Starting Radiation April 2017

Quick question - did anyone's nipple get red from rads? All of a sudden tonight mine isreally red and itchy

There has been a bit of discussion about covering vs not covering during radiation. I asked why I had to be completely uncovered waist up when only my left breast is being treated. In my case, I am doing the DIBH and the machine needs to be able to read my skin, I think with the grid they use to line up. They track positioning both when I'm breathing normally and when I'm holding. If I'm out of position, the machine will not blast me--to avoid damaging the heart or lungs. Smart machine! I'm not bothered by this, and guess that's a good thing!

Congrats on finishing and safe travels home!

Hi All,

I finished up rads 8 days ago. I was doing really well. The last few days I've had increased itching and a rash that comes and goes. Are these flare ups normal after rads are done? My RO prescribed 2% Benadryl which I'm using with aloe spray. Is this just part of the healing process?

Letsgogolf, I have the same problem, also having completed 25. The supraclavicular area is really red and looks like some skin could rub off if I'm not careful. Also, my upper right back is really red. I have been using Miaderm up until now, which I really like, but today I tried Trader Joe's Aloe Vera gel after I got home from my treatment. We'll see. Fortunately for me, tomorrow is the first of five boosts and then I'm done. So no more radiation to that area. I don't think my collarbone could take much more! But really, it looks worse than it feels.

My RO told me to try a half and half mixture of Allocane with the cream I had been using to help with the pain in the areas that were extremely red and burned. So, I use TriDerma radiation cream with the Allocane. You can find Allocane at most pharmacies. I purchased it at Wal-greens in the first aid section. It has helped with some of the pain, but once the lidocaine effect wears off then it's uncomforable again.

I have 5 more boosts to go and am hoping my skin doesn't dissolve under my arm near the side of my breast. I do see my RO again today and am going to ask if there is anything else I can do in addition to the half/half mixture.

I'm at just 13/20 and have started redness in the supraclavicular (you guys are so smart! I had to look that up!) area. But more concerning, is the crease under my breast... It is red and painful. I am a 38DD so am very uncomfortable being without a bra... any suggestions?

6cats - try wearing a tank underneath a stretched out bra. You can also obtain a single sling or a pad to put in the "crease" from LotstoLiveFor.com - I used the single sling & it worked for me (worked during rads, so only wore once I got home).

I echo Lori's thought on petrolatum based products & refused to use the RO recommended Aquaphor.

For underarm - see if you can prop up on a pillow at night to avoid skin-to-skin contact.

Strongly urge everyone to speak up to the RO or Rad Nurse and demand something for relief. Maybe they can prescribe Mometasone Furoate 1%, or Lidocaine or if it is getting severe Silvadene? Fortunately, my skin never got to a seriously red/burnt state, but I did use the Mometasone & Lidocaine & they worked for my ouchy bits.

Healing thoughts & gentle hugs to all. You can do this!

My RO let me use Shea Moisture coconut oil. I'm using that with prescription 2% Benadryl cream and.aloe spray,

I was literally about to put aquaphor on when I read the comments here about it. I have had 8/19 and just started getting red and Itchy. Can you tell me more what the problems with petroleum based products might be? My RO suggested it forat night

LAW193 - Many years ago, I attended a lecture by a Burt's Bees rep at local bookstore who carried their products & she advised to steer clear of products for the skin that contain petrolatum. I also have sensitive skin. This is why I refused to use Aquaphor, even though it was recommended by both RO & Rad Nurse. Also, as WenchLori says, it is hard to wash off. It stains, too (your bed linens, nightwear, etc.)

See if you can get a scrip for Mometasone Furoate - that's what helped me with the itchies. Presume you have a treatment tomorrow (Friday) - tell a Rad Nurse or RO about your issues & see if you can get one. They wrote me a scrip the same day as my planning session & I started using after 1st treatment. Used at night, only & not hard to wash off.

I agree with previous posts. I hate Aquaphor. Every single time I mention a problem with my skin to anyone at my cancer center they ask if I am using the Aquaphor like it is some kind of miracle product. It is not. I am sticking with my Aloe Vera and Cetaphil for now.

I tried aquaphor once and it made me too itchy. I do use it for chapped lips. I think it's too thick to rub on a tender breast. My itching comes and goes. Have a little rash and tender nipple. Using my aloe spray, coconut oil and Benadry 2%. I'm thinking this is all part of the healing process and just have to deal with it. I did read that symptoms manifest themselves a week to 10 days after final treatment and then get better. I have a follow up appointment with RO nurse next week

Trooper2 Where did you find 100% Coconut Oil? I tried a Coconut Oil cream that I found at Sam's Club but it contained several other ingredients which may have been the problem. Thanks for the info!