Gel pads during radiation Anyone know?

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newbee
newbee Member Posts: 17
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Has anyone had experience with gel pads during radiation? Thanks

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  • josie123
    josie123 Member Posts: 1,817
    edited March 2013

    Do you mean the positioning pillow?When I had my mapping session they put a blue plastic bag full of some chemical under my head and positioned me with my head and my arms above my head.It got really warm almost hot then puffed up around me and when it cooled it was like a mold to hold my head and arms in.I'm not sure if that's what you were referring to.











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  • LuvMyFam
    LuvMyFam Member Posts: 101
    edited March 2013

    Yes, I had the gel pads the first 10 days, every other day. I was told that the gel pad brings the radiation closer to the skin's surface. Hope that helps. :)

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  • Outfield
    Outfield Member Posts: 1,109
    edited March 2013

    If you're talking about the pads placed on your skin during the actual radiation treatment, it's called a "bolus."  Basically, it provides some density so that the radation is delivered into the very superficial tissues instead of passing right through them.

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  • savgigi
    savgigi Member Posts: 376
    edited March 2013

    I am not sure if this is what you are asking about, but my RO gave me some gel pads called RadiaDres to use to help soothe skin pain. I had a IORT at the time of my lumpectomy on 2/22. Most people with IORT do not get a radiation reaction, but I had the full dose - 43 min of internal radiation. 11 days post-op I started having hypersensitivity in the skin of that breast similar to a pretty good sunburn. I am not red, but it feels like I have a burn. I tried a bunch of creams that people recommended on some of the threads here but got little relief. Tue I saw the RO and he told me to take Aleve and use these pads.

    I keep them in the refrigerator and have worn 1 for 2 days. It provides enough relief that I can wear clothes. I had been pretty much nude from the waist up while at home for a week but obviously cannot function like that at first. I still have some pain but am beginning to feel it lessen. The pads prevent my clothes from rubbing and irritating my skin.

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  • amyi
    amyi Member Posts: 22
    edited March 2013

    Hi, I just started radiation yesterday. My RO said my bolus or gel pad was to make sure the radiation gets in my skin. He said this will cause more irritation, buring etc but it will go away quickly. He's not able to do the traditional 3D radiation typically done for breast cancer because of my anatomy. He's using a different type that hits 7 different angles so I'm assuming that's the purpose of needing the bolus for me. Do they have you set up with a weekly day to meet with your RO? Your Dr should sit down and discuss what he's doing and why with you so you feel comfortable. Just make sure to take extra special care of your skin :-)

    Hugs to you,

    Amy

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