Starting radiations 6/18/14

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DDOL
DDOL Member Posts: 40
edited August 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi ladies I will be starting radiation June 18 I was looking to get a little bit information it will be External 33 treatments( face down )  is there any special cream that I should use? If so when an how long ? The possible side effects? They really don't give you too much information at the oncologist said to use dove soap don't shower facing the shower don't shave :you may blister : I am Polish so I'll probably blister lol oh yes I'll be a little tired any other advice I would really appreciate it thank you

Blessing

Diane  

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  • lyzzysmom
    lyzzysmom Member Posts: 654
    edited June 2014

    Hi Diane, I am starting 33 treatments of rads on June 24th. I think I will be face up based on the simulation. My RO office gave a lot of info in their handout. Please check ANYTHING you use with your RO first but these are what mine suggested

    Moisturizers, Eucerin, Nivea, Lubiderm, Shea Butter, Calendula Cream

    Redness, Aquaphor, Hydrogel/Radiacare Gel, Elta Lite, Elta Cream, Shea Butter

    Itchy skin, Hydrocortisone 1%

    Deodorants, Cornstarch, Herbal Magic Roll-on (from www.barr.com), Tom's of Maine original uncented.

    I was also told not to shave. and if you must use an electric razor

    Bathing, unscented Dove, Basis or Neutrogena bar (use you hands to cleanse - dont rub or massage)

    Avoid excessive temp. extremes and sun on treated area 

    No deodorant or creams 4 hours before treatments

    Follow skin care recommendations for 4 weeks after treatment ends

    There is also a thread for summer 2014 Rads that a number of ladies have joined so you may like to post there as we all go through this together.

    I am fair skinned and sunburn easily but my RO did not think that would make a whole lot of difference but everybody is different so I guess we will find out as we go along!.

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  • lyzzysmom
    lyzzysmom Member Posts: 654
    edited June 2014

    Oh I should also add that some of us have bought SPF50 tee shirts. I got mine from Amazon but Target and LL Bean also have some.

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  • DDOL
    DDOL Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2014

    thank you so much for all that you did tell me 😃 I am going to get a few things that you said . Also I will sign into that group with any more questions. Moving forward is a good thing sure pray 33 weeks of treatment goes a bit fast  thank you again 

    Blessing 

    Diane 

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  • Wildflowers123
    Wildflowers123 Member Posts: 28
    edited June 2014

    Hi there! I've just completed 25/30 treatments today, and this was also new to me so I will let you in on what I've experienced. 

    The first couple weeks were pretty much painless. I used 100% aloe gel before and after treatment. I showered normally, with an antibacterial soap (dial...) and only shaved once. The "burn" was similar to a sunburn, and really did not cause me too much grief. The last week and a half has been quite a bit different. My skin is breaking down and it is painful - sorry, not going to lie to you. I was prescribed Flamazine which is a miracle cream in my opinion, and stopped using the aloe. I wouldn't dare think of shaving, and to be honest the rads has stopped the hair growth under that arm anyways. No deodorant - I think I would scream if I put it on. I use the cream three times a day, sometimes more. The fold under my breast is busting open as well, and the spot where the tumor was is completely blistered and weeping. 

    I am just starting boosts tomorrow and my RO is keeping me pretty much medicated until finished. Please don't be afraid to tell them when the pain starts. Everyone is different. I know my dose is aggressive. Very aggressive - and you may not have any or all of these side effects. I just wanted to be honest about what you are facing. It isn't fun, but it works! Good luck and keep us posted!! 

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  • DDOL
    DDOL Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2014

    Hi wildflower thank you so much for sharing all this with me today it's good to know what goes on before it is going on he did talk about the boost which is where the BC was I start tomorrow and it will be day by day I know I'll be back here few more questions thank you so much and have a Blessed evening

    Diane 

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  • Wildflowers123
    Wildflowers123 Member Posts: 28
    edited June 2014

    All the best to you Diane!! ((((Hugs))))

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  • DDOL
    DDOL Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2014

    Wildfire :  enjoy the day I'll be back 

    😃  Diane 

    Thanks for the ((( hugs )))) ditto 

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  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 513
    edited June 2014

    I start on June 23rd...for some reason I assumed I would be face down but mold was made with me face up...wonder why some are face down and what type of cancer those ladies have?  I was told not to use  anything as far as creams before treatment...my husband said doc said it was going to be 6 weeks....I keep forgetting to ask about exact amount of rads and or boosts!  My husband is my secretary and I often ask him ( over and over)lol, what the doctors said...I need to remember to ask on Friday when I go for my dry run!  They are super nice in the office I go to...good luck everyone!! Rosie

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  • DDOL
    DDOL Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2014

    Good Morning  Rosie   My dr explain that ( there is no different's on the type of cancer you have to go face down )  many woman can not go face down because our heart and lungs move forward and that's not so good  () in my case when I was fitted my lungs and heart was not in the way only one of my ribs would get some of the radiations which is a good thing  amen   I will have 4 wks of rad then 2 wks of boost  your right no cream / lotions 4 hours before rad  I am useing Calendula loition 3 times a day  my daughters friend had rad any never was sore no trouble with her skin  also I did see many woman here on this site say they are useing it () today will be my 4th treatment  your 1st   Time will go fast for us  have a Bless Day 

    (((( hugs ))) 

    Diane 😀

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  • Loretta520
    Loretta520 Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2014

    I'm on here with my wonderful strong mother. We are going to start radiation therapy sept 11 2014. She is very concerned about all that is involved. This is her third cancer. Her concerns about radiation is it worth getting. Please write a reply and help us answer some well needed questions

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