Starting Radiation

Love83

Hi ladies. It's been a minute but to get things up to speed I finished chemo April 16, had double mastectomy on June 4th, one of my lymph nodes came back with a small trace of residual cancer. Now I have to do radiation. Any advice on radiation or skin creams. I'm just scared that a small amount was still found in a lymph node. Just need a pep talk cause I'm terrified of a reoccurrence. I still have moments of break downs. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

Love83

Ingerp

As many will tell you, often the worst thing about rads is having to go five days a week. They are quick appointments, and the good news is every week you can knock off five more! I had noticeable but not awful skin impacts. I had only a few days of what I'd call fatigue each time, generally after I'd had a big day. Note on fatigue if you've never experienced it (which I really had not)--it's not like being tired, where you can work/energize your way through it. And it's not even like you really feel like you have to sleep--it's more like you absolutely HAVE to get off your feet. I found that if I just laid down for an hour or two, I felt much better. Re: creams--I don't think it matters so much what you use, more that you slather some stuff on several times a day. I bought Miaderm the first time around but found it's mostly calendula cream so used that (cheaper!) the second time. I also had Aquaphor and Desitin--I'd really just grab whatever was closest through the day. I wore some old soft cotton exercise bras. If you already have something like that, save treating yourself to new bras until you're finished. The ones you wear will likely get stained by the markers they use to outline the area they're zapping. It felt really good to throw them away when I was finished. For me, radiation was more of an annoyance than anything. You'll do fine.

Spookiesmom

I’m finishing rads tomorrow, the 2nd time around. This RO really pushed skin care, and my skin is doing much better. Told me to use Fruit of the Earth aloe, no drying alcohol in it. Calendula, and aquaphor. That’s icky greasy stuff. I hated it, then he said not to use. Also, mometasone cream, rx. Each dr has their own preference, be sure to ask.

Yes, it is tiresome to go every day. You are on the table a few minutes and up again. I come home and have to lay down. I’m not necessarily sleepy, just TIRED. After an hour or so I can finish the day.

You can do it🙂

mom2bunky

I've just started, I'm four sessions in. Yes it's a pain to have to go every day, that's for sure. But the procedure itself takes very little time. So far so good with just calendula as recommended by the RO. She also recommended this stinky powder called Zeabsorb for use during the day since it's summer. It keeps the crease under the breast nice and dry and doesn't matter if you have it on during radiation. She also recommended I use Dove soap for bathing. I just got some pure aloe vera gel (also on RO's list) to use as well. So far my skin is fine. It's early days, but I'm hopeful. RO thought my skin is likely to be okay. We'll see. I have 12 more to go.

GiddyupGirl

I am new to this breast cancer event just had my lumpectomy at the end of April and had my first radiation treatment today (I couldn't do chemo because of severe drug allergies). Mine was on the left side so I have to do the whole breathe holding thing. Radiation kinda feels like you are in a spaceship being examined by aliens but it doesn't hurt and you're not enclosed in the machine so not too bad. I am using Aveeno eczema care moisturiser approved and I am going to pick up calundula as well. Try not to worry about recurrence because of one lymph node because the radiation is going to zap the nasties before they can cause any more misery. Like you I am scared to death and have those down days but we're allowed just don't let it stop you from having good days. The more experienced ladies on this site have great advice (check out the Boob Lasagna) and I am sure will give you lots of support.