More rad burn information, please?

Domebro soaks are what fimally healed my rad burns.  The entire radiated area burned very bad - have the scars to prove it!

The morning after last rad the entire radiated area was blistered (only slight pink the night before) - only kept getting worse.  That was early March 2010 and the last scab came off June 29, 2010.  I had oxy for the pain - thankfully the deepest burns were under arm where there was nerve damage from surgery, so did not feel the pain there.  Tried many things the Dr came up when one of the RN's had found info that Domeboro soaks might help.  It worked great.  The next to last area to heal was up the side of my neck and the last under arm.

I could not get bandages to stay on so I wore white t-shirts to act as bandages.  Changed  about every 2 hrs.  Thankfuly I never developed any infections.

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I had a bit of a problem with burns as I got to the end of rads.  Mine was generally just under my arm and a bit across my chest.  My med people had me apply silvadeen to the areas and lightly cover the areas with gauze and leave it there for about 4 or so hours, if I remember correctly.  (This was last year.)  Then I would take the gauze off and clean the area, using gauze, with a highly diluted bit of hydrogen peroxide.  I forget what the ratio was on that.  I would then just let that area "dry" for about 4 hours or so.  Then I would repeat the cleaning process, do the silvadeen thing, etc.  The process did clear the problem quickly for me -- I can't say I was hamburger to begin with; but I do know I was quite sore -- even riding in the car on a somewhat rough road was painful at the time.

I can't say what worked for me would work for you because (1) it seems your burns are more extensive than mine were; and (2) you have the added challenge of being diabetic.

Hope you find solutions to your burns.

desertgirl947 said:

Not as Extensive

I had a bit of a problem with burns as I got to the end of rads.  Mine was generally just under my arm and a bit across my chest.  My med people had me apply silvadeen to the areas and lightly cover the areas with gauze and leave it there for about 4 or so hours, if I remember correctly.  (This was last year.)  Then I would take the gauze off and clean the area, using gauze, with a highly diluted bit of hydrogen peroxide.  I forget what the ratio was on that.  I would then just let that area "dry" for about 4 hours or so.  Then I would repeat the cleaning process, do the silvadeen thing, etc.  The process did clear the problem quickly for me -- I can't say I was hamburger to begin with; but I do know I was quite sore -- even riding in the car on a somewhat rough road was painful at the time.

I can't say what worked for me would work for you because (1) it seems your burns are more extensive than mine were; and (2) you have the added challenge of being diabetic.

Hope you find solutions to your burns.

MtMom

There are many good ideas here and sometimes it is a case of trying different ones until you find what works for you.  I would say that because you are a diabetic and the whole healing issues that can go hand in hand with that, that you should also contact the wound care specialist that are associated with your medical group or doctor.  Wound care specialist often handle diabetic wounds but I would think they might be able to help you and to keep you from getting any infections or having problems with long term healing of these burns.  Healing from rads can take time but with the diabetes you want to ensure that you are being treated and watched for complications that might arise.  Just another suggestion for you.  Hoping the healing goes well and quickly. 

Stef

Oh my, now I am really worried.  I just had my second radiation treatment for breast cancer.  I am so scared after reading all the posts that this is going to be very painful as time goes on.  I have 33 more treatments to go.  I am going 5 days a week for 7 weeks.  I am told to use aquaphor, aloe and to try calendula oil.  Has anyone had this many treatments without all the burning and blisters?  Now I feel like not having more treatments.

mtmom said:

One week out...

I started using the Domeboro powder and I am seeing good results already. Some pink skin peeking through! I had the same regimen for my rad treatments. I honestly thought I was going to get through without any burning. It actually got worse after treatment was done. But, I don't think it's a guarantee that you will have burns and blisters. I've met ladies on both ends of the spectrum. Just do your best to stay hydrated, use the Aquaphor and aloe...keep up with your skin. For me, even with the burns, radiation was easier than chemo. And, it is a season to work through...if you are like me, this is the last step for now and so there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Blessings,

~Mtmom

I am so glad to hear that Domeboro is working for you!  It is what finally healed my burn -  took quite a while but it did finally.

Winyan - The Power Within

Susan

hbwoman1 said:

Radiation

Oh my, now I am really worried.  I just had my second radiation treatment for breast cancer.  I am so scared after reading all the posts that this is going to be very painful as time goes on.  I have 33 more treatments to go.  I am going 5 days a week for 7 weeks.  I am told to use aquaphor, aloe and to try calendula oil.  Has anyone had this many treatments without all the burning and blisters?  Now I feel like not having more treatments.

 I finished 33 rad treatments in August of this year.  I used Aquaphor everyday after EVERY treatment.  I would just cover my breast (as greasy as it is) and then cover up with a sport bra.  I thought I had almost made it through untouched, until my last week of treatment.  That's when I noticed the burning starting to take place.  I continued to use the Aquaphor for almost a month after treatment was done.  My skin did peel (much like a sunburn) but the Aquaphor and a soft sport bra made it bearable. I think the most important thing for me was to not let the shower water hit directly on my breast.  I tried to shield the pressure of the water as much as possible.  I didn't experience any pain, just a mild discomfort similar to a sunburn.  And after my skin was healed the BEST was Johnson & Johnsons lavendar cornstarch!  Was a soft treat for my new skin!!  Good Luck. I hope this helps!

Deb