Ready for posts...
https://community.macmillan.org.uk/blogs/b/weblog18/posts/chemo-aids-shopping-list-gathered-from-breast-group-memebrs
hints and help....
Moomy
Had phone call with oncologist who has said I could have 6 radiotherapy treatments over 6 weeks so only have to go once a week. Due to my mental and physical health, I know I wouldn't have been able to cope with 15 treatments over 3 weeks. I originally asked about the 5 treatment Fast Forward but I'm not suitable for that as I have lymph node involvement. Need CT scan first which Doc said would be within week or so and then treatment will start shortly afterwards.
Hello
I have been quietly following the conversations recently as I am about to start radiotherapy. So I been getting some hints and tips! Thanku all.
I have one question: everyone seems to pick either E45 or Aveeno. However my hospital has recommended some other creams, and I just wondered if anyone tried them:- Dermol, Double base gel or diprobase.
im leaning towards dermol, as my daughter used that on some Eczema, but obviously I want to see if anyone used the above.
Thanku in advance xxx
Hi Kelstar9,
I was using diprobase on my wounds post surgery so continued with it on my breast throughout radiotherapy. I found my skin was at it’s hottest in the evening. I did also use some cold aloe Vera at times because I had some at home but I wouldn’t say it’s worth investing in. Keep up the exercises! I’ve found that my skin really tightened up about 5-6 weeks post radiotherapy and I’ve had to really focus on arm stretches etc. I hope everything goes well for you x
Hi Littlesedum
Thanks for the response and the tips! I am glad someone used one of my hospital recommended creams! I am thinking of asking the planning team what they thought was the best one for my skin type too, but I am definitely going to have a look at the diprobase.
If I remember, I think we had surgery about the same time in September? (Or maybe you have a similar name to who I’m thinking of) I will have to look up the exercises! I wasn’t permitted to do most of mine due to the type of reconstruction I had, luckily I didn’t have any movement or cording issues, but Thanku for the tip.
Xxx
Hi Kelstar,
You’re correct, I had my mastectomy and DIEP in September. I thought I’d mention the exercises during and post radiotherapy since I hadn’t had cording etc issues but I found the radiotherapy tightened the area and I suddenly realised I couldn’t fully extend my arm above my head. It’s much better now thankfully and I’m trying to exercise every day if only for 10 minutes, to strengthen my abdomen.
I hope you’re doing ok xx
I am doing really well, Thanku for asking. I had the LICAP. I’m not very big, so there wasn’t much spare fat, so the closure was tight. But I have healed really well and the boob looks really good. I’m now using Jennifer Young body butters on the scar as it still feels a little tight, but it’s does not cause any issues, but your advise about the excerises will definitely come in handy after treatment. I went on to have 8 rounds of chemo. Just 15 sessions of radiotherapy, and I done. Obviously I am a little nervous about how my skin will hold up, and the discomfort, but want to get started, as the sooner I do, the sooner it will be over.
Hope your doing okay now and Thanku again for the tips xxx
Hopefully you’ll skin will be fine, just keep up with the moisturising. I found my skin the most uncomfortable in the evening then it generally subsided by the morning. It was incremental but thankfully the radiotherapy was over in 15 days. I hadn’t heard of the Jennifer Young cream. Looks like a nice product to use. Meant to say I’m now using bio oil on my scars etc. I’m doing ok thanks, just getting used to the tamoxifen now xx
Is this thread still current? Just wondered as no recent posts. I’ve just had planning scan, but 15 days of radiotherapy not starting until Easter Monday.
Judith
Hi Jejke Hope you are doing ok since your chemo finished. I am also due to start 15 days of radiotherapy immediately after Easter, having done my final chemo 3 days ago. I guess not so many people post in here as not as many problems as with chemo. I will be checking for any advice etc.