••• February Radiotherapy Club 2020 •••

Hi everyone - well I’ve completed day 3 of my radio today I’m using the R1 and R2 gel. I can’t help thinking I am getting burnt, bits of tingling but that could be the gel. 

Great to have the weekend off, then number 4 of 15 on Monday - almost there now! I don’t know about ringing the bell I want yo book a holiday. Have a great weekend everyone x

Eileen xxx 

Hi I am new to this forum and want to say I am on day 13 of radiotherpy 2 more to go. I have used zerobase from the beginning to moisturise . I have itchy sore boob so am using aloe vera gel which helps. I am also suffering from fatigue but nothing that I can't cope with. I think we are all different and some suffer with side effects more than others. But it is worth it in the long term . X

grannymazza

Hi all, I'm due to start radio soon.. and the oncologist said to use normal moisturiser. I have seen everyone talking about R1 and R2 and now the zerobase..  should I be buying other things? Will these work better? Any tips gratefully received!!! Xxxx

I think everyone reacts differently. I was told e45 and Aloe Vera - my friend used that and burnt so I decided to try the R1 and R2. The thing is you don’t know if it’s worked or not til it’s too late at day 10 I think I read. I will post on here how mine goes but I’m only on day 3 at the moment xxx

Eileen xxx

Hi.  It’s almost 3 years since I had Radiotheraphy I used what the hostpital gave me I think it was called Aqua something, I didn’t have many burns just looked sunburned but did have a few blisters underneath. The nurse gave me Mepilex to put on it’s like a big plaster but doesen’t stick to the skin it helped a lot, the only advice I can give you is have a snack before you have it and drink plenty of water, it really helped me because I didn’t have any real problems. Good luck.

Hi, I have 12 out of 23 sessions completed. I put on R1 when I get home(I am half hour from hospital), followed by r2. I put on r2 again before bed. I also use Aveeno Dermexa in the morning. My skin turned red after a few days (I had the bolus for 7 sessions), but no pain or sensitivity so far. Fingers crossed it stays that way. Best of luck! 

Finished rads today...15 then 4 boost. I've been very tired since last weekend and my lymph node scar was very red then started weeping in the middle. The last couple of days I've been red and sore under my boob and was advised to stop using the Zerobase and just use the Dermovate. I haven't worn a bra for the last week...couldn't bare the thought of it next to my skin! I had a cool shower this morning and it felt really good. Came back home tonight after 2 weeks in my caravan being close to the hospital....been out for a burger and beers to celebrate...it's been the quickest 4 weeks ever!

Glad you have finished your treatment and back home.i had my last one on Tues.  My scars are so red and lumpy itchy and sore. I stopped using zerobase and aloe vera gel so not sure what to use now. I was told by the nurse bio oil but not sure if this will irritate too. Like you I am suffering with tiredness sometimes I lack so much energy . I also feel so fuzzy headed has anyone else had this. I was also told by the Radiotherpist on Tues that the side effects can last another few weeks and peak in 2 weeks. Has anyone else been told this or experienced it. 

Grannymazza 

In France I was given hyaluronic acid cream on a prescription. I followed the instructions , creaming thickly when I got home and at any point my skin felt warm. I had 33 sessions of radiotherapy in 2016 and I never actually burnt nor chatting to others in the waiting area, did they. Since then hyaluronic acid has become very popular in the make up industry because .....publicity says..... it retains maximum moisture so it suddenly made sense why it worked so well.

I am astonished that E45 and aloe vera are recommended because I was told nothing like lanolin or scented.  However I think the secret is to remove all creams and grease with a shower before you go to each session. The only lady who did burn had got confused by the comparison to sunburn and who had creamed before her treatments. The nurses/ technicians were so concerned at this they made each of us individually tell them what we were doing between each dose of radiotherapy.  

I wish you all well. It does go more quickly than you anticipate. However, don't be alarmed if you feel the fatigue a few weeks after you finish treatment. This is very common. Work with it.....rest  if you need to....it will help you recover more quickly in the long term. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. Do exactly what your own body requires.....

Love to all. It will be over soon.

Love Karen

Well done on getting through it, it's a great feeling.  Unfortunately it is true that you continue to cook for  2 to 3 weeks after finish of treatment but mostly it is not too bad for most people.  I burned quite badly but I know I'm an exception rather than the norm so hopefully you'll be fine. I also had moments of extreme tiredness but no fuzzy head and now 5 weeks on I'm feeling much better .

XOXO