Radiation bad effects????
Comments
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Hi Jeanne.........
Hi Jeanne,
I just finished 28 rounds of rad in February. Sailed through it until the last 5 days, then started to burn enough to cause a lot of tenderness. Just kept using the Aquafore that the nurse gave me. The skin peeled some after I was finished, but it wasn't terrible. They told me there that some people have the skin split, which is not unusual.
Anyway, I just had some discomfort from it for a couple of weeks, and I kept using the cream.
I think everyone probably has different experiences.....
Best of luck to you,
CR0 -
Thank you CR!CR1954 said:Hi Jeanne.........
Hi Jeanne,
I just finished 28 rounds of rad in February. Sailed through it until the last 5 days, then started to burn enough to cause a lot of tenderness. Just kept using the Aquafore that the nurse gave me. The skin peeled some after I was finished, but it wasn't terrible. They told me there that some people have the skin split, which is not unusual.
Anyway, I just had some discomfort from it for a couple of weeks, and I kept using the cream.
I think everyone probably has different experiences.....
Best of luck to you,
CR
They gave me a prescription for Biafine topical emulsion. Have you heard of that? I am not burnt yet or anything, but, they told me to start using it anyway. They never said anything about what you used, the aquafore. And, what is a skin split? Sorry, but, I don't know what that is. Well..off for #9 radiation treatment. Slowly but surely..lol Thanks again CR!
Hugs,
Jeanne0 -
I have 9 more radiation
I have 9 more radiation treatments left out of 33. This week I have been laughing with the technicans because I am bumpy and itchy ... The radiation fries some of the hair folices and that makes the bump and itch too, I think.
The burn didn't start for me for at least the first couple weeks. I have been hydrating my skin with 100% Aloe Vera frequently. I smother my skin with Aloe Vera 3 hours before the treatment. While I am in the changing room, I put on more Aloe Vera and Biafine cream the nurses gave me. I find the Biafine more soothing than the Aquaphor.
My doctor offered to prescribe a steroid cream for the itching, but I'm sticking with the Aloe Vera.
Now that I am at the end of treatment I find the fatigue is hitting. My energy is low.
The best news ... This too shall pass!
Keep your skin hydrated, drink lots of water. I believe the Aloe Vera has helped me tolerate the treatments. The Aloe Vera I am using is 100% pure aloe. Look for it in health food stores. I know there is an aloe vera cream some women have purchased at Walgreens.
Good luck and remember it will soon be over.0 -
Thanks Divablue!divablu said:I have 9 more radiation
I have 9 more radiation treatments left out of 33. This week I have been laughing with the technicans because I am bumpy and itchy ... The radiation fries some of the hair folices and that makes the bump and itch too, I think.
The burn didn't start for me for at least the first couple weeks. I have been hydrating my skin with 100% Aloe Vera frequently. I smother my skin with Aloe Vera 3 hours before the treatment. While I am in the changing room, I put on more Aloe Vera and Biafine cream the nurses gave me. I find the Biafine more soothing than the Aquaphor.
My doctor offered to prescribe a steroid cream for the itching, but I'm sticking with the Aloe Vera.
Now that I am at the end of treatment I find the fatigue is hitting. My energy is low.
The best news ... This too shall pass!
Keep your skin hydrated, drink lots of water. I believe the Aloe Vera has helped me tolerate the treatments. The Aloe Vera I am using is 100% pure aloe. Look for it in health food stores. I know there is an aloe vera cream some women have purchased at Walgreens.
Good luck and remember it will soon be over.
I finished my 9th treatment today out of 37. I noticed some little red bumps and asked the Doctor. He said it is radiation dermatitis and told me to just buy some over the counter hydrocortisone and use it first..then put on the Biafine. It will take care of the bumps and the itching. ( i hope ) lol I think I will get some of the 100% aloe vera too and try it. But, I have been told NOT to put anything on 4 hours prior to the radiation treatment, so, I don't. And, I shower everyday, so, anything I do put on gets washed off. I am surprised that you can put aloe vera on prior to the treatment. But, it helps? And, your Doctor says it is ok? Guess they all are a little different in their treatments of us. I just hope I don't get burned bad.
