Overachieving Rad Girl -- would appreciate advice from Rad Graduates!

TraciInLA said:

Thank moo!
Thank moo (from my soft-as-a-cow's-behind self) for all the great advice! I really do feel better having a little more guidance about how to approach this, what to watch for, etc.

There was a thread here several months ago where many of you recommended products that you used during rads -- again, Overachiever Girl here, I promptly put all your recommendations in my drugstore.com shopping list, bought many of them before I even started rads, and then took them with me when I met with the nurse.

So, Claudia, thanks to you, when she started talking about what soap to use, I actually whipped out your recommended Aveeno, and said, "How about this?" You'll be happy to know that you're Nurse Junnie Approved!

BTW, I should mention that I'm actually having both breasts radiated, as I had lumpectomies on both sides. I guess this is somewhat rare, as the "both breasts" thing has been nothing but trouble, logistically speaking.

My first treatment had to be rescheduled when the scheduler realized she hadn't allotted enough time: "Oh, I assumed it was only one breast." And I have what I'm calling "the demilitarized zone" marked down the center of my chest, so that they don't overlap the radiation. I really hope that keeping my breasts is worth all this....

Traci

MyTurnNow said:

Hi, Traci, are we having fun
Hi, Traci, are we having fun yet?? I just read all the responses and it is amazing that every radiation oncologist seems to be different as to what type of cream to use. Mine recommended only 100% aloe. I get my radiaiation at 10:20 every morning so I don't use any type of lotion after my morning shower. Once my radiation is over, I do put on some aloe lotion when changing back into my clothes. I also put some on at night. I've only had 7 treatments so I haven't noticed anything yet. Good luck to you and keep us updated on your treatment and how it's going.

TraciInLA said:

The Great Cornstarch Mystery -- SOLVED!
So I had my weekly visit with the radiation oncologist today, and asked him to get more specific about all this lotion/cornstarch business. Rules dam*it, I need rules, guidelines, direction! Doesn't he know I'm an overachiever?!? :-)

He told me not to use the lotion under my breasts, as that area's too prone to moisture already, and the object is to keep everything dry. I'm supposed to use the lotions everywhere else on/around the breasts, and the cornstarch underneath.

Ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh!

I've actually been using the cornstarch all over my underarm/breast area in the morning after letting the Udderly Smooth soak in a little, and it's like a really nice, silky, unscented body powder. And you can use it to thicken gravy, too! Not bad for $1.19! :-)

Traci

chenheart said:

You mentioned about
You mentioned about showering...here is a BIG helpful hint for you! Your skin will get a cumulative burn, even if you don't see it, your skin will absolutely be affected. You need to treat it with extra TLC~ and this is how I did just that during my radiation therapy. Get yourself the softest natural sponge you can find, and use an unscented body wash; I used, and still use Aveeno , as it is both unscented and made with colloidal oatmeal which is very soothing. NEVER rub your radiated side in the shower!Saturate the natural sponge with plenty of wataer, add the Aveeno and make bubbles~ squeeze it gently over the radiated side, never letting the sponge touch your skin. The softer the sponge the "squishier" it will be and more water/Aveeno receptive. Pat yourself dry and then goop on the lotion of choice!

Your skin may also get itchy as the rads progress~ if so, ask your Dr for a Prescription for hydrocortisone cream, the OTC varieties are not strong enough to relieve the itch.

Hugs,
C♥