Hi
Five years post chemo radiotherapy and signed off at my treatment hospital in Addenbrookes which actually happened two years ago so under observation for three. I had a very bad skin reaction to a cream and triggered radiation dermatitis which caused the skin to swell and break down. My doctors have told me it’s above their expertise what to prescribe but did manage to get an emergency appointment with my oncologist in Addenbrookes. I left the appointment with the assurance that she sees no signs of cancer and that was about it. I told her I was using flamigel rt which I purchased and she said okay. I came home in pain and none the wiser but she did say I’m not on her books but in emergency she will see me. Over the weekend it flared up again with lots of capillaries around the anus which I never had before but unbeknown to us your skin looks normal but it isn’t apparently as the damage is lifelong under the surface. I requested to see a specialist dermatologist which she said she would try but it will be a long wait time. I thought oncologist were trained to advise how to care for the skin after radiotherapy. Apparently it’s common to have this happen suddenly after five/ten years. I know you are not supposed to continue flamigel when healed so sent a message to my oncologist asking if she could suggest something and as it’s a long wait for dermatology could I continue to see her if my skin really breaks down and suitable creams. She can’t as she has too many on her books. So if she can’t help and my GP can’t help with such a complex fragile tissue situation where can I go? I am finding more support from AI!
Julie
