I Start Radiation Tomorrow (8/1) and Have Questions...

VickiSam said:

I normally don't chime in on a subject I've never had
any experience with .. However, I just wanted you to know .. that I will keep you close in my heart -- positive vibes, and prayers for you.

Good luck .. Maybe you can look back a page or two and see Butterflylvr's posting .. entitled .. 'The Radiation Room'.

Gentle Hugs,

Vicki Sam

Don't use ANYTHING..
Without your radiologist consent.....and never, ever put anything on the area within 4 hours of treatment! I was given the creams to use ...and use them faithfully...I didn't even turn pink til the end of the third week and had no problems...the last 7 boosters did turn me red...And I did experience fatigue...

Wishing you the best as you start the last leg of the journey!
Hugs, Nancy

Radiation Room
There is a thread called Radiation Room
Personally I was told to use the following:
1. Dove sensitive skin soap, only your hand to wash.
2. Thin layer of Aloe Trader Joe's has a 99.9% aloe.
3. Then a thin layer of Eucerin or Aveeno Daily moisturizer.
The moisturizing stuff was suppose to be 3 times a day. Tom's deodorant is the only one they ok'd.

Once my arm pit area blistered, I was told to use Aquaphor and Neosporin alternating 3-4 times a day just on that area. That was about mid week 4 ish. I had 25 regular days then 5 boosts to the incision. (6 weeks)

My RO felt that I should use the lightest protection for as long as possible to allow my skin to heal itself. She said in the long run it was better for my skin.

I had a mastectomy so I was told the skin may burn more. I work my scrub tops because they didn't have any sleeve seams to bother the burn area. I finished on June 29th and my skin is completely healed. It has been 2 weeks since it was even uncomfortable.

It was really not bad. The techs I had were awesome, the other women we fun to chat with. The time flew by.

Cindy

aloe vera
If you have a whole food store near by or any natural store that sells the aloe vera juice pure or raw is highly recomended, if there is burning apply compresses, massage and leave it there, once again, everybody is different, i had side effects right off the bat, burning and an exhausting weird sensation, lack of energy, i kept working every day - but it's doable, aloe vera in the most natural form HELPS! and you are not gonna see any red or dark marks at the end of the treatments
Good luck!!!

Hi - Check with your
Hi - Check with your radiation oncologist before you use anything on your skin. The cancer center I went to gave me Aquaphor lotion and I had little problem with burning. Towards the end I used a lotion with lidocaine as my skin began to itch. You don't want the lotion on your skin during the actual radiation, but you can slather it on afterward.

I worked through both chemo and rads. By the end of rads, I was pretty tired. You'll be surprised at how quick the daily treatment is!

xoxoxox Lynn

renee616 said:

Hi!
I have 2 days of
Hi!
I have 2 days of radiation left. I wouldnt advise using any lotion untill your Dr or tech says too. my breast got a little red, but my collarbone/neck blistered in the 5th week. Only then Did they tell me to use aquaphor. Its really all about the Dr. I do not work, but see no reason why I wouldnt be able too. I had breast reduction surgery last week on Thursday then went right back for radiation the very next morning. Radiation made me want to take a nap exsp. in the first few days, but now I just try to get a cat nap & a good nights sleep. My burn is itchy and alittle uncomfortable, I'm just looking forward to being done & letting everything heal finally! Good luck!
Renee

forgot to say that friday
forgot to say that friday they told me to use triple antibiotic cream, it really helped alot over the weekend.

MAJW said:

Don't use ANYTHING..
Without your radiologist consent.....and never, ever put anything on the area within 4 hours of treatment! I was given the creams to use ...and use them faithfully...I didn't even turn pink til the end of the third week and had no problems...the last 7 boosters did turn me red...And I did experience fatigue...

Wishing you the best as you start the last leg of the journey!
Hugs, Nancy

Like everyone said, only use
Like everyone said, only use what your rads oncologist says to use. However, you can always ask him about some cream that a pink sister on here wrote about and see what he says.

Get lots of rest as rads will exhaust you.

No creams on your skin at least 4 hours prior to treatment.

I used Aquaphor to keep my skin moist and a prescription of Biafine for the dark pinkness I got. ( almost burnt, but, not quite )

When you get boosters, the rest of your skin will start to heal.

I didn't wear a bra, and, definitely no under wire bra if you wear one. I either went braless or wore a camisole.

I wore long pants and socks as the rad room was freezing. Ask for a blanket too if you need one.

I used Dove white soap on my skin and be very gentle. Do not rub it.

I started getting pink about the end of the 3rd or start of the 4th. I also had boosters at the end right at the tumor site.

I know I am forgetting something. Just ask anything..we will get you thru it!

Good luck,

Sue

LoveBabyJesus said:

I wonder too! I am also
I wonder too! I am also getting 21 instead of 25 or more. I will ask.

Today they did some xrays to compare to the simulation. I officially start tomorrow morning.

Good luck to you. You are almost done!!!!

You've already gotten great
You've already gotten great advice! Wishing you good luck tomorrow!


Jan

gagee said:

Just be sure to ask onc
Just be sure to ask onc before you try anything. Some say to do one thing and another will say something else. Be sure to let them know if you are having or feeling anything that they can help you with. I don't want to worry you but I am one of the ones that had a terrible time with (33) rads. It took me 9 months to recover. That is very unusual so don't worry ( I didn't tell you this to worry you) as we are all different and I guess I am very different. I finally can say I feel so much better but still get so tired. Just happy to have heard the words they got it all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Once rads are over you will probably say "that wasn't so bad".

Good luck!
Good luck with your rads appointment!



Hugs, Leeza

Ritzy said:

Like everyone said, only use
Like everyone said, only use what your rads oncologist says to use. However, you can always ask him about some cream that a pink sister on here wrote about and see what he says.

Get lots of rest as rads will exhaust you.

No creams on your skin at least 4 hours prior to treatment.

I used Aquaphor to keep my skin moist and a prescription of Biafine for the dark pinkness I got. ( almost burnt, but, not quite )

When you get boosters, the rest of your skin will start to heal.

I didn't wear a bra, and, definitely no under wire bra if you wear one. I either went braless or wore a camisole.

I wore long pants and socks as the rad room was freezing. Ask for a blanket too if you need one.

I used Dove white soap on my skin and be very gentle. Do not rub it.

I started getting pink about the end of the 3rd or start of the 4th. I also had boosters at the end right at the tumor site.

I know I am forgetting something. Just ask anything..we will get you thru it!

Good luck,

Sue

Explanation of terms

I am just about to start radiation.  What are "boosters" that I see referenced?  Also, my RO suggested 99% aloe.  Does anyone recommend any specific brands or products, or just any pure aloe?

Thanks, having sisters out there really helps make the process easier!