You are almost DONE! I am happy for you! So, good luck to you too and I wish you the best!
Jeanne0 -
LOL Jeanne...CR1954 said:Hi Jeanne.........
Hi Jeanne,
I just finished 28 rounds of rad in February. Sailed through it until the last 5 days, then started to burn enough to cause a lot of tenderness. Just kept using the Aquafore that the nurse gave me. The skin peeled some after I was finished, but it wasn't terrible. They told me there that some people have the skin split, which is not unusual.
Anyway, I just had some discomfort from it for a couple of weeks, and I kept using the cream.
I think everyone probably has different experiences.....
Best of luck to you,
CR
LOL...I'm sorry, I did mean that I used Biafine, and not Aquafore. I guess I was having a chemo-brain moment when I posted. Sorry about that.
I used the Biafine from the very beginning of radiation and continued on through the end.
When that was gone, my skin was still peeling and a bit sore, so they had me use Eucerin lotion on it to moisturize.
As far as the split skin, they told me that it was not uncommon to have the burned skin actually split and create an open sore. They warned me that it might happen so that I wouldn't panic over it if it did. Thankfully, it did not.
Also, on my last day of rad, they gave me a "diploma" tied with pink ribbon...lol! It stated that I made it through and that I had been a model patient! The diploma hangs on our fridge, along with our grandkid's artwork!
Hugs to you,
CR0 -
You deserve...CR1954 said:LOL Jeanne...
LOL...I'm sorry, I did mean that I used Biafine, and not Aquafore. I guess I was having a chemo-brain moment when I posted. Sorry about that.
I used the Biafine from the very beginning of radiation and continued on through the end.
When that was gone, my skin was still peeling and a bit sore, so they had me use Eucerin lotion on it to moisturize.
As far as the split skin, they told me that it was not uncommon to have the burned skin actually split and create an open sore. They warned me that it might happen so that I wouldn't panic over it if it did. Thankfully, it did not.
Also, on my last day of rad, they gave me a "diploma" tied with pink ribbon...lol! It stated that I made it through and that I had been a model patient! The diploma hangs on our fridge, along with our grandkid's artwork!
Hugs to you,
CR
that diploma CR!!! Thank you for the information. It means so much to me. This time around with breast cancer is so different for me. So, is your skin ok now? How long has it been?
Hugs to you too,
Jeanne0 -
I finished...Jeanne D said:You deserve...
that diploma CR!!! Thank you for the information. It means so much to me. This time around with breast cancer is so different for me. So, is your skin ok now? How long has it been?
Hugs to you too,
Jeanne
I finished rads in February Jeanne, and my skin is fine now. Looks just like a rectangular suntan at the moment, but no soreness at all. The rad onc said that the "tanned" look will fade away over time. No problems.
CR0 -
RadsJeanne D said:Thanks Divablue!
I finished my 9th treatment today out of 37. I noticed some little red bumps and asked the Doctor. He said it is radiation dermatitis and told me to just buy some over the counter hydrocortisone and use it first..then put on the Biafine. It will take care of the bumps and the itching. ( i hope ) lol I think I will get some of the 100% aloe vera too and try it. But, I have been told NOT to put anything on 4 hours prior to the radiation treatment, so, I don't. And, I shower everyday, so, anything I do put on gets washed off. I am surprised that you can put aloe vera on prior to the treatment. But, it helps? And, your Doctor says it is ok? Guess they all are a little different in their treatments of us. I just hope I don't get burned bad.
You are almost DONE! I am happy for you! So, good luck to you too and I wish you the best!
Jeanne
I used Aquaphor; the radiation clinic I went to handed little tubes of it out like candy! I did get itchy 1/2 through the treatments, and I did take the prescription-strength hydrocortisone, as my DR warned me that likely the OTC brands would not knock the itch out.
I also drank lots of water during both chemo and radiation. And as for body care~ I got a natural sponge and some liquid Aveeno body wash. It is water and oatmeal based with no dyes or perfumes which obviously could irritate radiated skin. I saturated the sponge with water, added the Aveeno, and squeezed the bubbly lather over my affected area, NEVER rubbing the skin. I patted it dry, gooped on the Aquaphor, wore no bra, and donned a big, soft T-shirt. Thankfully I had an in-home job caring for an elderly pre- alzheimers pt, and I could dress casually!
