Deodorant?

CAMommy

so I can't wear antiperspirant but I can wear deodorant. I bought some toms of Maine unscented (I have allergies and their scented stuff makes my eyes water). I tried it today and to be honest it doesn't stop the body oder smell. . I shower every day. I'm not a huge sweater either (unless I'm having a hot flash). I have some of that crystal stuff you wet and rub on. I'm hoping that works better. Otherwise I might use my husband's old spice .

Any other suggestion?

ddfair

Are you starting radiation on the 10th? Make sure whatever products you use are ok with the radiation team. I was not allowed to use anything. But the good news is radiation destroyed both the armpit hair and the sweat glands permanently. After 5 treatments hair was gone. That was 10 years ago, it's never come back. So no more shaving on that side and deodorant last twice as long:) Hopefully you will only need to get through the first week wondering what to do about deodorant.

Claire_in_Seattle

I used my normal antiperspirant throughout radiation. BUT applied after each day's session was over, not after my shower as I normally would.

As a result, I don't have normal perspiration or much hair on that side, but I do need to shave and use antiperspirant to stay "nice to be near" and keep my friends!

You are right about Toms of Maine. Loyal customers even though it doesn't work. A friend of mine did the research. I am grateful for antiperspirants that do the job. In my mother's day, they wore dress shields. Not a garment I ever want to wear! - Claire

slv58

I always recommend 'Lavanila- the healthy deodorant', you can get it at Sephoras, it is expensive but lasts a long time, I'm on my 3rd one after 2 1/2 years. I found it worked the best and does not contain any metals or hidden metals. They have nice scents that aren't over powering but seem to really help!

Cowgirl13

I was told not to use any deoderant while undergoing radiation.

CAMommy

the crystal stuff worked better yesterday that toms of Maine.

KBeee

I have heard corn starch may help. I got Arm and Hammer deodorant. I do not know if it works. I'll find out when I start on the 21st. I cannot use it before rads, but can use it when done

queenmomcat

Thank you for bringing this up: I wasn't sure if 'no antiperspirant/deodorant' meant 'not at any point during the weeks you're undergoing rads' or more simply 'not while you're actually HAVING the rads' (as with having a mammogram). I'll have to ask my RO.

sas-schatzi

Haven't extensively looked at the subject. For some reason, read labels one day along time ago.  Cautionary on every label on the shelf was  a variation of "Ask a doctor before use if you have kidney disease". Told me something not good was being absorbed.

Not appropriate to topic, but that same cautionary is on Miralax(polyethylene glycol). Not good.

CAMommy

Queenmomcat,

Mine is just no aluminum or metals in the deodorant, and I have to apply it at least 2 hours before tx. Otherwise I can wear it. I'm wearing regular under left, and using the crystal thing under the right.

queenmomcat

CAmommy: thanks! I'll try the crystal route, though still hoping for a "Not while you're actually having the radiation, otherwise you're good to go."

labelle

I use Toms and it works fine for me. I used to use a crystal but found it far too irritating during RADS-by the end of RADS nothing was not irritating. Like others, I sweat very little, if at all, on my RADS side, but I still use deodorant on both pits. Force of habit I guess because it certainly isn't needed!

courtleboo

Schmidt's Deodorant... A friend recommended it to me. LOVE IT! They have several scents and I've been using them this summer have not had any problems with body odor breaking through.

Astarte

I wore my regular deodorant during radiation. It became hard to apply towards the end though.

Keys-Plez

I'm using Crystals. I don't think we're talking about the same thing. Crystals is a brand name. It comes in a stick or roll-on. I got the roll on in case I get become real sensitive. It is easy to apply. There is no abrasive material in it. I found mine at Walgreens. It's working well for me. No stinky.

Whatever you use, make sure it is approved by your techs and RO. If you use something that is not authorized and think you're getting away with it, think again. You don't know what damage you may be doing to yourself by not following the rules. My RO says certain lotions, powders or deodorants effect the radiation beam the same way a bolus does. 7 of 28 done.

JenPam

My surgeon recommends (and also uses) Old Spice Fresh scent. It's surprisingly good! Not only is it effective, but I don't smell like a man.