Radiation burns

CindyGSD
CindyGSD Member Posts: 190
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1
Has anyone experienced radiation burns during treatment. I just got my first of 25 external rounds of radiation and was told that I shouldn't have any issues with burning, but everyone I've talked that has gotten radiation for other types of cancer (including breast cancer) did have burns and blistering. I don't think the radiologist is being completely forthcoming. He has yet to mention anything about dilators either which is fine by me. :o)

TIA
Cindy

Comments

  • Fayard
    Fayard Member Posts: 438 Member
    #2
    Hola Cindy
    I did not have ration; however, if you do get burn use fresh aloe vera.
    I used it a few years back on my former fiancee who had radiation in his neck.
    I cut a stalk, peeled it, and then blended it. I put it in a glass jar and applied it on the burn 5 to 6 times per day.

    Today, he has not traces of burning in his neck.
  • cleo
    cleo Member Posts: 144
    #3
    Fayard said:

    Hola Cindy
    I did not have ration; however, if you do get burn use fresh aloe vera.
    I used it a few years back on my former fiancee who had radiation in his neck.
    I cut a stalk, peeled it, and then blended it. I put it in a glass jar and applied it on the burn 5 to 6 times per day.

    Today, he has not traces of burning in his neck.

    Radiotherapy
    I was given the following instructions. [30 treatments.]
    Use a water based cream on the skin. I used this immediately after radio and after bathing.
    Do not use scented soap or other such ointments/lotions
    Do not bathe in hot water.
    Also told to say immediately if I felt nauseous...did so and had pills to settle the stomach immediately as I did lose a fair bit of weight and eating is essential. I went through a lot of fruit!
    I had no problems. Hope all goes well.
    My oncologist gave the dilator etc info.
  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #4
    Hi Cindy:
    I only had
    Hi Cindy:

    I only had brachytherapy HDR radiation. I did not experience any burns but because it was an internal radiation, I was offered the dialator. I was not a candidate for external radiation for my severe scarring that I already had. I am sorry to hear about your burns.

    I do (and have recently) gotten burns from the EKG pads, adhesive tape, and steri strips. Recently (after my port removal) I had a rash where the bandage was and blisters at the end of the steri strips. I don't get it all the time.

    Anyway, never feel that you can't ask your radiation oncologist questions. Is your radiation doctor a radiation oncologist?

    My best to you on our upcoming treatments. I hope that you do not experience any more burns.

    Kathy
  • lkchapman
    lkchapman Member Posts: 106
    #5
    No burns
    Hi Cindy,
    I had 25 extended field radiation treatments ( above my navel)and all I had was a mild redness. I never needed to use any cream or felt pain. The radiation they use for uterine ca isn't as strong as that which they use for other types such as breast. Also your radiation onc probably won't say anything until the last visit about the dilator. My nurse was the person who gave it to me and showed me how to use it after my very last treatment.

    Good luck. It will be over before you know it!
    Laura
  • CindyGSD
    CindyGSD Member Posts: 190
    #6
    Kaleena said:

    Hi Cindy:
    I only had
    Hi Cindy:

    I only had brachytherapy HDR radiation. I did not experience any burns but because it was an internal radiation, I was offered the dialator. I was not a candidate for external radiation for my severe scarring that I already had. I am sorry to hear about your burns.

    I do (and have recently) gotten burns from the EKG pads, adhesive tape, and steri strips. Recently (after my port removal) I had a rash where the bandage was and blisters at the end of the steri strips. I don't get it all the time.

    Anyway, never feel that you can't ask your radiation oncologist questions. Is your radiation doctor a radiation oncologist?

    My best to you on our upcoming treatments. I hope that you do not experience any more burns.

    Kathy

    Thanks Kathy but....
    I've only had two treatments so far so no burns yet. I'm just surprised that it won't be an issue since everyone I know that's been treated with radiation has had burns from it, but that was for other types of cancer.

    I'm sorry that you have issues with the adhesive being applied to your skin. A chemo nurse told me that years ago it was never a problem but now she sees it all the time. Makes you wonder what is going on with our bodies that we are becoming allergic to everything.

    Not sure if the radiologist is an oncologist, I'll have to check into that. The radiology center is attached to the hospital, but is its separate contained unit which seems to accomadate us cancer patients with our quick little treatments. You don't even have to check in at the front desk.

    I am having brachatherapy too, so maybe that's when they will talk about the dialator. Oh joy.

    Cindy
  • CindyGSD
    CindyGSD Member Posts: 190
    #7
    lkchapman said:

    No burns
    Hi Cindy,
    I had 25 extended field radiation treatments ( above my navel)and all I had was a mild redness. I never needed to use any cream or felt pain. The radiation they use for uterine ca isn't as strong as that which they use for other types such as breast. Also your radiation onc probably won't say anything until the last visit about the dilator. My nurse was the person who gave it to me and showed me how to use it after my very last treatment.

