What Do You Think Of Offering Rad Tips For Those That Are Just Starting Treatment Now Or Soon?

Lynne Logan said:

Burns
Hi,
I was unable to finish my 1 last rads due to severe burns. Just like I couldn't finish my last infusion. I'm very sensitive to this stuff.
I do have one little trick if any of you get to the weeping, nasty stage. I was given a surgical bra and some sheets of Nu Gel but that seemed to cut off all air and made the burn too moist. I was prescribed Silvadine to prevent infection, which is messy to use. It has the consistency of Noxema!
Anyway, the best trick I discovered was to use either incontinence pads or sanitary napkins for wound dressing. The adhesive strip holds the pad in place inside a surgical bra or sports bra. No more having to change tops or bedding!
Lynne

jnl said:

I was told to not take any
I was told to not take any vitamins during rads as you don't want your good or bad cells getting any nourishment to stay healthy. You want the cancer cells weak so the rads will kill them.

Leeza

madsters1 said:

Rad tips
THANK YOU ALL for the tips! I wrote them all down.I'm still in chemo (1st treatment). I start rads in Jan or Feb. Sure glad I got these tips from you all,as usual my oncologist has minimized radiation. She said people don't get burned from it. That was "back in the day" Now I'm freaking out!! I JUST get used to this horrible phase (chemo and a week from losing my hair) and find out that what I thought and was told was a "piece of cake" really isn't. Burning, cellulitis, braless (well all things aren't bad:), creams, do's and dont's etc etc. She told me waaay more than I needed to know about every aspect of cancer and barely mentioned the processes I'd be going through!
Sorry guys I'm ticked. It seems there's something around every corner. Question: Is there EVER a time when you are truly done? No more "unexpecteds" ( barring of course recurrence). That, you can't keep looking over your shoulder and around every corner for.
Any testimonies out there to say "there IS an ending to the invasions,the endless procedures and the unknowns or untolds about them"?

52262 said:

the unexpected
I like your honesty and feel the same way about:What other bad symptom am I going to have. Then all the warnings of if you fall in the future your ribs on the left side will be more vulnerable to fracture because of the rad treatment. So we also have to watch our every step to not get a painful rib fracture. I know it gets to feel like a pain all the time you know your skin is getting more painful. I really don't look forward to rad treatment. I have missed two months of working just because of the chemo and now the rad Dr wants me to take more time off because of my shift time. She must be concerned about how much rest and sleep I will be getting.

BetsyJane said:

I am just starting RADS. Thank you for any tips I can get
I am just starting radiation treatment. Actually, I have had six so far. I would really appreciate any and all tips I can get. You pink sisters are the BEST!

madsters1 said:

Rad tips
THANK YOU ALL for the tips! I wrote them all down.I'm still in chemo (1st treatment). I start rads in Jan or Feb. Sure glad I got these tips from you all,as usual my oncologist has minimized radiation. She said people don't get burned from it. That was "back in the day" Now I'm freaking out!! I JUST get used to this horrible phase (chemo and a week from losing my hair) and find out that what I thought and was told was a "piece of cake" really isn't. Burning, cellulitis, braless (well all things aren't bad:), creams, do's and dont's etc etc. She told me waaay more than I needed to know about every aspect of cancer and barely mentioned the processes I'd be going through!
Sorry guys I'm ticked. It seems there's something around every corner. Question: Is there EVER a time when you are truly done? No more "unexpecteds" ( barring of course recurrence). That, you can't keep looking over your shoulder and around every corner for.
Any testimonies out there to say "there IS an ending to the invasions,the endless procedures and the unknowns or untolds about them"?

Bumping this up as I see some are starting rads soon.  There are so many great tips and experiences from the other pink sisters that I hope you can use some of them.

And, just ASK, if you have any questions. 

I had rads and had boosters at the end by the way.

Lex

desertgirl947 said:

My RO had me start right off

My RO had me start right off with a cream -- Miaderm.  I have other friends who used other things, but they also started right out with treating the area.  I did end up having some problems with burns, but my RO/nurse had me use Silvadene on the area affected for parts of the day and then carefully clean the area with diluted hydrogen peroxide every time I made a change -- whether to apply Silvadene or to just let it "air."  I quickly healed.

I was thankful to be able to stay on schedule.  My RO staff did a great job keeping tabs on my skin and how it was reacting.

Several on here that did burn used Silvadene.  Always make sure that your skin is being checked daily, either by the nurse or your rads oncologist.  Keep lots of whatever you're told to use on it.  I used, I think, tons of Aquaphor and I know it helped.