Another newbie saying hi and questions on radiation boosters

June Bugs
June Bugs Member Posts: 167

I guess I should introduce myself.  I am a newbie and had a lumpectomy and am finishing the regular radiation treatments this week and will then start the boosters. 

I am burnt, but, not bad.  By that I mean no peeling or blisters or anything, just red and very tender. 

My radiation oncologist said the boosters are a different type of radiation, so, I shoudn't burn worse.  Is this true?  Has anyone here had them?

Thanks

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Comments

  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    I like your name :)

    Hi June Bugs!  I had rads and boosters followed them.  The boosters are different, they are not as hard on your skin.  I found a site http://www.myradiotherapy.com/cancers/breast/breast_cancer.html  that might help explain it even more.  Here is some of what it said:

    Radiotherapy treatment using photons is normally given to the whole breast area and may also include the lymph nodal regions in the underarm (axilla), collarbone (supraclavicular - SCF), or breastbone (inter-mammory chain - IMC). Many women will also have a final weeks booster treatment using electrons, to the tumour bed site alone. Radiotherapy to the breast can be given in 15 - 30 treatments, depending on the factors listed above. It is normally given once per day, monday to friday.


    More advanced linacs have the capability to deliver another type or radiotherapy treatment that is used to treat areas that are on, or close to the skin’s surface. This treatment uses electrons instead of high energy x-rays (photons).

    My skin got a little more tender, but, nothing any worse than what it was with just the rad treatments.  Are you using lots of creams?

    Hugs, Megan

  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member
    My rads

    I did have some burns to contend with from the rads; but because the boosts zeroed in in an area a little different from the rads (just below), I was able to continue on schedule.

    The burns from my rads were a little more intense than what you are experiencing.  I had a few "wet" spots as I neared the end of that phase.  So, those were addressed, and I did heal quickly from that.  Near the end of the boost, I started to show signs of a small "wet" spot or two.  Because I knew what I was to do about the larger area (from the rads), I started that in the boost area.  I had just completed the boosts when that occurred.  Those spots healed up even more quickly.

    I will say that in my rads area, I did get quite sore.  That was most evident when I was riding in the car over bumpy roads in our rural areas.  That, too, disappeared rather quickly.

    During my rads time, I did encounter patients who had had a problem with burns -- enough of a problem that their rads had to be postponed for a bit to allow healing.  I thought I was fortunate to not have that happen to me.

    We all are different; but I know that anything any of us share helps give people like you a bit of an idea of what may occur and how we dealt with that.

    Hang in there!

     

  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    Didn't Find the Boosters Made Things Worse

    I had burns that spit the skin and leaked.  I found that the boosters did not make things worse.  Once I had the proper medication for the burns, it healed quickly.

    Welcome to this site.

    Best,

    Doris

  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    SIROD said:

    Didn't Find the Boosters Made Things Worse

    I had burns that spit the skin and leaked.  I found that the boosters did not make things worse.  Once I had the proper medication for the burns, it healed quickly.

    Welcome to this site.

    Best,

    Doris

    Welcome June Bugs to the site

    Welcome June Bugs to the site none of us want to be on, but, we are all here to help you however we can.  I had boosters at the end of my rads treatments, only on the tumor site, nowhere else. 

    They didn't make that area any worse.  I was already quite sore and dark pink and tender. 

    I hope you will be the same way and not have any more burning. 

    Keep using LOTS of your creams that your rads oncologist gave you. 

    Keep us posted,

    Leeza

  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    jnl said:

    Welcome June Bugs to the site

    Welcome June Bugs to the site none of us want to be on, but, we are all here to help you however we can.  I had boosters at the end of my rads treatments, only on the tumor site, nowhere else. 

    They didn't make that area any worse.  I was already quite sore and dark pink and tender. 

    I hope you will be the same way and not have any more burning. 

    Keep using LOTS of your creams that your rads oncologist gave you. 

    Keep us posted,

    Leeza

    remember that the effects of radiation continue after the last treatment so be sure and continue to use your lotions/creams, whatever you doctor recommended.  I was very fortunate that I had little in the way of burns, just pink and sore.  I did use my aquaphor faithfully.  I am sure it helped but everyone's skin reacts differently and some are get awful burns, others not so much.  Everyone gave a good explanation of the boosters but I thought I would give you a reminder about contining with the creams.  I do remember how nce it was to be approaching the end of rads and I hope you feel the same.

    Stef

  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    fauxma said:

    remember that the effects of radiation continue after the last treatment so be sure and continue to use your lotions/creams, whatever you doctor recommended.  I was very fortunate that I had little in the way of burns, just pink and sore.  I did use my aquaphor faithfully.  I am sure it helped but everyone's skin reacts differently and some are get awful burns, others not so much.  Everyone gave a good explanation of the boosters but I thought I would give you a reminder about contining with the creams.  I do remember how nce it was to be approaching the end of rads and I hope you feel the same.

    Stef

    Stef is right in telling you

    Stef is right in telling you to continue all of your creams weeks after you're done.  I also used aquaphor by the gallons.  lol

    Your skin will heal fast once you're finished, just be patient and take good care of it.

