Dog clawed the skin off of my radiated chest.

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KCandJsMom
KCandJsMom Member Posts: 13
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

24 rad down, 1 to go (tomorrow). Up until now my skin has held up really well. THEN....my German Shepherd jumped up and accidentally clawed my chest : (. Ripped the skin right off. I have no idea what to do with open skin since I have been so fortunate up until now and never asked that question. I called my docs office, she was gone, as were all the nurses. Another doc who happened to be there said I should put neosporin on it and then check in with the nurses station before radiation in the AM.

Any advice? Do I keep moisturizing the other skin? Leave it alone? So bummed, my skin was doing so well...

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  • shells43
    shells43 Member Posts: 1,022
    edited October 2011

    Send someone to CVS or Walgreens for HYDROGEL pads. Get the biggest ones you can find, either 2 x 2s or 4 x 4s if you are lucky. They cool and protect the skin without sticking and will drop off when all of the gel is exhausted. They are sort of expensive, but in your situation I think you need to protect what is left of the skin and cover the open areas. You could also ask the pharmacist on duty, they are very knowledgeable.

     Sorry!! What bad luck.

    P.S. tomorrow if you have a medical supply store nearby, you can probably go there and get bigger ones, just ask for something to cover large wounds, they will know what to give you. They might carry Mepilex pads which are similar to hydrogen but bigger.

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  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited October 2011

    I read this and full body cringed for you. I lost a sheet of skin with rads. I know what you are going through. You might want to talk to your doc about an antibiotic just to keep infection at bay, especially with doggie claws being involved. Its a rough week or so...I was raw meat in my armpit area for about 7 days...but then one day you will wake up and its back. Its absolutely amazing what a QUICK recovery it is....so hang in there my dear!!

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  • mumito
    mumito Member Posts: 4,562
    edited October 2011

    I had similar problems used to wrap my chest in gauze.But most cancer centres are prepared for these kind of emergencies and will see you right away.You do need special prescrition creams.

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  • Lowrider54
    Lowrider54 Member Posts: 2,721
    edited October 2011

    I agree with Shelly - there are the best and will serve you well.  I would stay away from neosporin - I had a reaction to it.  The hydrogel pads are better and keep things moist and aid in minimal scaring.  It is a burn so if you can get the Sivaneen when they are back in the office.

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  • peggy_j
    peggy_j Member Posts: 1,700
    edited October 2011

    Wow, I'm cringing here too. I don't have any advice but....hope you're able to take care of yourself this weekend and get some rest. Sounds painful.

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  • KCandJsMom
    KCandJsMom Member Posts: 13
    edited October 2011

    Thanks so much everyone! I posted here before calling my rad onc (who was gone as were all the nurses!) and had answers almost instantaneously. What would I do with you girls???? I am a few days out from this mess and still love my puppy dog : ) They went ahead and radiated me, which was my biggest worry. When will the drama ever end.......

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  • eileenr56
    eileenr56 Member Posts: 135
    edited October 2011

    OMG.  I was very protective of my boob during radiation.  I can't imagine. 

    Hope you're ok.

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