New to the boards-- questions about radiation

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krista613
krista613 Member Posts: 34
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi everyone!  I just started radiation last week and wondering when everyone started having skin reactions?  I've only had three doses and my skin is already rough and dry and is very sensitive.  It seems after the bolus dose, I started to have a reaction.  It just seems so early to have a skin reaction.  I have 33 more to go!!!

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited February 2011

    Hi, krista ~ It does seem early.  What are you using on your skin?  I started with aloe vera gel, then went on to Aquafor (both of which worked great for awhile).  But towards the end (the last week) I did much better with Emu Oil, which I learned is sometimes recommended from the get-go (at least where I was treated) to women with extremely fair skin.  But I agree with you... a week or two seems early to be having a noticeable reaction.   And do you know why you got a bolus dose?  Just curious...   Deanna

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  • Sherbear
    Sherbear Member Posts: 215
    edited February 2011

    My skin really started going red by around close to my 20th session (I was supposed to have 25 regular and 5 boosts and made it to 22 before being put on a break to let redness go down and I could finish with my boosts).  Yours does seem early, but then again we all experience different results when it comes to how our skin handles the radiation, so it's probably not out of the ordinary.  Would check with your radiologist though. I used a calendula oinment from the beginning and then was told to use Glaxal Base which I found almost useless and once I was really burned, I started applying a concentrated aloe lotion which has worked wonders.  Definitely keep your skin hydrated so that it hopefully doesn't crack or break.  Good luck!

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  • Pegs
    Pegs Member Posts: 198
    edited February 2011

    that does seem early to have a reaction, i also had the bolus every other day.  those were the areas that had the most reaction.  and it hurt. i found about emu oil when i was almost done, i wish i heard about it sooner.  my underarm was raw and after applying emu oil at least 3 times a day, in a week i was pink.  it helped so much.  i hated aquaphor nothing but grease

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