Radiotherapy burns

[Archiedog]

Hi , hope you can help. After my mastectomy in June, I was further offered 15 sessions of radiotherapy. My sessions went well and I finished them on 20/8 ,now back on 75 mg ibrance. However this past week I have experienced discomfort from radiotherapy burns especially along the line of my scar, it is wet and angry looking. I have been given antibiotics but don’t believe it is infected but a side effect. Am wondering if anyone can recommend anything for the discomfort and aid the healing / advise on dressings etc. Thanks in advance Helen

[Adele_Julia]

Hi there ! 2 years ago , I had a lumpectomy, 4 months of chemo, another surgery to remove lymph nodes under my right armpit followed by 6 weeks (30 sessions) of radiation. I thought my right girl would fall off. The burns were excruciating. I was given tubes of Aspercreme with Litocaine . You can buy this over the counter. Great for numbing the pain. In Nov of 2020 I was diagnosed with MBC as the tumor came back at the precise location as the lumpectomy. I just finished 10 days of Cyberknife which is a targeted radiation similar to having LASIK eye cataract removal. Very targeted beam. Mainly to close up the open tumor. The radiation really got this girl “upset, red and angry” but the tumor is closing. Again I have slathered on the cream. It numbs the area and helps it heal. Blessings ! P.S. in hindsight, I should have just lopped off my right girl ! Xo

[morty87]

The same happened to me in 2007. I actually developed a staph infection! Udder balm in a green tin worked wonders. It is usually found at Tractor supply stores, but I have found it at some grocery stores. Good luck.

[misshope1]

Hi, I had 40 sessions of radiation to my breast and upper chest. I kept my skin in good condition by slathering on "Shea Moisture's Coconut Oil Lotion". I would get a prescription for a medicated cream for the irritated scar from the radiologist or oncologist. You want to avoid infections to that area.Best to you

[RLN-overcomer]

Greetings Sister/warrior Aquaphor in conjunction with pure Aloe Vera worked for me 13 years ago . Pure Aloe also works for sun burns on contact. I use Aloe , vitamin C/Retinol serum, and Hylauronic Acid/Collagen serum on my face , neck, and hands after washing with a honey oatmeal soap on the the area's. I do hope/pray you get some relief from the radiation side effects. My radiation burns from 13 years ago are, I thank GOD no longer visible..😇🙏

[SoulJourney]

Hello - I am so sorry you are in such discomfort! I can say that while I have not had the girls zapped I have had more than my share of radiation - extensive radiation mid spine(3 weeks daily), high dose targeted radiation to my spine at the base of my neck (2 shots a week apart), as well as hip, ribs twice and my shoulder. There are a few things I have come to know...

Know that it will be more painful before it feels better, I am not sure what type of pain management you are using but I see an increase in my T3 consumption leading up to and during radiation and it will fall off about 2-3 weeks post radiation. Don't worry about taking extra during this time. All of a suddenly you will realize just how much better it is, especially since it sounds like there is a lot of pain at the site pretreatment. Further, the antibiotics are to prevent an infection as it is open - the weepy, wet look. Double check but because if it is open you will want to be very care with anything other than a medicated cream - to prevent infection. That being said polysporin is NOT a good choice because it will hold in the heat, the jelly won't let the radiation aka heat out. Over the counter cream and lots of it will be good for areas that are not open.

First tip: Get some Glaxal Base Moisturizing Cream - Costco or Shopper's Drugmart. It is the best treatment and I have tried many. For those reading this and radiation is still to come - take it with you to radiation and put it on before you even leave. Apply cream liberally and don't try to rub it all in, rub a little and leave the white film to cover. Usually every 2 hours during the day for the first week post. Then spread it out a little as you start to feel better. My rule of thumb if I feel warmth add cream. I have only blistered once and that was because I grabbed the wrong cooling spray. The wrong skin treatment is anything with perfume or alcohol.

Second tip - wear loose clothing! I have a favorite pair of yoga pants and a lite sweater shirt for scans and radiation. If you can go braless do it, if you must wear a bra put some flannel between you and the bra - seams and elastic are going to be a major source of irritation.

Third tip - for future reference and those with radiation to come...Take a jacket and socks I am always cold after - shivering it is likely your body in shock.

Don't worry if you loose your appetite, sip soup broth and drink lots, even if it is small amounts often.

I have always said knowledge is power, it will help you cope.

Those are the things that come to mind. Best of luck!

Hugs

Tammie