Preparing breast(s) for radiation...

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LINDAGARSIDE
LINDAGARSIDE Member Posts: 345
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
Preparing breast(s) for radiation...
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  • LINDAGARSIDE
    LINDAGARSIDE Member Posts: 345
    edited January 2010

    Hello fellow pink sisters.  Does anyone have knowledge of what sort of creams or potions one could apply to nipples/breast in preparation for radiation?

    I recall when I was preparing to nurse my babies I used to apply "masse" cream to my nipples every day, to toughen them up.  It worked well.  This memory prompted me to wonder if something similar was available for us to use in preparation for radiation.

    Clearly radiation can and does burn the skin and so I am curious about what we can do to take some control over possible damage/pain before it happens.

    Ideas anyone? Thanks!! 

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  • BFidelis
    BFidelis Member Posts: 156
    edited January 2010

    Hi Linda,

    I was just wrapping up a long response when I hit the wrong key and lost it all.  AARGH!  Anyway, I'll sum it up:  call your rad onc's office and ask to speak to the nurse.  Likely to be more available.  It sounds plausible to me.

    Also wanted to let you know that I never had any problems with rads.  I know some women do, and don't detract from them at all, but as you get ready to start, you might think from these boards that rads mean bad side effects.  I really had none, not even a little 'sunburn' on my skin.  Sometimes on these boards you tend to see more "issues" because you don't need support/advice for NOT dealing with side-effects.  The hardest thing about it was commuting every day (but even there, I had a convertible, it was usually top-down, so even the drive had an upside.)  Bon chance on your next phase.

    Peace,

    Beth

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  • Faith316
    Faith316 Member Posts: 2,431
    edited January 2010

    I used alcohol-free aloe on my skin and vitamin E oil on the nipples every day.  Further into my radiation treatment I used aquaphor at night.  It is kind of greasy so I didn't want to use it in the morning when getting dressed.  I have a very fair complexion and did have some pretty significant burns towards the end.  The nurse gave me a prescription for something called "Silvadene" and it made a TREMENDOUS difference in my skin. 

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  • LINDAGARSIDE
    LINDAGARSIDE Member Posts: 345
    edited January 2010

    thanks very much!

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited January 2010

    Aquaphor. I smeared in on right after each treatment before I left the clinic, religiously right from the start (buy some cheap, or wear old bras, so you won't mind if they get greasy and throw them after treatment). I also smeared it on before bed every night. Don't put it on in the morning before you 'zap' though, because that could intensify the 'burn'. I got through fine too. My boob was hot and red by the end, but nothing else. I bought a little fan, and sat with it trained on my chest as much as possible for the last couple weeks. Good luck!

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  • Ezscriiibe
    Ezscriiibe Member Posts: 598
    edited January 2010

    Good question, Linda!

    I'm still trying to find out what kind of deodorant you're not supposed to use. And where to find one that you can use.

    Not having much luck. Undecided

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  • JulieC
    JulieC Member Posts: 324
    edited January 2010

    Hi Linda - my rad onc gave me samples of a cream called Miaderm that I applied 3x per day (1st time not until after the tx.  Some say don't use the real thick stuff like Aquaphor, some say that is okay.  I didn't have too many probems - more from being big busted which tends to cause more side effects.

    Ez - my rad onc said NO deodorant on the radiated side.  I used corn starch.  It now comes in a container like oatmeal and I just used a fluffy makeup brush to apply it.  A few times I used a deodorant made by Tom's of Maine.  It was supposed to be mild.

    There is a whole thread for radiation and I'm sure you can pick up more tips there.

    Best of luck to both of you - Julie 

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  • Morgan513
    Morgan513 Member Posts: 664
    edited January 2010

    I used a lotion from my onc's office everyday.  I would check with them to make sure the things you use won't make your skin worse or interfere with treatment.  I used corn starch for deodorant on the radiated side.  I also dusted it around my breast too.  It absorbs excess moisture and creates a barrier that keeps fabrics from being too irritating.  I also stopped wearing a bra and wore a t-shirt or bralette.  There is a special deodorant that they sell in the big drug stores.  I can't remember the name but it has a blue top and has a pink ribbon on it.  As I recall, I got it at CVS and it was a bottom shelf item.

    Good luck!

    Lorrie 

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  • somanywomen
    somanywomen Member Posts: 872
    edited January 2010

    Unfortunately Linda, as you can see by the posts, there is no one cream/treatment, there are a lot of things to try....The rad docs truly don't give the info about the se's that rads may cause...They are keeping thier fingers crossed so they ignore and downplay se's until you have them...My se's were mostly an itchy raised bump rash, no tiredness whatsoever!...I tried all of the above and finally nothing at all seemed to work the best....If you read through the "December 2009 Rads" group, you will have an idea from start to finish as to how are different treatments and se's effected us....I would say your best bet is to eat extremely healthy, take vitamins/supplements allowed by your doc...Good luck, it goes fast.....

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  • GG27
    GG27 Member Posts: 2,128
    edited January 2010

    Hi Linda;

    I see you're in Victoria which is where I went for my radiation.  They will give you a sheet which lists the creams, soaps & deodorants they want you to use.  Number 1 on their list is Glaxol Base cream (there is a lotion too, which doesn't work as well) which is available at most drug stores but the best price was at Costco.  You may as well get the huge container, you will use it all.

    They will also tell you not to use anti persperant, they want you to use "Crystal" which I was able to find at London Drugs.  It's basically a rock crystal in a deodorant container which you wet with water & smear it all over your armpit.  It's weird, but it works, I've been using it since the summer.

    Good luck, the technicians there are great!

    If you have any other questions feel free to PM me, I'm happy to answer any questions.

    Cheers, Dee 

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  • Enjoyful
    Enjoyful Member Posts: 3,591
    edited January 2010

    Hi Linda -

    Other than the creams and ointments the other ladies suggested, I used only goat's milk soap during radiation and continue to use it now, five years later.  It's expensive but very gentle and non-drying on your skin.

    Good luck!

    E

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  • GG27
    GG27 Member Posts: 2,128
    edited January 2010

    Forgot to mention about aloe vera gel, this is high on the BC Cancer Rads sheet, but it must be alcohol free which I found very hard to find in Victoria.  I was finally able to find it at the big pharmacy in Oak Bay, I can't remember what it's called, but it's on Oak Bay Avenue across from Fairway.

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  • MBCR
    MBCR Member Posts: 161
    edited January 2010

    I used aquaphor, then my rad onc gave me a script for biaphen. I liked it better than aquaphor. Not as greasy.I also wore an "A" line undershirt under my bra.

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