads -- I can't wait till I join you!

Nurse Junnie said most of her patients use the Udderly Smooth during the day, since it's a lotion that soaks in pretty well, and the Aquaphor at night, since it's so greasy and gloppy. So I've been experimenting today -- yes, I've basically spent the day rubbing my own breasts, which isn't nearly as sexy as it sounds....:-o

I used the Udderly Smooth this morning after my shower, let it soak in for a few minutes, then dusted myself with cornstarch before putting on my bra -- that worked well. Now I'm sitting here marinating in Aquaphor, and discovering that it soaks through a t-shirt. Whoever said cancer treatment wasn't sexy? :-)

BTW, SG, the Udderly Smooth was a little disconcerting at first -- no joke, the FIRST words on the back of the tube are "Developed for use on dairy cows." Again -- sexy, no?

Traci

ROFLOL!!!
Traci, I was just about to tell you that the Udderly Smooth was developed for cows Udder's when I read the last post! LOL They make a hand cream I really like too. I couldn't use any of the lotions as they made me itch (no known allergies) so I used 100% Pure Aloe only. But when I was first using the lotions I would slather it on after my shower in the morning, after Rads in the afternoon, and at bedtime. The Udderly Smooth does absorb better than the Aquaphor. Good luck with the experimenting. You do know that by the time you get it just right, rads will be over!! Hugs and smiles...♥Pammy

sgamtd

e_hope said:

sorry can't help you.. I
sorry can't help you.. I finished rad. Nov 2.. and my rad oncologist only wanted me using the pres. cream she ordered.. and NOTHING else...

but I wanted to wish you a speedy radiation and hope all goes well for you...

Traci
That was what cracked me up when I read the word udderly smooth, I thought of cows and udders right away, lol, I have milked a few cows in my time. Now I read it is actually for cows how funny is that ?? ROFL
sgamtd

survivorbc09

sgamtd said:

Traci
That was what cracked me up when I read the word udderly smooth, I thought of cows and udders right away, lol, I have milked a few cows in my time. Now I read it is actually for cows how funny is that ?? ROFL
sgamtd

I could only use biafine and
I could only use biafine and aquaphor. I used a lot of both and only got pink. My skin is great now, better than before. It is like a baby's skin. Just keep plenty of it on.

Taina

aquaphor
i'm almost graduating from rads....
i just finish my #25 tx, 5 more to go.
i put aquaphor every nite.
not bad so far...just red on the rads area and some dark little
spots...
u will do find....
if the area gets to sensitive or in pain they can give you
a presc for pain and creme.
if you have any questions email me...
good luck...

bethl

Radiation
Completed 36 radiation treatments 1 1/2 years ago.

Used a crystal deorderant.You underarm hair will never grow back!

I bought a cream on line reccomended by Harvard can't remember the name.

But no burna and I am very fair.

I did all treatments on my lunch break .

Considered the treament time as a time in the day for meditation or prayer and that made it a lot easier to bear.

Usually more tired after treatment but able to work the rest of the day.

Hope this helps.

Wolfi

fauxma said:

Udderly Smooth was a lotion
Udderly Smooth was a lotion my daughter used to keep her skin soft. Then when she had her son she used for his diaper rash "Butt Paste". Yes, that's the name. I thought she was making a joke the first time I was there and she was changing JJ and asked me to go into her room and get the Butt Paste off his dresser. Imagine if you were using both Udderly Smooth and Butt Paste. Or traveling and packed them both and then had them go through your luggage.
Continue enjoying your sexy Saturday night, Traci. You are very funny.
Stef

Bag Balm - off topic
Speaking of Udderly Smooth...there is a heavy petroleum jelly type thing called Bag Balm (again made for use on cows). I'm not saying Bag Balm should be used for radiation, BUT it IS good if you have really dry hands or feet in the winter. I buy mine at Walgreens in the lotion isle. It is in a square, green tin.

It doesn't smell the greatest, but it really does a good job softening dry skin. I put it on my feet before bed and then put big cotton socks on to sleep in. By the morning my feet aren't dry - just be careful in the shower - slippery. This can also be put on your hands before bed and then put socks on your hands to sleep in (usually requires help from someone else).

lanie940

Wolfi said:

Bag Balm - off topic
Speaking of Udderly Smooth...there is a heavy petroleum jelly type thing called Bag Balm (again made for use on cows). I'm not saying Bag Balm should be used for radiation, BUT it IS good if you have really dry hands or feet in the winter. I buy mine at Walgreens in the lotion isle. It is in a square, green tin.

It doesn't smell the greatest, but it really does a good job softening dry skin. I put it on my feet before bed and then put big cotton socks on to sleep in. By the morning my feet aren't dry - just be careful in the shower - slippery. This can also be put on your hands before bed and then put socks on your hands to sleep in (usually requires help from someone else).

OH Geez, my Radiologist said
OH Geez, my Radiologist said something about Bag Balm! I've just been using the clear aloe so far, I haven't burned as of yet. Just one more thing to be agravating to me. I've had this nausea in afternoon and evening, I feel like crap. It kinda started after 4 or 5 RADs treatments, my Radiologist says no, my RADs shouldn't cause nausea, BUT my surgeon who did my hernia surgery said yes, it IS possible in some people. I'm known to be a strange one medically. I called him yesterday and his answering service paged him, he called me back. So far my weekend has been horrible, just a yucky feeling all way round and runny diahrea, so he wants me to get a abdominal X-Ray and stool sample (how with no stool)lol. He prescribed compazine for my nausea, and that has helped, but also Flaygl! I think he is thinking I may have C-diff! It is fairly common to get infections from a Hospital stay or 2 or more days, did you know that Ladies? I know i got my UTI from being catherized, and so that antibiotic CIPRO could be doing this number on me! ARRGH! My husband is acting like he is sulking or something because his wife can't do things with him. I'm so sick of this!

