Radiotherapy club. Post your top tips for dealing with radiotherapy here please

Hi

I so agree with you re Aloe vera  from Holland and Barrett,i used the lotion at the recommendation of a friend whos mum had the disease, in fact she has the gene and had her breasts removed in 20s to prevent it. I had very little discolouration or skin irritation, and no scaring.  I still use it on on my breasts, in fact on most of my body.  I was never told what to use at hospital, cant remember it being mentioned. so I stuck to aloe vera and as said it was excellent. Would recommend it to anyone.June

I'm only posting this as it should go to latest activity for the worried ladies re radiotherapy hope it works ..all excellent advice I'm still annoyed about the postcode lottery re R1and r2 ...when they say their cream is just as good it's not their skin and this is specially formulated ok rant over out with the dogs on this lovely day lol 

Hugs and Rainbows 

Debs xxxx 

Rainbow Debs said:

I'm only posting this as it should go to latest activity for the worried ladies re radiotherapy hope it works ..all excellent advice I'm still annoyed about the postcode lottery re R1and r2 ...when they say their cream is just as good it's not their skin and this is specially formulated ok rant over out with the dogs on this lovely day lol 

Hugs and Rainbows 

Debs xxxx 

Have you got a practice nurse ? She might be more helpful ..it's bloody annoying I'm sure if it was their family they'd do whatever is best ..I'd complain to the practice manager and kick up a fuss at peak surgery time lol ..I'm sure they'd be helpful then ! 

I appear to have been lucky as my GP and practice nurse ( breast cancer 15 years ago ) basically said whatever you want we will get ..to the point with the dressings I had to cancel a prescription ..I wonder if it's the fact they dislike that you have greater knowledge ?? 

I'm going to do something about this ..watch this space !! 

Hugs and Rainbows 

Debs xxxx

Hello :)

I am one of the lucky ones who have not had chemo pre radiotherapy (I did have chemo 25 years ago when I had ovarian cancer but didn't have radiotherapy as well)

I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy, which finished two weeks ago.

I again was lucky in that the cancer centre was about 15 minutes from home and work, so didn't have the long journey that many have had to cope with and must be so tiring.

My tips would be to put on the creams as directed (so for me it was Epaderm twice a day) and then tell them if areas get sore. They gave me another thicker cream to put on the sore areas three times a day

Also to drink lots. I bought a 1 litre refillable bottle and I made sure I drank it before the treatments (mine were all in the afternoon) and then drink another litre when I got home.

I would also say be kind to yourself! I tried to keep life as simple as I could and built in time for rest, didn't expect to do too much. I was able to go to work in the mornings though.

Good luck everyone

Nicola

Hi Guys

I'm not due my radiotherapy until around July / August but was in holland and Barrett today.

I noticed the aloe Vera cream priced at £7.95 but then buy another for a penny! I've bought myself two tubes in preparation.

I like a bit of a bargain!

I've been using bio oil since my mastectomy almost 3 years ago. I buy that when its on offer. My last but bottle was £12.99 instead of £19.99!!!!!!

RT starting on Wednesday. I've been moisturizing my lumpectomy scar with E45 cream, but should I lay off during RT? I'm going to pick up some aloe vera gel, which I understand is useful - apparently the R1/R2 creams aren't prescribed here. Thanks in advance! 

RT starting on Wednesday. I've been moisturising my lumpectomy scar with E45 cream, but should I lay off during RT? I'm going to pick up some aloe vera gel, which I understand is useful - apparently the R1/R2 creams aren't prescribed here. Thanks in advance! 

Hi Sophie, first good luck with RT.

Don't use E45 while having RT it can interfere with treatment reaching the area properly. I found using aloa Vera gel straight from the fridge was just the best. The cream from the hospital just made matters much worse. Holland and Barrett have it on offer just now.

Also found that bio oil on my scars was brilliant but again not during RT.  I also used simple baby wash during treatment