When to start using creams and gels during radiation treatment

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jpteacher1
jpteacher1 Member Posts: 52
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
When to start using creams and gels during radiation treatment
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  • jpteacher1
    jpteacher1 Member Posts: 52
    edited January 2014

    I have just begun my radiation treatments in the prone position this week.  I am scheduled for 22 days, but it could be moved to 33 days depending on future x-rays.  After my third treatment, I noticed my breast is a little pink--like a light sunburn.  Should I be using any creams or gels now and if so, what would you recommend and how often. 

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  • SallyS70
    SallyS70 Member Posts: 947
    edited January 2014

    Hi jp.  There is a thread called Winter 2013-2014 Rads.  Reading through that thread will give you lots of information.  Different ROs suggest different treatments.  Good luck with your radiation treatments.

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  • Nel138281
    Nel138281 Member Posts: 2,124
    edited January 2014

    I used aquaphor from the beginning.  Some burning and peeling but overall OK

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  • SelenaWolf
    SelenaWolf Member Posts: 1,724
    edited January 2014

    Check with your radiation oncologist.  The type of cream you use- and when you use it could be very important.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited January 2014

    Your DR (or his/her PA/NP/RN) should have explained skin care to you.

    I was told to start using the creams Dr gave me immediately AND I did!  Not to put any cream on for at least. 4 hrs before each rad.  I had no pink at all until day 24 and then just a VERY slight pink.  Day 25 (last one) was a slight 'sunburn'.  Next morning, the entire irradiated area was as open wound that took 3+ months to heal and left some 'nice' scars.

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  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited January 2014

    Ask your RO nurses what they recommend.  Personally, I used 98% aloe 3 times a day from the beginning, and never had any skin problems other than a slight reddening during the boosts.

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  • Smilemaker
    Smilemaker Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2014

    I used Aquaphor twice a day starting from day one.This what the RO gave me. I had just discoloration that is still barely there 9 months later. That is just my own story. Everyone reacts differently. Hope all goes well for you..

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited January 2014

    Right from the start. Don't put any on in the morning before your treatment because it could intensify the burn, but I brought a small tub of Aquafor (which is what the nurses recommended to me) with me to the clinic & smeared some on right after I got zapped, and then again in the evening before I went to bed. I got red at the end, like a sunburn from the inside out, but did not have any other problems. Best of luck!

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