     

  • June Bugs
    June Bugs Member Posts: 167
    Megan M said:

    I like your name :)

    Hi June Bugs!  I had rads and boosters followed them.  The boosters are different, they are not as hard on your skin.  I found a site http://www.myradiotherapy.com/cancers/breast/breast_cancer.html  that might help explain it even more.  Here is some of what it said:

    Radiotherapy treatment using photons is normally given to the whole breast area and may also include the lymph nodal regions in the underarm (axilla), collarbone (supraclavicular - SCF), or breastbone (inter-mammory chain - IMC). Many women will also have a final weeks booster treatment using electrons, to the tumour bed site alone. Radiotherapy to the breast can be given in 15 - 30 treatments, depending on the factors listed above. It is normally given once per day, monday to friday.


    More advanced linacs have the capability to deliver another type or radiotherapy treatment that is used to treat areas that are on, or close to the skin’s surface. This treatment uses electrons instead of high energy x-rays (photons).

    My skin got a little more tender, but, nothing any worse than what it was with just the rad treatments.  Are you using lots of creams?

    Hugs, Megan

    Thanks everyone.  Yes, I am

    Thanks everyone.  Yes, I am using creams to help.  What did you use?  And, you don't think I will burn any worse? 

     

  • June Bugs
    June Bugs Member Posts: 167

    My rads

    I did have some burns to contend with from the rads; but because the boosts zeroed in in an area a little different from the rads (just below), I was able to continue on schedule.

    The burns from my rads were a little more intense than what you are experiencing.  I had a few "wet" spots as I neared the end of that phase.  So, those were addressed, and I did heal quickly from that.  Near the end of the boost, I started to show signs of a small "wet" spot or two.  Because I knew what I was to do about the larger area (from the rads), I started that in the boost area.  I had just completed the boosts when that occurred.  Those spots healed up even more quickly.

    I will say that in my rads area, I did get quite sore.  That was most evident when I was riding in the car over bumpy roads in our rural areas.  That, too, disappeared rather quickly.

    During my rads time, I did encounter patients who had had a problem with burns -- enough of a problem that their rads had to be postponed for a bit to allow healing.  I thought I was fortunate to not have that happen to me.

    We all are different; but I know that anything any of us share helps give people like you a bit of an idea of what may occur and how we dealt with that.

    Hang in there!

     

    I can relate to the bumpy

    I can relate to the bumpy roads as it is the same for me.  I hope you are all healed now.  Thank you!

  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    Kristin N said:

    Stef is right in telling you

    Stef is right in telling you to continue all of your creams weeks after you're done.  I also used aquaphor by the gallons.  lol

    Your skin will heal fast once you're finished, just be patient and take good care of it.

     

    You are almost done then if

    You are almost done then if you're having boosters.  How many do you have to do?  I remember them well and my skin might have gotten a bit more sore, but, it was tolerable. 

    Good luck!

  • Pink Rose
    Pink Rose Member Posts: 493
    Kylez said:

    You are almost done then if

    You are almost done then if you're having boosters.  How many do you have to do?  I remember them well and my skin might have gotten a bit more sore, but, it was tolerable. 

    Good luck!

    Good luck with the boosters.

    Good luck with the boosters. Your skin should be fine and not get any worse.  Just think, you're almost done and can ring that bell!

    Rose

  • June Bugs
    June Bugs Member Posts: 167
    fauxma said:

    remember that the effects of radiation continue after the last treatment so be sure and continue to use your lotions/creams, whatever you doctor recommended.  I was very fortunate that I had little in the way of burns, just pink and sore.  I did use my aquaphor faithfully.  I am sure it helped but everyone's skin reacts differently and some are get awful burns, others not so much.  Everyone gave a good explanation of the boosters but I thought I would give you a reminder about contining with the creams.  I do remember how nce it was to be approaching the end of rads and I hope you feel the same.

    Stef

    My rads oncologist told me

    My rads oncologist told me that the effects were cumulative, so, I will keep using my creams.  I use aquaphor too.  Tomorrow is my last regular one and then I start the boosters next week.  It's been a long road, but, I will soon be done.  Thank you for all of the advice.

     

  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    June Bugs said:

    My rads oncologist told me

    My rads oncologist told me that the effects were cumulative, so, I will keep using my creams.  I use aquaphor too.  Tomorrow is my last regular one and then I start the boosters next week.  It's been a long road, but, I will soon be done.  Thank you for all of the advice.

     

    Was today your last one

    Was today your last one Junebugs?  Congrats if it was!  The boosters aren't that bad.  Think of it as another weapon in the arsenol to fight bc.

