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  • Waitingforthenextstep
    Waitingforthenextstep Member Posts: 251
    edited March 2013

    Hi all.........Finished 9 treatments today and am starting to some skin redness, soreness under the arm and swelling.  Is anyone using a remedy to treat the swelling?  Any baths, epsom salts, warm or cold?  Trying to gather some info, I haven't seen much on the boards about this.  Thanks..

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  • gemini4
    gemini4 Member Posts: 532
    edited March 2013

    Waitingforthenextstep -- Hi! I didn't experience much swelling, but I treated the heat with cold wet washcloth compresses. I would imagine you wouldn't want to introduce any additional heat, so probably no warm soaks. I did have one week where my treated breast was very sore (an inflammation type of soreness). For this I took a good dose (600 mg) of ibuprofen, and it did help.



    Definitely keep your doc in the loop about the swelling in case it turns out to be an infection. Hope it improves for you soon!

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  • Lisa1637
    Lisa1637 Member Posts: 101
    edited March 2013

    Thanks RMlulu!  You're positive energy always makes me feel better!  Beautiful sunny day in Chicago..although still a bit cool.  My parents are in Houston...I need to check a map to see where you are..xo

    Welcome to the club, Placid.  Keep us posted how things are going.

    Waitingforthenextstep, we are at the exact same point, finished 9 today too!  And as I wrote earlier today. I am also having swelling.  Not sure if yours is the breast or under the arm but my breast feels like a cantaloupe!!  I had the RO look at it today and he didn't seem concerned.  He did mention it also could be from the lumpectomy.  Who knows if it lasts throughout the whole tx course.  As far as a remedy, none was given, just a lot of talk about underwire bras.  I'll just continue to eat well and do yoga...complain every now and again too! :)

    Going bra shopping this weekend.  The skin is getting red and the underwire is starting to feel uncomfortable.   

    I hope this journey continues to be manageable for you...keep us posted!

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  • gemini4
    gemini4 Member Posts: 532
    edited March 2013

    Lisa1637, I recommend some cheap soft sports-type bras for your rads phase, and I also suggest going up a size so you're not feeling bound or constricted. The "Genie bra" from Bed Bath and Beyond is a good option and cheap (2/$20). I think you can find it at Walgreen's and CVS too. Good luck! :-)

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  • Lisa1637
    Lisa1637 Member Posts: 101
    edited March 2013

    Thanks Gemini!

    Is it better to NOT be constricted (compressed)? 

    It was kind of confusing today whether the support (lift) of the breast would make it more comfortable and reduce the swelling.  Or, looser less support (no underwire) is the way to go...

    Hope you followed that one...you should of heard the RO getting in on all the bra talk.  He's super sweet but I really wanted to tell him to stick to radiation...

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited March 2013

    Hi Waitingforthenextstep!

    RO said NO baths, pools, jacuzzi ... Someone suggest teething gel products & refrigerated aloe...I'm holding my breath. Have placed the gel pack sent home from steriotactic biopsy. Using miaderm, aloe, & aquaphor at night. Incisions are pink tender breast is light tan each morning it's a surprise. 11/33 today!

    Here's to our skin and mind hanging in there :)

    Cindy

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  • MsW2012
    MsW2012 Member Posts: 226
    edited March 2013

    My RO suggests cold compress for tender areas. Careful with ice but just wrap it in a towel. Or frozen peas. Just dont get it too cold. Also keep some aloe gel in the fridge for fast relief.

    My implant port is really starting to kill. Very frustrating. I see the RO tomorrow. Three weeks to go and I feel like quitting. Hopefully we can do something about the pain. Like round the clock Advil?

    Wishing comfort for all. I am 15/33 today. Almost halfway there!

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  • Waitingforthenextstep
    Waitingforthenextstep Member Posts: 251
    edited March 2013

    Hello girls,

               Thanks for all the tips.  RMlulu, I had heard that as well about the baths.  I told the rad techs it hurts me to wear a bra, and it hurts not to wear one!  Took some Aleve earlier, now starting to feel some relief :)  Lisa, mine feels swollen all over.  Under my arm my skin was red and SNB scar irritated.  I showed it to the techs, they said it's all normal, expected.  It surprised me because I am doing prone position.  

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited March 2013

    MsW2012 - Hang in there your half way home! Hope your RO gives RX for pain and port. After day 28 you will have boosts and they only focus on the tumor area so you may find relief ...You've come so far ... get a good nights sleep ... Weekend and rest is near. Sending cooling,comforting, pain free thoughts your way!

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited March 2013

    Hi Lisa



    Try the genie bra 1-2 size larger supports but no digging...I threw away all underwire, but I do use a boob sock to support my lumpie and a heavy duty front zip Walmart danskin now sports bra also much larger for exercise or serious outside time holds. But I live in my cami with my leftie out so no contact but its just the 2 of us...lol:) I use the cami to support leftie lift separate and lube goop doesn't stick that way...looks really funny but feels good.

    I would have a really hard time having a guy tell me all about bras...I would be laughing and asking for demo...sleep well almost weekend and timeout:)))

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  • Nat23
    Nat23 Member Posts: 45
    edited March 2013

    Yey!!!! 33/33 done!!! My skin held up well. During this week (boosters) the whole breast area got a break and is now almost healed! No more burning. It mostly looks like a tan. I have a little triangle area near my shoulder (2in) that broke skin and is now pealing.

    What helped me: after every treatment I lathered myself with aloe. At night before bed I lathered with Jeans cream ;) plenty of water!!! Always

    Hope this helps. The real burning starts about week four! Don't be shy with the cream ;)

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  • Lisa1637
    Lisa1637 Member Posts: 101
    edited March 2013

    Congrats Nat!!!  Thanks for the advice! :)

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited March 2013

    Yippee Nat! So glad you are done and skin is looking better! Thanks for the advice hydrating and creaming. Let us know how your reconstruction goes...Best Wishes. (((Hugs)))

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  • Nat23
    Nat23 Member Posts: 45
    edited March 2013

    Thank u! ;) I'm going to rancho mirage on Monday RMlulu...if u're in the area we should do coffee?

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited March 2013

    Nat23 - Look forward to coffee with you!

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  • placid44
    placid44 Member Posts: 497
    edited March 2013

    RMlulu,



    Thanks! No, the RO said no boosts. She doesn't think it's necessary since I did not have lymphovascular invasion, and she also wants to minimize chance of complications since I am doing implants. I have expanders in now. I generally have gone with the more aggressive treatment option, but this makes sense to me. I'm also wondering whether not getting the boost will mean I'd be able handle targeted rads again later if I recur. I will ask on Monday.



    Yes, my rads team rocks! The RO is very experienced and also quite warm and fuzzy.

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