Radiation burns

you are having the pain. I had 28 radiation treatments, and was fortunate in not having   too many problems other than feeling  like I had a really bad sunburn in a most inconvenient location when I first began treatment. I had only a brief period of   pain  during urination,  and was advised to cut  out caffeine and increase my fluid intake. Fortunately I never had the vaginal pain, so can't help there, but what helped me most  during and after radiation for the rectal pain was  pure emu oil.  Once I began using it after a week or so into treatment,  I never had  the stretched  burned skin feeling  nor any skin blistering. I don't know if it would help at this stage, but it might be worth a try.  I hope you can find some relief soon.

Grace/lizard44

I had 30 radiation treatments, and yes, the pain was unbearable. It actually got worse for me after I had finished treatment, as the burns turned to open sores, which wept and I could not sit down properly or bare any kind of material to touch it. I learnt very quickly to go commando (and never looked back). 

While I was doing the radiation, I tried allot of different unctions, until I found something that eased the burn. The pain never left. It really does depend on your skin type. I found an pure Organic Aloe Vera that I had to keep in the fridge. I used allot of Neosporin. Aquaphor. Vitamin E Oil. I think I liked the Vitamin E Oil the best. I did use Balmex at the end, but it was so messy; basically its adult Desetin. 

When I got the open sores, I finally went to my GP. He told me to use Witch Hazel and WOWEEE it worked like a dream. Dried them up and eased the pain. I don't think they would work on the burns, but if you get sores, run out and get some. 

The skin also goes black or a very dark brown. 

As for the Vagina. It has been three years since treatment and I am just now thinking that its becoming normal again. The skin became so thin that I was barely able to wash without it tearing and sex has been totally out of the question. I personally am not interested in using any kind of medication in the Vagina, having read the side effects, one being Cancer. I figured I would just live with it, but I do know there are several out there that help the thinning skin. I don't think these are to be used while you are still undergoing treatment, but you only have a few more to do. I did not find my Radiation Oncologist at all helpful with the Vaginal issue, my GP was the one I talked to about it. 

The Sitz Bath was one of the best investments I ever made, followed closley behind (my behind) by a Bidet. I tried the Donut pillow, and it did not work for me. I sat on soft pillows with soft baby blankets on top. 

I am sorry that you were not prepared for the side effects. I'd much rather be told all the horror stories and then not expereince them, that be left in the dark and be floored when they happend. 

Welcome to the forum. I hope you find something that helps you in the coming months. Soon it will be memory to look back on. 

Sue

I used radia gel from Wallmart.  It worked for me.  Maybe will for you also. Good luck!!

I had 28 radiation treatments and they told me I would get "sunburn" and to try an aloe lotion. That did not work so they gave me aquaphor - that was no real help so I went to a diaper rash lotion - that helped a little.  I have a bidet and the cool water was my best relief.  I have had the blackend skin and the peeling and all has subsided now.

The pain urinating was the worst for me.  I tried the yellow/orange dye pills the Dr. prescribed which helped a little.  Dr. said take cranberry so I did that but what gave me the most relief was AZO.  Even though I had my urine tested twice for UTI - I did not have a UTI but the burn was incredible to say the least.  BTW - I was never told about this possible side effect.