Radiotherapy

[smithtennyson]

Next week I go for radiotherapy for a lumpectomy. I have 5 days of it, being fair skinned I am worried about the 'sunburn' effect that it will probably have on me, as I stay out of the sun due to burning. Not to mention, the feeling sick! Any suggestions please?

[mathematics]

Aloe vera ointment the gel sort it works and does ease the redness considerably all the best in your treatment

[AnnieAppleseed in reply to mathematics]

Turmeric/curcumin helps prevent problems internally. Also IP6 may help.

[Warrio]

Every person is different. I have fair skin, the sunburn didn't show up on me until 4 days after 25 rounds of radiation endrd. Sunscreen and hats help with outside. For your skin I recommend Aquaphor. It's stickier than lotion but felt good over the "burn" on my skin. Stay hydrated too.

[smithtennyson in reply to Warrio]

Thank you, I will have a look for that, and at least if I know the 'sunburn' effect won't be immediate, I may be able to plan a bit better for it x

[1KITTEN]

I am a blonde & very fair skinned. I had 15 sessions of radiation therapy. I got through it with out a problem but a week later I did have the skin break under my left breast & a little burn under my left underarm. My Medical Oncologist prescription medication for it & it cleared up quickly. But two weeks before my radiation my Medical Oncologist & nurse suggested to put cream on my areas to be radiation three times a day. It really did help. I used Galaxal Base moisturizing cream bought at Costco, Wal-Mart or any Drug Store. I hope this helps. I wish you luck. 😊

[Vern3]

I am fair skinned and was very worried before treatment. I have had radiotherapy twice: 21 sessions the first time, 17 the second. Both times I came out of it with a slight tan but no skin breakdown. The key for me was regular use of cream before and after each treatment. I used "My Girls Radiation Burn Care Cream". Not sure if it is available in the UK. But I know others who have used Calendula Cream (at least 10%) with the same results.

If you can, start applying the cream to the area (several times a day) a couple of days before you start radiotherapy. During therapy, I applied it first thing in the morning. Then right after treatment. After a shower and before I went to bed. Other BC survivors suggested this to me and it worked.

Never felt sick during treatment. However, I experienced extreme fatigue the first time. Second time not as much. Hope this is helpful.

[DCCC_204]

Hi. I also had 5 rounds of radiation last October. I am also fair skinned & was blonde before my chemo treatments. I understood my Radiation Dr to say these 5 treatments were “super” type treatments that were offered to Stage 1 patients. I generously used a particular crème recommended by a nurse who called me prior to treatment, on my chest area especially the affected breast area. I found a tendency for drier skin but no other ill effects to my skin. I was intimidated by the machine but after a couple sessions felt more comfortable. The medical staff were kind with me.

Good luck to you. I found the Radiation not to have many visible side effects. Hope your experience is positive.

[WarArtist]

applying aloe vera gel and calendula cream helped me to reduce the amount of burning. Be certain to apply to your back as well—the exit radiation will burn that skin as well, best of luck with treatment.

[twiceshy2]

I also had 5 Radiation treatments after my lumpectomy and used Cerave lotion and didn't have any skin irritation from the treatments - also ask your nurse for recommendation because sometimes they have sample lotions on hand you can try - best of luck with everything.