Radiotherapy Skin Reaction

Hi Devon, you are defnitely NOT being a wimp.  Its a horrible thing to exprience and can be very painful.  Think the chance of this happening is higher if your RT is over 5 days than 15 due to the daily dose being higher.  I had a similar experience and initially got treated for burns, with the gel having no impact at all....... but  it turned out to be thrush.   No matter which it is, it needs more help than you are being given.  You have every right to call them, no matter how busy they are.   You could also try your GP surgery and insist on being seen tomorrow.   I got a same day appointment with one of the practice nurses, who diagnosed it properly and gave me cream for thrush, although I had to go back to the GP a few days later as it was clearly infected (blisters, which I had thought were burns but weren't) and needed antibiotics.   I also took painkillers - paracetamol.  Please tke some painkillers now and get more help tomorrow.  Honestly, it was the worst part of my whole lumpectomy and RT experience.  Am very thankful to our local GP surgery who have been wonderful, very responsive and supportive throughout my treatment.

Thanks SuzieQ. I was already thinking about ringing the drs tomorrow anyway. I noticed today when I removed the pad some green muck on it. So possibly its infected or its thrush. I dont want to go back to hospital tomorrow if I can avoid it as its a 35min trip and I wont have access to car. Its getting me down as I healed so well after surgery with no problems at all. Even surgeon seemed to admire his own handiwork. 

Hello Devon

I had similar to you and I absolutely sympathise. As Suzi has suggested take paracetamol and ibuprophen together if you are OK with these meds. This did work for me as far as pain went. Hospital recommended these, which I would never have thought of for skin. I was told by hospital to see the practice nurse for my quite bad underboob burns from 15 sessions plus 4boosts. The nurse kept me supplied with the special non-stick burn dressings and also reviewed me twice per week for a fortnight. Eventually healed up. They also advised no bra as much as possible and getting the air about it. This was virtually impossible as I was at the front of the queue when boobs were being given out and I have adult son and daughter-in-law at home with me. Nevertheless, all is well that ends well although it didn't feel like that at the time.

Good healing to you.

WallyDug

Hi WallyDug. I am 46E chest am not comfortable with going out without a bra. But will take paracetamol and brufen and see if they work. I am do fed up. Didn't feel radiotherapy staff were that sympathetic either. More doom and gloom than anything else. 

I found the same rehospital staff. However, the practice nurse was wonderful. She debrided and redressed the ulcerated areas each time and gave me reassurance that it was actually beginning to heal. 

Take care.

Thanks will try and get appointment with practice nurse tomorrow and see what they say. Will update if I am successful. 

Hi ladies

Been to see the practice nurse who cleaned it and put a different type of dressing on. She has sent prescription to local pharmacy so I can get more dressings if needed. I have an appointment with her again on Friday. Felt more reassured speaking with her than with the hospital staff.