What can I do to stop the itch?
Comments
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Check with your radiation oncologist
First of all -- DON'T feel silly asking questions! We're here to help each other, and there's no reason your recovery needs to be any more difficult than it already is!
After I healed from radiation, I also had frequent, intense bouts of itching, particularly around my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy scars. It gradually got less and less over the first year, but even still (2 1/2 years since radiation ended), I sometimes get a little mild itching around the scars.
Definitely call your radiation oncologist's office, and ask what he/she recommends -- there's no reason to suffer, and they're experts on skin healing from radiation. I had a prescription cream immediately after radiation to help with the itching (I'm sorry, I don't remember what it was called) -- once it lessened, my doctor told me just to use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
Hope that helps?
Traci0 -
You might have what I hadTraciInLA said:Check with your radiation oncologist
First of all -- DON'T feel silly asking questions! We're here to help each other, and there's no reason your recovery needs to be any more difficult than it already is!
After I healed from radiation, I also had frequent, intense bouts of itching, particularly around my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy scars. It gradually got less and less over the first year, but even still (2 1/2 years since radiation ended), I sometimes get a little mild itching around the scars.
Definitely call your radiation oncologist's office, and ask what he/she recommends -- there's no reason to suffer, and they're experts on skin healing from radiation. I had a prescription cream immediately after radiation to help with the itching (I'm sorry, I don't remember what it was called) -- once it lessened, my doctor told me just to use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
Hope that helps?
Traci
You might have what I had and it was from the radiation. It was a rash and it itched something terrible. The over the counter cortisone creams did not work for me, so, my rads oncologist gave me a prescription. It worked! See if you can get some. It is Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream. The itching started going away pretty quick. Good luck!
Sue
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I totally agree with
I totally agree with Traci...you always need to ask those questions. Nothing is too small or too big to talk about here.
With skin issues I have good results with lidocane creams, the numbing usually gives me the relief I need.. Of course, it's something to talk with your rads onc about.
Good luck and let us know what works.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
I used the same cream thatGabe N Abby Mom said:I totally agree with
I totally agree with Traci...you always need to ask those questions. Nothing is too small or too big to talk about here.
With skin issues I have good results with lidocane creams, the numbing usually gives me the relief I need.. Of course, it's something to talk with your rads onc about.
Good luck and let us know what works.
Hugs,
Linda
I used the same cream that Ritzy used. Ask your rads oncologist about it. I am sure he can give you something to help.
Good luck!0 -
Thank you all so much
Thanks, Sue and Noel, for that specific cream you suggest. Sounds like that is what I need and I am calling my rad onc today!
And thanks, Traci and Linda, for so graciously validating me. Linda, who is going through so many difficulties, is such an inspiration. My stupid issues seem so small compared to the tough times you have had. I hope you know how much your words and support mean to me.
Teary hugs...0 -
Did you get some help fromAttygirl said:Thank you all so much
Thanks, Sue and Noel, for that specific cream you suggest. Sounds like that is what I need and I am calling my rad onc today!
And thanks, Traci and Linda, for so graciously validating me. Linda, who is going through so many difficulties, is such an inspiration. My stupid issues seem so small compared to the tough times you have had. I hope you know how much your words and support mean to me.
Teary hugs...
Did you get some help from your rads oncologist for the itching? And, never say any issue you have is stupid! Every issue we have is just as important as the next one. No one's take precedence over anyone else's.
Hugs, Lex0 -
Don't scratch!Attygirl said:Thank you all so much
Thanks, Sue and Noel, for that specific cream you suggest. Sounds like that is what I need and I am calling my rad onc today!
And thanks, Traci and Linda, for so graciously validating me. Linda, who is going through so many difficulties, is such an inspiration. My stupid issues seem so small compared to the tough times you have had. I hope you know how much your words and support mean to me.
Teary hugs...
That will make it worse! I started with a rash on my upper chest and started scratching. I didn't realize my radiation treatments were going that high and that's what it was from. Where I scratched was much worse during the rest of treatment. OTC cortisone helped some, but not completely. Aquaphor with lidocaine (the RO mixed it up for me) helped. Then I started adding aloe gel to Aquaphor.
And I agree-it's not stupid! We're all at different stages of treatments and some have more than others. But we've all one difficulty or another and they're all important!
And did I say "Don't Scratch"?
Deb0 -
What did he say? Did youdebsweb18 said:Don't scratch!
That will make it worse! I started with a rash on my upper chest and started scratching. I didn't realize my radiation treatments were going that high and that's what it was from. Where I scratched was much worse during the rest of treatment. OTC cortisone helped some, but not completely. Aquaphor with lidocaine (the RO mixed it up for me) helped. Then I started adding aloe gel to Aquaphor.
And I agree-it's not stupid! We're all at different stages of treatments and some have more than others. But we've all one difficulty or another and they're all important!
And did I say "Don't Scratch"?
Deb
What did he say? Did you get a cream to help yet?0 -
itchingDianeBC said:What did he say? Did you
What did he say? Did you get a cream to help yet?