    Good luck. It will be over before you know it!
    Laura

    Thanks Laura....
    If our dosage of radiation is less then other types of cancer, that explains it then. Today I got to meet with the radiologist and he mentioned that I shouldn't have any side effects until a week or two into treatment which may include some bladder issues and certainly some loose bowels. I can't wait.

    He's a laugh a minute...that radiologist...his latest comment was "two treatments down...almost done". HAHA

    Cindy
  • CindyGSD
    CindyGSD Member Posts: 190
    #8
    Fayard said:

    Hola Cindy
    I did not have ration; however, if you do get burn use fresh aloe vera.
    I used it a few years back on my former fiancee who had radiation in his neck.
    I cut a stalk, peeled it, and then blended it. I put it in a glass jar and applied it on the burn 5 to 6 times per day.

    Today, he has not traces of burning in his neck.

    Thank you....
    I'll try it. If I have any issues I'll consider trying that. I've seen those plants at garden centers.

    Cindy
  • CindyGSD
    CindyGSD Member Posts: 190
    #9
    cleo said:

    Radiotherapy
    I was given the following instructions. [30 treatments.]
    Use a water based cream on the skin. I used this immediately after radio and after bathing.
    Do not use scented soap or other such ointments/lotions
    Do not bathe in hot water.
    Also told to say immediately if I felt nauseous...did so and had pills to settle the stomach immediately as I did lose a fair bit of weight and eating is essential. I went through a lot of fruit!
    I had no problems. Hope all goes well.
    My oncologist gave the dilator etc info.

    Thanks cleo
    They didn't mention anything about nausea, but I have plenty of medication from chemo if it becomes a problem. Mostly loose bowels and bladder issues were what I could expect. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I did get a big pamphlet of stuff way back in August when I had my first consultation with the radiologist so I guess I should re-read that. I was primarily concerned with the burns since I work full-time and didn't relish the idea of sitting at work with burns on my pelvis. Sounds like it's not a huge issue for unterine radiation.

    Thanks for the info.
    Cindy
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #10
    CindyGSD said:

    Thanks Laura....
    If our dosage of radiation is less then other types of cancer, that explains it then. Today I got to meet with the radiologist and he mentioned that I shouldn't have any side effects until a week or two into treatment which may include some bladder issues and certainly some loose bowels. I can't wait.

    He's a laugh a minute...that radiologist...his latest comment was "two treatments down...almost done". HAHA

    Cindy

    Cindy~
    I had same external pelvic radiation -- 33 though. I had no burning, but did get a bit of a tanned skin color. Two weeks into treatments you'll have fast bowels...so watch what you eat. I'm a huge fresh vegie and fruit gal and boy did I have to give up much of this part of my diet. More bland foods such as bananas, crackers, etc. Also had me take some over the counter pills to slow down the bowels. Luckily I worked from home and close to toilet as at times it was a "mad dash to the toilet"...sorry but that was exactly what would happen.

    Guessing approx 4 weeks after treatments completed, could I sustain my normal diet of fresh fruits and vegies.

    What I found most people with pelvic radiation didn't have burns to skin like women with breast cancer. The skin lower isn't as sensitive as under the arms.

    Good luck....happy to see you're getting to end of treatments. Did they sandwich your radiation between chemo? That was my protocol.

    Hugs,
    Jan
  • JoAnnDK
    JoAnnDK Member Posts: 275
    #11
    jazzy1 said:

    Cindy~
    I had same external pelvic radiation -- 33 though. I had no burning, but did get a bit of a tanned skin color. Two weeks into treatments you'll have fast bowels...so watch what you eat. I'm a huge fresh vegie and fruit gal and boy did I have to give up much of this part of my diet. More bland foods such as bananas, crackers, etc. Also had me take some over the counter pills to slow down the bowels. Luckily I worked from home and close to toilet as at times it was a "mad dash to the toilet"...sorry but that was exactly what would happen.

    Guessing approx 4 weeks after treatments completed, could I sustain my normal diet of fresh fruits and vegies.

    What I found most people with pelvic radiation didn't have burns to skin like women with breast cancer. The skin lower isn't as sensitive as under the arms.

    Good luck....happy to see you're getting to end of treatments. Did they sandwich your radiation between chemo? That was my protocol.

    Hugs,
    Jan

    Burns
    I had serious burns twice during my 28 external treatments. But my radiation oncologist gave me a salve to put on it and it worked really well.

    I had bad stomach/bowel issues during radiation, too. I was staying at my daughter's for that month and we had big plans to try lots of new restaurants during that time. Yeah, right, sure....never happened. I would say that it was a good month after finishing treatment when I was able to eat normally again, and those "fast bowels" remained for many months.

    The dilator was just the final insult after the simulation for the brachytherapy.