In the none of my business category, you mentioned you refused lymphnode removal; may I be so nosy as to as why?
Hugs,
Claudia0 -
I put the Aloe Vera on 3
I put the Aloe Vera on 3 hours before I go in for treatment. I shower in the morning and put on the Aloe Vera.
Keep your humor. I baked cookies yesterday for the staff at radiology. They loved my cookies!
Stay strong! All will be over in no time!
Huggs!0 -
Just me?
Has anyone experienced actual soreness of the breast, reminding me of post lumpectomy soreness only not as severe? My breast is tender and hurts if I bump it or lay on it wrong. Doctor told me that the radiation was irritating nerve endings that were damaged during surgery. It's no big deal, but I have never heard anyone else mention this.
I do have some sunburn-like soreness on the tender skin between my breast and my armpit. Not too bad. I use a product called "Natural Care Gel" that the doctor recommended for that. I just finished treatment #20 out of thirty.0 -
Not just you...jakeca said:Just me?
Has anyone experienced actual soreness of the breast, reminding me of post lumpectomy soreness only not as severe? My breast is tender and hurts if I bump it or lay on it wrong. Doctor told me that the radiation was irritating nerve endings that were damaged during surgery. It's no big deal, but I have never heard anyone else mention this.
I do have some sunburn-like soreness on the tender skin between my breast and my armpit. Not too bad. I use a product called "Natural Care Gel" that the doctor recommended for that. I just finished treatment #20 out of thirty.
Hi Jakeca, I have exactly the same as you and my surgeon told me it was from the radiation, irritating the scar tissue on the breast and site of the now removed lymph nodes. During radiation I took a very severe burn, but not until the end so they didn't have to stop treatment, my rad dr. gave me a steroid cream and recommended polysporin.. it worked. Good luck. Hugs Jxxxxxxxxxx0 -
I finished radiation
I finished radiation treatments on Christmas Eve 2008 with a mild burn under the arm/side of breast. Movement further aggravated that area. I used Aquaphor and Silver Sulfadiazine (prescribed by Radiologit) with self adhesive guaze to decrease the friction under my arm. One week after treatment ended the area was greatly improved. Oncology Radioligist said most experience burns after the third week and that's when mine started. She also said women with larger breasts tend to have more of a problem. My breast tissue is changed after radiation (more firm or rigid) and I'm told this is normal. Good luck!0 -
Some soreness ...jakeca said:Just me?
Has anyone experienced actual soreness of the breast, reminding me of post lumpectomy soreness only not as severe? My breast is tender and hurts if I bump it or lay on it wrong. Doctor told me that the radiation was irritating nerve endings that were damaged during surgery. It's no big deal, but I have never heard anyone else mention this.
I do have some sunburn-like soreness on the tender skin between my breast and my armpit. Not too bad. I use a product called "Natural Care Gel" that the doctor recommended for that. I just finished treatment #20 out of thirty.
I have had some mild soreness at the mastectomy area. My radiation doctor sent me to a physical therapist. Some massage and stretching exercises. There is scar tissue, of course, that develops and builds up at the area of surgery. Some gentle massage helps to break that up. Ask you radiation doc for a referral to a physical therapist who has experience treating bc patients and understands the affects of radiaton.0 -
You can ask me anythingchenheart said:Rads
I used Aquaphor; the radiation clinic I went to handed little tubes of it out like candy! I did get itchy 1/2 through the treatments, and I did take the prescription-strength hydrocortisone, as my DR warned me that likely the OTC brands would not knock the itch out.
I also drank lots of water during both chemo and radiation. And as for body care~ I got a natural sponge and some liquid Aveeno body wash. It is water and oatmeal based with no dyes or perfumes which obviously could irritate radiated skin. I saturated the sponge with water, added the Aveeno, and squeezed the bubbly lather over my affected area, NEVER rubbing the skin. I patted it dry, gooped on the Aquaphor, wore no bra, and donned a big, soft T-shirt. Thankfully I had an in-home job caring for an elderly pre- alzheimers pt, and I could dress casually!