I have had skin allergies for decades, so I was not surprised when itching
started. I am already on meds to control it, but I have found that OTC
hydrocortisonecream has helped. Also, I got some roll-on stuff to
carry in my purse. Hope you can get some relief!0 -
Hello All
And thanks again for the validation. I promise not to characterize a complaint as "silly" again!
My rad onc's assistant had me trying all of these over-the-counter creams but nothing has given me any sustained relief. So we just talked and she is calling in a prescription for Atarex. Said it should stop the itching...and help me sleep too (since I don't do much of that). She said they don't like to prescribe steroid-based creams, like the one recommended by several of you above (triamcinolone acetonide), but I may insist on trying it if this doesn't work for me.
I'll update in a few days...and thanks so much!0 -
Just glad that your onco isAttygirl said:Hello All
And thanks again for the validation. I promise not to characterize a complaint as "silly" again!
My rad onc's assistant had me trying all of these over-the-counter creams but nothing has given me any sustained relief. So we just talked and she is calling in a prescription for Atarex. Said it should stop the itching...and help me sleep too (since I don't do much of that). She said they don't like to prescribe steroid-based creams, like the one recommended by several of you above (triamcinolone acetonide), but I may insist on trying it if this doesn't work for me.
I'll update in a few days...and thanks so much!
Just glad that your onco is giving you something to help. I hope it does. If it doesn't, please try the cream.
Sleep? What's that? lol
Get some sleep and stop that itching and always post anything that bothers you. That's why we're here.
Good luck,
Noel0 -
How is the Atarex -- working?Attygirl said:Hello All
And thanks again for the validation. I promise not to characterize a complaint as "silly" again!
My rad onc's assistant had me trying all of these over-the-counter creams but nothing has given me any sustained relief. So we just talked and she is calling in a prescription for Atarex. Said it should stop the itching...and help me sleep too (since I don't do much of that). She said they don't like to prescribe steroid-based creams, like the one recommended by several of you above (triamcinolone acetonide), but I may insist on trying it if this doesn't work for me.
I'll update in a few days...and thanks so much!
no such thing of a 'silly' question when it comes to breast cancer. We are all
different, and react differently from chemo, drugs, or radiation.
Side efforts continue to plague many us ... months, even years after our treatment
has ended.
Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.
Vicki Sam0 -
Really hoping it will work! Why did your onco not want you to use the cream? It worked for me almost immediately.VickiSam said:How is the Atarex -- working?
no such thing of a 'silly' question when it comes to breast cancer. We are all
different, and react differently from chemo, drugs, or radiation.
Side efforts continue to plague many us ... months, even years after our treatment
has ended.
Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.
Vicki Sam
Good luck to you,
Sue 0 -
Atty girljnl said:Wondering how the atarex is
Wondering how the atarex is working also. Are you doing ok now? No more itching?
Leeza
I've been thinking about you bc we started our Tamoxifen together. I haven't noticed se's. How about you? Also thinking about you living close to the Jersey shore and the storm, Sandy. Give us a heads up asap. Hugs, Linda0 -
I'm with Traci
Try not to itch, easier said than done. Get on the phone with Doc or go in and get yourself some relief. I itched my left side a lot, and i can't even feel that boob, but I can feel an itch, wierd. Hope you get relief soon!
Miles of Love,
~Kari0 -
Atty girl, how are you?lintx said:Atty girl
I've been thinking about you bc we started our Tamoxifen together. I haven't noticed se's. How about you? Also thinking about you living close to the Jersey shore and the storm, Sandy. Give us a heads up asap. Hugs, Linda
Atty girl, how are you? It's been awhile since you posted.
Hugs, Debby0 -
Haven't posted in a while...
For a few reasons...found myself feeling a deep sadness after Nancy died (she was so special here); overdue for and worried about my 6 months mammo ; and we lost electricity for 6 days after Superstorm Sandy devastated my area. My home and family came out unscathed -no damage and no flooding- thanks be to God. But so many others in my area are suffering tremendous losses. Those things, coupled with the arduous application process for high school for my daughter, and the presidential election craziness, has my head spinning.
That itch I was complaining about? Still bothering me!
I filled the prescription for the Atarex but got discouraged when my rad onc and med onc were initially reluctant to say that it was ok to take it with Tamoxifen. A simple question that took days to resolve. Finally my med onc's office called and said it was fine, after I left a very frustrated voicemail message. The whole back and forth was ridiculous. I have yet to take the damn pill. I just stopped caring about the stupid itch. So many other things on my mind.
Tamoxifen side effects? Thanks for asking. I started out having some intense muscle, joint aches and pains, but those have subsided dramatically. I am still having some intense hot flashes though! Otherwise, it's been ok. I've only forgotten to take it 3 times since 9/17! Lol
I am so grateful that I can come back to this space and ya'll are still here, caring. What a blessing.0 -
Thank you so much Linda!lintx said:Atty girl
I've been thinking about you bc we started our Tamoxifen together. I haven't noticed se's. How about you? Also thinking about you living close to the Jersey shore and the storm, Sandy. Give us a heads up asap. Hugs, Linda
Sounds like you are well! See my update...
X00
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