     

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    Rads do keep 'cooking' -

    at least that's how my Rads Dr phrased it.   I had no 'boosters' so know nothing about them.  I was very careful with taking care of my skin and had no problems with it (I am VERY 'white') until after rads were over.  I did 25 rads and did finally get a bit piink after 24 but the day after 25 I was totally BURNED (entire area was open/weeping bjurns - some areas deeper than others - worstin the radiation area.  It just kept getting worse - I hae lots of 'good' scars to prove it.  Thankfully I never got any infections and where most of the deepest of the burns were was in areas (under arm, around to back but also had some really 'good' ones up side of neck which I definately 'felt' even with meds) where it was numb from surgery.  I finished rads in earlyMarch and the last of scabs were finally gone in late June.  I 'religiously' used my creams and annialated my huge tub of aloe vera.  I'm allergic to sulfa drugs so could not use Sulfadene/Silvadene (or any of the other spellings of the drug cream).  What finally healed me up was doing Domeboro soaks.

    Remember we are each unique - N0 ONE  can tell you what you will experience - we can only say what our experiences have been.

    Winyan - The Power With9i9n

    Susan

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    Rague said:

    Rads do keep 'cooking' -

    at least that's how my Rads Dr phrased it.   I had no 'boosters' so know nothing about them.  I was very careful with taking care of my skin and had no problems with it (I am VERY 'white') until after rads were over.  I did 25 rads and did finally get a bit piink after 24 but the day after 25 I was totally BURNED (entire area was open/weeping bjurns - some areas deeper than others - worstin the radiation area.  It just kept getting worse - I hae lots of 'good' scars to prove it.  Thankfully I never got any infections and where most of the deepest of the burns were was in areas (under arm, around to back but also had some really 'good' ones up side of neck which I definately 'felt' even with meds) where it was numb from surgery.  I finished rads in earlyMarch and the last of scabs were finally gone in late June.  I 'religiously' used my creams and annialated my huge tub of aloe vera.  I'm allergic to sulfa drugs so could not use Sulfadene/Silvadene (or any of the other spellings of the drug cream).  What finally healed me up was doing Domeboro soaks.

    Remember we are each unique - N0 ONE  can tell you what you will experience - we can only say what our experiences have been.

    Winyan - The Power With9i9n

    Susan

    Everyone is right in telling

    Everyone is right in telling you to keep using whatever your rads onco prescribed for you even after you're done with the boosters.  I didn't burn from the boosters and I pray that you won't either.

    Good luck,

    Sue :)

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    Ritzy said:

    Everyone is right in telling

    Everyone is right in telling you to keep using whatever your rads onco prescribed for you even after you're done with the boosters.  I didn't burn from the boosters and I pray that you won't either.

    Good luck,

    Sue :)

    Welcome .. June Bug :)

    Looks like you have things under control - LOL,  hard to imagine this statement being made during your chemo journey  We are all different, and we handle chemo, radiation and surgeries as well as side efforts differently.  I am delighted that your body seems to tolerate radiation well.  Continued success, and prayers.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    June Bugs said:

    My rads oncologist told me

    My rads oncologist told me that the effects were cumulative, so, I will keep using my creams.  I use aquaphor too.  Tomorrow is my last regular one and then I start the boosters next week.  It's been a long road, but, I will soon be done.  Thank you for all of the advice.

     

    Good luck today with  your

    Good luck today with  your boosters June Bugs. 

  • June Bugs
    June Bugs Member Posts: 167
    VickiSam said:

    Welcome .. June Bug :)

    Looks like you have things under control - LOL,  hard to imagine this statement being made during your chemo journey  We are all different, and we handle chemo, radiation and surgeries as well as side efforts differently.  I am delighted that your body seems to tolerate radiation well.  Continued success, and prayers.

    Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

    I finished the regular

    I finished the regular radiation treatments and am now having the boosters.  I am still doing pretty well, as, my skin isn't getting any worse.  I am just so tired.  My husband, a family member or friend has been driving me which I so appreciate. 

    Thank you for all of your posts.  It means a lot to have so much help.

    June

  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    June Bugs said:

    I finished the regular

    I finished the regular radiation treatments and am now having the boosters.  I am still doing pretty well, as, my skin isn't getting any worse.  I am just so tired.  My husband, a family member or friend has been driving me which I so appreciate. 

    Thank you for all of your posts.  It means a lot to have so much help.

    June

    Congrats on your first round

    Congrats on your first round of rads June bugs!  I remember being exhausted during rads.  I got really used to taking naps.  lol

    Hang in there!

    Hugs, Megan

  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    Megan M said:

    Congrats on your first round

    Congrats on your first round of rads June bugs!  I remember being exhausted during rads.  I got really used to taking naps.  lol

    Hang in there!

    Hugs, Megan

    I think rads wear everyone

    I think rads wear everyone down.  I don't know of anyone that they didn't.  Keep getting lots of rest and even after you're done. 

    Good luck,  Lex

  • Pink Rose
    Pink Rose Member Posts: 493
    June Bugs said:

    I finished the regular

    I finished the regular radiation treatments and am now having the boosters.  I am still doing pretty well, as, my skin isn't getting any worse.  I am just so tired.  My husband, a family member or friend has been driving me which I so appreciate. 

    Thank you for all of your posts.  It means a lot to have so much help.

    June

    Congrats and I wish you an

    Congrats and I wish you an early congrats when you finish the boosters.  When are you done with those?