First radiotherapy session

HI Leesland123 

I had 15 sessions ( 5 years ago, so I think they often do the 5 high powered sessions now).  Aloe Vera Gel (GEL not cream) from Holland and Barrett is perfect.  I spent a fortune on some special radiotherapy gel and it was exactly the same as H&B Aloe Vera at a fraction of the cost...

I put mine on first thing in the morning (the whole breast and under where the bra strap goes), then at lunch time, a couple of hours before radio. then straight after, then again before bed.  I only had radio. burns where my bra strap rubbed, so in hindsight I would have stopped putting gel there after the 2nd week.

Drinking is vital.  I went at the same time as 3 other ladies.  2 didn't drink much and one of those fell asleep at her desk at work she was so fatigued, the other one who didn't drink much also suffered fatigue.  The 2 of us who drank more than you could ever imagine drinking (several pints during the day) were fine.  In fact, I drove myself 60 miles there and back for the 3 weeks and was working normally too.

I asked in Holland and Barrett about deodorant and the assistant picked some out for me that was suitable during radiotherapy.  I must admit by being very impressed with the staff!

I also had a dental appointment just before my radio. started and as I had to fill in the new medication of Anastrozole, she prescribed me some toothpaste with high fluoride content (Duraphat) and told me to use Corsadyl mouthwash instead of my usual one.  I'm over 5 years down the line after radio. and haven't had any problems with my teeth, so her advice was obviously sound.

I was worried about radio. but actually it wasn't that bad at all for me.  I know everyone's different, but I hope it's ok for you too.

Kindest wishes, Lesley

Thank you Lesley for your reply. I'm having 5 sessions of radiotherapy and stated Anastrozole about 6 weeks ago.  I’m hoping to carry on working so will definitely increase my liquid intake. I will go and buy some Aloe Vera gel in readiness.

Ann x 

Hi Ann

just finished 15 sessions I used moo goo cream and shower gel but they did mention  to use aveeno wash and moisturising lotion ,. But I believe it’s got to be fragrance free.  When each radiotherapy session finished I applied the moisturiser before I dressed , the only rash I had came out a week after I finished my treatment and it was on my back not the chest area but my doctor told me to use the same moisturiser and it’s fine now but I have kept up with the moisturising . I drunk  water and carried on as normal I have had no side effects at all.

best of luck and take care. X

Thank you Janet x

Leesland123 said:

Janet

Thank Janey 

Hi Ann

i had 5 day radiotherapy in Scotland. The hospital gave me creams to use morning and night (Zerobase) and a steroid cream to use at teatime. A bit messy but worked a treat. A bit of discolouration but no pain, burns or itch. They also advised against a spray deodorant - roll on I’d ok. Finally they said to buy some Simple soap for showering. Hope this helps.

Thank you, I don’t know if the hospital will give me anything so I want to be prepared. 

Hello Leesland123,  I live here in US and had radiation to both breasts in March/April 2022.  Had 16 sessions to both and a boost of 5 to the right.  Was worried as I have sensitive skin and fair too but did well.  They had recommended aquaphor but I didn’t like texture so used Avene products.  Loved the Cicalfate cream but am sure the aveeno will be great too.  One thing that I did do was a fragrance free cleanser to my breasts and stood with my back to the shower as don’t want that water pounding on the delicate tissue.  I kept a bottle of Avene thermal spring water in refrigerator and oh so wonderful and cooling and refreshing on the delicate skin.  Healing too.  One thing that hurt was my nipples but only for a few days at beginning of treatment.  Since your treatment is shorter may not have that.  Remember that for about 2-3 weeks after radiation treatments stop you will still have more skin issues that can get worse so be careful and continue with moisturizing etc.    here is the image of the spray.  I still use it on breasts when I am warm etc.  Good for face too. 
Take care and good luck.  I didn’t find radiation difficult except going every day but all in all ok.  
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year too.

Barbara

I had 5 days of radiotherapy just over a year ago. They advised me to moisturise, but to not do so before the treatment as that could exacerbate burning. So I used Aveeno when I got home and before going to bed, then showered before the next day’s treatment. Beware that you can get burns, particularly where you have skin overlaps (eg under and round the side), also in scar tissue. On the 5 day protocol there seems to be a bit of a delay before this happens - in my case it started about 6 weeks after treatment. Looked and felt like bad sunburn and went through a couple of peeling cycles. Afterwards I had oedema in the same areas. 

first one down, feels kinda burny around scarred area,not sure if psychological or what, aloe gel after at radio, creamed again, now in bedm at yes 5:30pm my time.

first thing tomorrow again and friday, then4days off the 3 days then off for 3 then full on, and so need more moisturiser, have aloe gel and an water based one too, going to be a loooooong 3 ish weeks 

sending hugs to all