In the none of my business category, you mentioned you refused lymphnode removal; may I be so nosy as to as why?
Hugs,
Claudia
I refused to have even one lymph node taken this time because of my experience in 1985. I had breast cancer in the other breast then, and, they took all of my lymph nodes out. They were clean..thank God, but, I was left with an almost useless arm. And, selfishly, I didn't want that to happen again. My arm is numb from the elbow on up, and, I have to be very careful with it. It probably was a dumb move not to even have one taken this time, but, after my MRI and ultrasounds came back showing nothing...Even my surgeon said it was probably a sensible decision...that everything looked fine and that my cancer was so small that it probably did not spread. Did that answer your question hon?0 -
Thanks to all of you!Derbygirl said:I finished radiation
I finished radiation treatments on Christmas Eve 2008 with a mild burn under the arm/side of breast. Movement further aggravated that area. I used Aquaphor and Silver Sulfadiazine (prescribed by Radiologit) with self adhesive guaze to decrease the friction under my arm. One week after treatment ended the area was greatly improved. Oncology Radioligist said most experience burns after the third week and that's when mine started. She also said women with larger breasts tend to have more of a problem. My breast tissue is changed after radiation (more firm or rigid) and I'm told this is normal. Good luck!
Thanks for all of the helpful info! This might sound strange, but, maybe it happened to someone else taking radiation. Ever since my first treatment on March 17th, 2009, my nose has been stuffed up and now my throat is getting sore. Am I just catching a stupid cold now or could it have something to do with the radiation? Or, am I just paranoid? lol0 -
radsJeanne D said:Am I paranoid?
This radiation does make you tired...I hate that it has started for me so soon. I have 29 more to go
I have finished 23 treatments out of 33. The fatigue comes and goes with me but I do *try* to be aware and not over schedule myself. My breast is reddish but I slather Aquaphor on it twice a day. My treatment is in the morning so I shower, have the treatment then put the Aquaphor on thickly and then I wear a cotton bra--DD so going without is not a good choice for me. The bra also helps keep the underside of the breast dry which the radiation oncologist has been very concerned about. Then I put Aquaphor on before going to bed which is a little greasy but I can wash the sheets!
Maureen0 -
Aloe Vera?divablu said:I put the Aloe Vera on 3
I put the Aloe Vera on 3 hours before I go in for treatment. I shower in the morning and put on the Aloe Vera.
Keep your humor. I baked cookies yesterday for the staff at radiology. They loved my cookies!
Stay strong! All will be over in no time!
Huggs!
I have an aloe plant...can I just use it too? Or, should I buy the 100% creme or oil somewhere? Thanks for all of your replies!0 -
I am getting radiation too.divablu said:I put the Aloe Vera on 3
I put the Aloe Vera on 3 hours before I go in for treatment. I shower in the morning and put on the Aloe Vera.
Keep your humor. I baked cookies yesterday for the staff at radiology. They loved my cookies!
Stay strong! All will be over in no time!
Huggs!
I am getting radiation too. my Dr had told tha that Idon't have to put any type of cream or lotion at least 4 hours befor radiation. and I usualy put the lotion after the treatment and at night and that is it. I don't know if I am right or not. this was what I have been told to do.my lotion is called Biofine.
Good luck to you.0 -
I have pain in my brest toojakeca said:Just me?
Has anyone experienced actual soreness of the breast, reminding me of post lumpectomy soreness only not as severe? My breast is tender and hurts if I bump it or lay on it wrong. Doctor told me that the radiation was irritating nerve endings that were damaged during surgery. It's no big deal, but I have never heard anyone else mention this.
I do have some sunburn-like soreness on the tender skin between my breast and my armpit. Not too bad. I use a product called "Natural Care Gel" that the doctor recommended for that. I just finished treatment #20 out of thirty.
I have pain in my brest too I have had 13 rad and 20 to go. the skin is still ok. but I feel uncomfortable with heaviness.
good luck.0
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