Radiation treatments and breasts are itching like crazy

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Sistercoyote2
Sistercoyote2 Member Posts: 38
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I am in the process of my Radiation treatments.  I have had 22 treatments so far and 12 to go.  Eight of the final twelve will be directly to the tumor site.  I am holding up pretty good, but my biggest complaint is itching.  I was seen by the oncologist on Thursday and he said I am doing good.  He gave me a steroid prescription cream to apply three times per day.  I am still itching especially under the breast and under the arm.  Any suggestions of what I can do to help resolve this problem.  I am having some sharp pains as well and of course, tired...but that I can handle with trying to get more sleep.  The itching and heaviness of the breast is what is bothering me the most....I would appreciate any help in this matter....Thanks, ladies....

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  • Lojo
    Lojo Member Posts: 303
    edited March 2014

    I don't have any suggestions, but I'm having similar issues -- done 18, with 10 more to go. They switched me off the aloe lotion and onto "Biafine" which is more emollient but doesn't help with the itching. I'm going to ask the nurse tomorrow. I'm getting pretty pink too

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  • TB90
    TB90 Member Posts: 992
    edited March 2014

    I just finished #17/25 and have become quite red and itchy too.  They advised that I get a hydro-cortisone crème and it has helped a bit.  Just an over the counter strength as these creams can thin the skin with extended use and that would definitely not be good.

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  • Sistercoyote2
    Sistercoyote2 Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2014

    Still experiencing the redness and itchy and can't wait for this to be over.  I am using Aquaphor...seems to help but boy is it messy and greasy.  Won't be able to use that tomorrow when I have to go back to work.  My nurse did not suggest Hydrocortisone cream, but I may give it a try.

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  • TB90
    TB90 Member Posts: 992
    edited March 2014

    Sister:  How many more do you have left?  After today, I have 7 to go.  Like you, all of a sudden, I am getting quite uncomfortable and anxious for this to all end. Hope it goes quickly for you :)

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited March 2014

    Without knowing exactly what your rad onc has RX'd for you, I can tell you from my experience with natural cosmetics (I started a little business with them after my initial bc tx because I am so passionate about getting hormone disrupting chemicals out of our skin care products), that the most soothing and beneficial ingredient to look for in a radiation cream is calendula.  There are quite a few good ones out there.  Just see what you can find locally (maybe try Whole Foods?), so that you can get it quickly.   In fact, if you want to PM me, I just thought of a supplier who happens to be in the Scottsdale area who has a really high calendula content one.   (((Hugs)))   Deanna

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