New (sorta) to site too

It saddens me all the new people we have on here in the last few months and makes me wonder how many, many more there must be out there! This is a safe, helpful place to come for help though, so for that I am glad.

I found it more difficult to wash off the creams before radiation treatment each day than it was worth for the small amount of relief I got. It is important to have ALL off or burns may get worse. I did though, as soon as completed with radiation use both aquaphor and a spray called Dermoplast which is available OTC and often prescribed for  relief after childbirth. It was helpful also being a spray and easier to apply.

My pain level was "through the roof" and I did take both oxycontin and oxycodone during treatment and then for a short time after.  Just remember that pain meds cause constipation so lots of fluid and maybe stool softeners. I was advised to wean off the pain med and not just stop.....which was not hard to do as healing came sooner than I thought.

I will keep both your husband and yourself in my thoughts and prayers.

Vicki K said:

Thank you all

Yes, it is concerning that there are so many in here, but that can also be a good thing, that they are catching it earlier!

The front area is difficult to apply the cream, as it stays moist all the time.  I am going to ask the Dr tomorrow about the aloe as it does have a drying effect, but then again, is it better to ooze or dry?  (Dr question I'm thinking.)  Sorry, I tend to type what I'm thinking!

We are discussing the cream or no cream thing now.

Hey, I feel as if we are in this together, we have been together for 30 years and it's my honor to help him, since he's truly my hero!  

We did come up with a way to keep him kinda comfy in the recliner, he sits bare, and we use a wire rack that has legs and fits on either side of him, so it's like a tray and he can cover himself and stay warm and not have anything stick to him.  Handy to have a tray in your lap that doesn't touch anything!  LOL!

 

Vicki,

Like many here, nothing gave me relief.  Creams, lotions, pain killers, baths, etc.  I ended up in the hospital for pain management, even they couldn't help.  One of the ointments they tried led to an infection, so even the pros are at odds in helping.  The final thing I tried and it offered some relief from the skin on skin type chaffing was a bandage called Mepilex.  I stuck without sticking and absorbed the oozzing and still aloud breathing of the skin.  For me it was the only thing that offered a little relief.  Please know that while this is absolutely miserable, it is normal, and take it one day at a time.

Joanne

pializ said:

Vicki

Well I am from over the pond and am so glad that I too was able to find this site. Sad, but true. I fin7shed treatment in January. Stage . I coped basically 5he same as Marynb. No creams. Would have been too difficult to remove before RT &/or increased burns. I did use pain relief as required. Going commando helped. A dressing gown or kaftan for hubby? I used my long summer dresses. Also sitting on a sheepskin or folded duvet. To get in and out of car, q satin pillow case (I didn't discover that gem until too late, but it would be timely for your husband). He is lucky to have you for sure!

Glad you mentioned that! I always seem to forget that little bit of advice that was so helpful to me. It gets to a point where it is difficult to swivel or slide in the car, chair, bed, so I had two and was a great help!

Vicki K said:

Thanking y'all again!

We just came back from another treatment and speaking to the rad nurse.  New plan of attack!

Armed with the suggestions that everyone has posted so far, I made a list and spoke to her about each one.  So, we are mixing the aloe and Vitamin E together and putting it in the areas that are the worst.  The "sticking" problem has caused him to bleed in VERY sensitive areas.  He said that the combo felt more soothing than any of the script ointments he's used!  Whew!  We have a gazillion aloe plants around here, so that is a gift from God!

She also provided us with a sheet of the mepelix (spelling is wrong I'm sure) We will try that on the backside, as the front it too raw at this point.

I fear that the burns were so bad because he wasn't able to get everything off before, AND he was using corn starch and not even attempting to remove that prior to treatment.

We have also ordered silk boxers for him, as none were available in stores around here.  We paid extra to get them overnighted, but hubby says if they work, he doesn't care how much it costs at this point!  (Dillards salesperson said they quit making them.  Well, they didn't stop making them, Dillards just doesn't order them anymore, neither does Macy's.)

Will keep y'all posted and THANK YOU so much, every tip has been so helpful!!!!!

6 to go!

 

I used domboro and it created the best relief For me....and enhanced healing.   after the treatment with domboro I dried the area with a blow dryer and laid dry, fresh telfa on the oozy areas ... This helped protect clothing and kept me clean .... I place one between my tail cheeks too.  Just a few ideas to consider!  Bless you and your hubby!  Xo

Vicki K said:

5 to go!

We are counting the days for sure.  He had a rough weekend, and he is sleeping only about an hour at a time.

The aloe/vitamin E plan of attack didn't last long, as he still complained it dried out areas too much and it was more painful.  We went back to using Calendula a homeopathic medicine.

The silk boxers we ordered and paid for overnight shipping STILL hasn't arrived.  Hopefully, today.  The only time he really needs them is for traveling to treatments, as it's the only time he's putting any clothing on his lower body.

This course of treatment is truly barbaric, and can't help but think that Someday, they (Dr's) will look back and shake their heads at what they put these poor people through.  

I am hoping the healing process begins quickly after treatment.  Any clues on when he will start to get some relief from the burns, once treatment stops??

Only 5 more to go is great, however, as you and your husband are finding out, this is the worst time.  I'm so sorry he has not found anything to give him good relief from the burns.  I did not either at this point in the treatment--I just had to stick it out.  You are right, this is a barbaric treatment--I can't think of a better word to describe it.  Unfortunately, at this point in time, it's all we've got. 

My healing took place rather quickly.  I would say that after about a week, the burns were much better and 10 days after treatment, I was exercising again.  The body's ability to heal really is quite miraculous.  Both of you hang in there--better days are just around the corner!

A wound care nurse prescribed xenaderm ointment (prescription) for my burns. It seemed to help. Healing happens pretty fast - in about a week or so, but everyone is different. Your husband is approaching the finish line - hang in there.

Ann