Radiotherapy

Hi I used Flamigel RT and found it great. If your skin gets hot or red keep it in the fridge.

i didn’t start until my radiotherapy started and had minimal problems . Keep using it until your review as sometimes it takes a while for reactions to come out .my radiotherapy wasn’t to bad and I hope you have the same experience .

Thank you so much xxx

Hi I completed 15 days of radiotherapy in June.  I was advised to just use my preferred moisturiser/lotion but to avoid any that were body oil types.

During the treatment I had to hold my breath as I had cancer in my left breast and lymph nodes.  It helped me to count the number of times I held my breath so I  knew how many more zaps I would have.

I had 3 and then the machine moved and I had 3 more.  The treatment lasted about 30 minutes. 

Any reactions don't start until about 2 weeks into the treatment and can peak up to 2 weeks after treatment has finished.   My skin was fine, bit warm and some fatigue kicked in but nothing else.

Hope it all goes smoothly for you x

Hello,  I started using Avene Cicalfate restorative cream a week before my radiation treatments as I wanted the skin barrier to be in good condition. Also I have sensitive skin and a history of eczema so moisturizer is a staple for me.  Take care and just think when you are finished with radiation that is another milestone.  

Hi

i used aveeno before treatment and switched to flamigel. I took it with me to each session and applied some when getting changed. Thereafter I applied it 3 times a day. I cut down about a month after my final session. I had no skin problems. A slight pink colour and the area was a little warm but that didn’t last. A tip I was given was to let the air get to the treated area. So I changed into a short sleeved nightie each evening, stretched my arm out and let the air do its thing.

I also recommend flamigel - and I continued to use it for a month or so past treatment and then I switched to an unscented moisturiser.
Don’t apply any creams in the few hours before treatment each day but fine to apply immediately after. Keep hydrated - water and coconut water too as a system boost. If you have any concerns at all during treatment, tell your team - I found everyone very supportive. My breast area was very hot and pink every day from a few hours after treatment ended and had then cooled again by the following morning. 
good luck x 

Thank you so  much xxx

Thank you so much xxx

Hi. My friend has just completed radiotherapy and used aveeno throughout and still does. She said she has had no skin issues whatsoever. 

Can I just ask why 21 days of treatment? Results of a trial were released a few weeks ago stating 5 days of high dose radiotherapy has been found to be just as effective as longer days and that was being rolled out. 

Thank you so much for your reply. I am guessing they said 21 days as the area that was affected was quite large. It also went to 10 of my lymph nodes. I had a mastectomy just before Christmas last year and in February I began six sessions of chemo, which ended on June 4th so radiotherapy begins on the 14th July. My oncologist has I will than have infusions for a couple of years and will be beginning medication. It was a lot to take in at the time as a lot of other ladies I spoke to are not having as much radiotherapy. I would love to be having just the 5 days of radiotherapy, they are due to call me on Friday and I may mention this. Please can you let me have a link to the trials. xxx