BC , Radiotherapy and small breasts

Hi Debee

I have arthritis and shoulder problems and having RT last year was very difficult until I got asked to go to the "Mould room".  I had had a muscular "shudder " while they'd tried to do my pre treatment "mapping" scan,  despite having had a sneaky valium to help relax. I struggled to raise right arm on affected side, and just couldnt hold position even if they rammed foam rubber blocks under it. The mould room team were fab. I had no idea what it would involve. Think there were 7 people altogether, They took me into a different room where I had to lie on a blue bag which looked like a suit carrier. They got the hard foam blocks and poked and prodded them under my arms while I lay back on the bag, which had polystyrene beads, a bit like a cat bed or bean bag for kids. It was all going fine until someone asked, wheres the vacuum cleaner?  Id been aware of someone putting some air into bag before I lay on it, but didnt really think about it. ANyway.  The vaccuum was hooked up to the bag, the air sucked out, and when I was helped off the couch, there was the shape of me, to coccoon me each time I had my RT, all I would have to do was lie in/on it in the machines and off theyd go, spinning the RT machines round me, with my arms supported by the firm foam blocks. It made it so much more comfortable, I was even allowed to take a pic of the machines with my special mould on it. I dont know if they are standard issue, but it was almost sad to leave it on the coat rack at the exit when I left the team for the last time. I guess someone else can play with it now.

Hi Tia, I am also starting radiotherapy soon and going next week for the scan and markings. They said I would also receive my schedule for a couple of weeks later. I hope you don't mind me jumping onto your thread, as I too am interested in what people have to say. Good luck with your treatment. Xx

Hi there, I had 15 treatments and it went so fast and the staff are so supportive.

I remember laying on my back with my arms above my head and staring at the lovely ceiling which had been painted to look like a beautiful sunny sky, whilst the machine moved around me with the occasional clunk when it stopped. It was absolutely fine.

Nothing to worry about. 
You will be fine 

Hi. I had 20 sessions of radiotherapy a couple of years ago. I had problems getting my arms above my head, but the team at the hospital were excellent. I also had treatment on the left side. They make sure everything is fine and the machine stops if you move or aren’t in the correct place. I used E 45 cream after each session and still put it on at night. Making sure you are well hydrated can help with tiredness. Explain any concerns you have to the team, so that they can help you feel less anxious. Wishing you all the best. 

I start my radiotherapy in 12 days time. I don't feel at all prepared for this. I have had the mapping session but it was all so hurried with little opportunity for asking questions. My oncologist told me to use E45 cream after treatment but I have very sensitive skin and react to a lot of body lotions, I have never used E45 before and I'm worried that it could cause a rash. I tolerate Aveeno baby daily care well but how will I know if this is suitable.

Are you meant to moisturise before the RT and if so, how long before?
Am I meant to hydrate before and after RT if so, for how long....days, weeks, months ?

It's the lack of information that makes me feel anxious and the rushing of my mapping session.

Any tips would be brilliant

Don’t worry! The sessions are fast and it will soon be behind you.

I think it’s more important that you moisturise with a lotion or cream that suits your skin rather than just using E45 as the common go to option.

My hubby uses E45 so I tried that but I also used MooGoo which is for sensitive skin and also Avene Xeracalm. All good.

Also when I collected my Letrozole prescription the GP had added a huge pump dispenser of Zerobase emollient cream without me asking. This is excellent.

Start moisturising now and continue throughout and after your RT.

I had little redness and no issues after 15 sessions really apart from a temporary suntan on one side.

I hope it goes well!

Hi. I appreciate, easier said than done, but try not to worry too much about the sessions. I found them easier than the planning session and they are over quickly.  They tell you exactly what to do.

Re moisturising, I did this after the sessions, when back at home. I was told not to have any moisturiser on when I went to the sessions. I asked about suitable moisturisers when I went for my first session. Perhaps you could take your preferred lotion with you and ask them if it would be fine to use? I just drank as usual to keep hydrated. 

I had a little redness after 20 sessions, but nothing really and I have a wide scar following complications with my wound healing.

I went to some of the sessions on my own, but was often taken by my daughter or my friends. I enjoyed going with them, as we chatted about anything and everything. 

Take care and I hope all goes well for you. 

I actually found the RT sessions ok too. You get to meet similar people who are waiting for same and a little community builds up. We sometimes went out for tea afterwards as my sessions were quite late in the evening. Nothing to worry about. 

Hello deebee60,  I certainly understand why you are concerned about radiation treatments.  I had radiation back in 2022 to both breasts ( small breasts too 34A). Also super sensitive skin with history of atopic dermatitis.  Had 16 treatments to both breasts and a boost of 5 more to right one.  I am glad to say it went well and my skin did well too .  The radiology department had recommended aquaphor but I didn’t want to use it as too greasy so did my own research and came up with a program that worked great.  I used all Avene products. Xera calm for cleansing, Cicalfate restorative cream to moisturize.  Don’t moisturize before going to RT as you don’t want your skin to be at all greasy.  I did moisturize in the am as my appointment was not til about 2pm.  Also moisturized when I came home and after showering.  When you shower have your back towards the water not your chest as you don’t want to have that water pounding on your chest.  Don’t rub your chest dry only pat dry and then moisturize while skin is slightly damp.  
Keep hydrated and try to get good sleep too.  Aveeno and boohoo have good products too.  I called Avene and got recommendations from them and even my radiation oncologist was impressed as I only had a very slight redness.  Started moisturizer about a week before treatment started.  Gee sorry for the long message.  Take care.  Also started breast massage about 3 weeks after my radiation treatments ended and feel it helped to keep my breasts supple.  If you want I have a good video on massage from medical source.  Let me know.

I meant Moo goo not boohoo!!