    JOANN
  • cleo
    cleo Member Posts: 144
    #12
    JoAnnDK said:

    Burns
    I had serious burns twice during my 28 external treatments. But my radiation oncologist gave me a salve to put on it and it worked really well.

    I had bad stomach/bowel issues during radiation, too. I was staying at my daughter's for that month and we had big plans to try lots of new restaurants during that time. Yeah, right, sure....never happened. I would say that it was a good month after finishing treatment when I was able to eat normally again, and those "fast bowels" remained for many months.

    The dilator was just the final insult after the simulation for the brachytherapy.

    JOANN

    Burns and Butts!!
    Noted that you were working and sitting. I had full pelvic radiation. If you do go the cream way do not miss between the butt cheeks. I did miss.....and the only place I had dried skin afterwards.
    Your glorious shepherds? Great condition.
  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    #13
    cleo said:

    Burns and Butts!!
    Noted that you were working and sitting. I had full pelvic radiation. If you do go the cream way do not miss between the butt cheeks. I did miss.....and the only place I had dried skin afterwards.
    Your glorious shepherds? Great condition.

    Cindy, I had no burns
    I had 28 external radiation treatments, and a 28 hour internal radiation treatment. I had no burns. I did not have the bowel issues that many others had. I did have some nausea the last several weeks though. I was also tired the last weeks of the treatments. I had the sandwich treatment, too.

    My radiation oncologist did not recommend a dials tour. He said if I was sexually active, I would not need one. I have not had any problems. My husband says he does not any difference.

    Good luck with all your treatments. In peace and caring.
  • HellieC
    HellieC Member Posts: 524 Member
    #14
    cleo said:

    Burns and Butts!!
    Noted that you were working and sitting. I had full pelvic radiation. If you do go the cream way do not miss between the butt cheeks. I did miss.....and the only place I had dried skin afterwards.
    Your glorious shepherds? Great condition.

    Me too!
    Yep - I was fine apart from between those cheeks! It was really sore and weepy but healed up quickly. I guess the "hot spots" will depend on exactly where the beams are being focussed. My radiotherapy was for a recurrence at the vaginal vault, so I had 45 Gy to the pelvis with a 14.4 Gy "boost" to the tumour at the end. It was right at the end that the soreness started.
  • CindyGSD
    CindyGSD Member Posts: 190
    #15
    jazzy1 said:

    Cindy~
    I had same external pelvic radiation -- 33 though. I had no burning, but did get a bit of a tanned skin color. Two weeks into treatments you'll have fast bowels...so watch what you eat. I'm a huge fresh vegie and fruit gal and boy did I have to give up much of this part of my diet. More bland foods such as bananas, crackers, etc. Also had me take some over the counter pills to slow down the bowels. Luckily I worked from home and close to toilet as at times it was a "mad dash to the toilet"...sorry but that was exactly what would happen.

    Guessing approx 4 weeks after treatments completed, could I sustain my normal diet of fresh fruits and vegies.

    What I found most people with pelvic radiation didn't have burns to skin like women with breast cancer. The skin lower isn't as sensitive as under the arms.

    Good luck....happy to see you're getting to end of treatments. Did they sandwich your radiation between chemo? That was my protocol.

    Hugs,
    Jan

    The bowel issue...
    Thanks Jan....Yes that does seem to be the biggest side effect. I guess the radiation runs are better than the chemo constipation, but we'll have to see if I'm singing that tune in a few weeks.

    I am getting the sandwiched treatment as well, so after the external and internal radiation I will be getting three more rounds of chemo. What kind of chemo did you get?

    Cindy
  • CindyGSD
    CindyGSD Member Posts: 190
    #16
    cleo said:

    Burns and Butts!!
    Noted that you were working and sitting. I had full pelvic radiation. If you do go the cream way do not miss between the butt cheeks. I did miss.....and the only place I had dried skin afterwards.
    Your glorious shepherds? Great condition.

    Say what...?
    Okay I guess I meant that having the waistband of my pants hitting my lower abdomen could be painful...but now you're telling me there is the potential for butt burns. Oh it keeps getting better and better. ;o)

    Cleo - Yes my dogs. I actually have three right now. I show them or use to. These are getting too old to show and I'm not up for a puppy right now.

    Cindy
  • CindyGSD
    CindyGSD Member Posts: 190
    #17
    Ro10 said:

    Cindy, I had no burns
    I had 28 external radiation treatments, and a 28 hour internal radiation treatment. I had no burns. I did not have the bowel issues that many others had. I did have some nausea the last several weeks though. I was also tired the last weeks of the treatments. I had the sandwich treatment, too.

    My radiation oncologist did not recommend a dials tour. He said if I was sexually active, I would not need one. I have not had any problems. My husband says he does not any difference.

    Good luck with all your treatments. In peace and caring.

    Thanks Ro
    I breezed three my first three rounds of chemo so I'm worried that it will be the radiation that does me in. So far, other than butt burns, nothing sounds too bad.

    Cindy

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