chenheart

You mentioned about
You mentioned about showering...here is a BIG helpful hint for you! Your skin will get a cumulative burn, even if you don't see it, your skin will absolutely be affected. You need to treat it with extra TLC~ and this is how I did just that during my radiation therapy. Get yourself the softest natural sponge you can find, and use an unscented body wash; I used, and still use Aveeno , as it is both unscented and made with colloidal oatmeal which is very soothing. NEVER rub your radiated side in the shower!Saturate the natural sponge with plenty of wataer, add the Aveeno and make bubbles~ squeeze it gently over the radiated side, never letting the sponge touch your skin. The softer the sponge the "squishier" it will be and more water/Aveeno receptive. Pat yourself dry and then goop on the lotion of choice!

Your skin may also get itchy as the rads progress~ if so, ask your Dr for a Prescription for hydrocortisone cream, the OTC varieties are not strong enough to relieve the itch.

Hugs,
C♥

New Flower

chenheart said:

You mentioned about
You mentioned about showering...here is a BIG helpful hint for you! Your skin will get a cumulative burn, even if you don't see it, your skin will absolutely be affected. You need to treat it with extra TLC~ and this is how I did just that during my radiation therapy. Get yourself the softest natural sponge you can find, and use an unscented body wash; I used, and still use Aveeno , as it is both unscented and made with colloidal oatmeal which is very soothing. NEVER rub your radiated side in the shower!Saturate the natural sponge with plenty of wataer, add the Aveeno and make bubbles~ squeeze it gently over the radiated side, never letting the sponge touch your skin. The softer the sponge the "squishier" it will be and more water/Aveeno receptive. Pat yourself dry and then goop on the lotion of choice!

Your skin may also get itchy as the rads progress~ if so, ask your Dr for a Prescription for hydrocortisone cream, the OTC varieties are not strong enough to relieve the itch.

Hugs,
C♥

Aquaphor
did work for me. it is a very nasty cream, but worked well for me 2 times a day.I applied it first time in the change room after radiation, second time after shower before going to bed. As your radiation treatments progress sweat will be not a problem. Loose clothes will help as well.
good luck

Jeanne D

New Flower said:

Aquaphor
did work for me. it is a very nasty cream, but worked well for me 2 times a day.I applied it first time in the change room after radiation, second time after shower before going to bed. As your radiation treatments progress sweat will be not a problem. Loose clothes will help as well.
good luck

Hi Traci ♥
♥

I had 37 rad treatments, 25 regular and 12 boosters. I only got a very, small burn on my collarbone, but, it never even peeled. The rest of the area did get pink, but, never burnt. I also got what they called radiation dermatitis which was awful itchy bumps that were worse than the rads themselves. But, my rads oncologist gave me something for that and it cleared up. All I could use was Biafine and Aquaphor, which I used from day one of my rads and continued for about 1 month afterwords. I used the Biafine mainly during the day, and, the Aquaphor at night as it is so greasy. Anything you wear with it will be almost ruined, so, wear an old tshirt or something that you can wash in HOT or just throw away afterwords. Get lots of rest as rads will zap your energy, even worse than chemo. Take naps if you can and get to bed as early as you can. My skin now is just like a baby's behind. It is great! So, just use your creams, get lots of rest and be gentle with that side of your body. I just used Dove soap and used my hand to go over it. I didn't use a wash cloth. Good luck Traci!

Love, Jeanne ♥

TraciInLA

Jeanne D said:

Hi Traci ♥
♥

I had 37 rad treatments, 25 regular and 12 boosters. I only got a very, small burn on my collarbone, but, it never even peeled. The rest of the area did get pink, but, never burnt. I also got what they called radiation dermatitis which was awful itchy bumps that were worse than the rads themselves. But, my rads oncologist gave me something for that and it cleared up. All I could use was Biafine and Aquaphor, which I used from day one of my rads and continued for about 1 month afterwords. I used the Biafine mainly during the day, and, the Aquaphor at night as it is so greasy. Anything you wear with it will be almost ruined, so, wear an old tshirt or something that you can wash in HOT or just throw away afterwords. Get lots of rest as rads will zap your energy, even worse than chemo. Take naps if you can and get to bed as early as you can. My skin now is just like a baby's behind. It is great! So, just use your creams, get lots of rest and be gentle with that side of your body. I just used Dove soap and used my hand to go over it. I didn't use a wash cloth. Good luck Traci!

Love, Jeanne ♥

Thank moo!
Thank moo (from my soft-as-a-cow's-behind self) for all the great advice! I really do feel better having a little more guidance about how to approach this, what to watch for, etc.

There was a thread here several months ago where many of you recommended products that you used during rads -- again, Overachiever Girl here, I promptly put all your recommendations in my drugstore.com shopping list, bought many of them before I even started rads, and then took them with me when I met with the nurse.

So, Claudia, thanks to you, when she started talking about what soap to use, I actually whipped out your recommended Aveeno, and said, "How about this?" You'll be happy to know that you're Nurse Junnie Approved!

BTW, I should mention that I'm actually having both breasts radiated, as I had lumpectomies on both sides. I guess this is somewhat rare, as the "both breasts" thing has been nothing but trouble, logistically speaking.

My first treatment had to be rescheduled when the scheduler realized she hadn't allotted enough time: "Oh, I assumed it was only one breast." And I have what I'm calling "the demilitarized zone" marked down the center of my chest, so that they don't overlap the radiation. I really hope that keeping my breasts is worth all this....

Traci