Starting Radiation October 2017

I'm using Miaderm (the regular version, no lidocaine) and two tubes will be plenty (5.5 weeks of treatment, 28 rounds). I'm using it 3-4 times per day, with great results. I'm getting my last of 28 treatments, tomorrow, and met the Dr. today. She is very happy with the skin. Even the techs said the skin looks good and that my use of Miaderm multiple times every day is probably helping. I do use the soap, as well, just on the radiated area. I suds it up in my hands and then use my hands to clean the area.

I did get red, quite dark by middle of week 5. Some itching, mostly around my port, and some discomfort under my arm/armpit area, but that just started yesterday, and is not too bad, really. I've had no delay in treatment, no open wounds, and nothing so bad that it interrupted my daily activities.

I hope this helps!

I just had 11/28 today, I got blisters on Monday in a spot above my left breast on the inside, my armpit is turning brown and is tender, too. I haven't been taking the greatest care of myself, dealing with my DH's services and the need to travel for treatments and stay with my daughter who is still an hour away from the cancer center. Also have some depression and just trying to get motivated again...where do you buy mioderm?

utjoy - you can order the miaderm on Amazon.

Sending you hugs and wishing I could be more supportive...

LoJo, wooo hoooo!!! So happy for you!!! I hope you have appointment free weeks ahead.

hugs and prayers,

Theresa

So sorry for your loss utjoy.

I had 19/33 today. I have some skin changes as expected, no swelling, very little pain and itching. I had vertigo for five or so days that concerned my RO, but it seems to be gone now. RO said it wasn't caused by radiation, but he was concerned that it would interfere with it. I guess they didn't like the idea of me vomiting on their expensive equipment, lol.

Lojo100 yeahhhhhhh on your GRADUATION!!! Glad to hear that you are done and that your SEs were minimal. My journey will start soon, I pray that I'll be as much of a trooper as you've been! Enjoy your no appts and enjoy your downtime:)

Dodgersgirl: AWESOME! sorry about the itching and pain; but now the countdown is ON! Will be heading out for my rads consult in a few..I GOT THIS!

LoJo - Congratulations on being finished with rads!!!! Here's to a quick healing! I am glad your SE's are minimal.

Dodger'sGirl - Congrats on the halfway mark. It will be over before you know it.

SpeedyTeach; WAY TO GOOOO!!!!! Yeah for you...

I will have 20rads beginning Nov 27 - Dec 22...prayerful that my body endures well! My RO mentioned the Miaderm on yesterday and Ive seen post on that so hopefully that will do me well.

I do have a question for you; did you use ANYTHING before your sessions? or did you wait until your symptoms showed. I see some post that suggest to wait until you see signs; others start lotioning like a week before.

Just trying to get a feel for what works best (knowing that what works for one may not work for another)...but still just hearing the feedback helps.

CONGRATS again on your 'finale'!

Lifechoices-My RO had me putting on their lotion right away. I got the lotion a week prior from them and started that week before starting treatment. I'm not sure if that's every RO's recommendation, but wouldn't hurt to ask yours. They also gave me a sheet with instructions on how to take care of my skin and what to do and not do. My RO also gave me samples of other oinments as needed.

Lojo Congratulations!!! I’m happy for you! Take care of your skin for the next 2 weeks! My RO said that’s the average for people who had radiation.

I completed 25 radiations today. Next week is the 5 boosts focused on my incision. I’m glad I’ll be over just before the week of Thanksgiving.

PS said he does reconstruction 5 months after last radiation. I’ll have DIEP flap. Does any of you know if that surgery is as invasive as the mastectomy? I’m trying to plan time away for work, and also wondering if ill need family help at home.

Have a nice weekend!!

Happy Saturday!

I start rads a week from tomorrow. Yep. On a Sunday. Since that's also Thanksgiving week and the rad center will have a long weekend, they'll be open one day the weekend before that. I was scheduled to start Friday, despite telling them I have carpal tunnel surgery on Thursday. Surgeon's orders are to do nothing for 24 hours after surgery. I can do both - did check with my orthopedic specialist. I just can't do rads the very next day.

My 'skin care education' is that Sunday. (It's my dry run day before starting the real thing.) I've been told no deodorant on the cancer side. Period. I've also read articles on studies that show there's no need to do that. And that feeling disgusting is more harmful than imaginary ... oops, scientifically disproved theories about potential harm. I also was told my skin must be absolutely dry before rads. Um. Before stronger/clinical strength antiperspirants came out, I had issues with visible moisture. i.e. pit stain and pit stank.

Questions:

1) What's your experience with deodorant/antiperspirant use during rads?

2) Some of you have mentioned using a lotion a week before starting rads. What lotion? Did your RO give a reason for doing this? I've got pure aloe vera and Aquaphor, and am debating if I should start putting one of those on.

3) For anyone out there who's also had a BMX - did/do you wear a bra during rads? I haven't worn one since before surgery. I'm thinking about buying some men's cotton undershirts. Post-op soreness around my scars was eased by wearing shirts with short sleeves.

4) Boosts: They'll be making a plastic mold of my scars for when I have boosts. I'm used to countless strangers seeing my chest; letting residents do mock exams, having students observe ... but this somehow sounds invasive. I suppose the question is, does that make me nuts? (wry grin)

Thanks.

Felinemum,

To answer your questions:

1. I used regular deodorant on my non treated side and Scmidt's on my treated side. I put it on in the morning before work. I have rads at 4:00. On the weekends, I used regular on both sides. My arm pit isn't receiving radiation so it isn't sore. They just radiate to the edge of my pit.

2. I use Miaderm, emu oil and 100% aloe gel. I began using emu oil 2 weeks before rads to help soften the skin. I also started Miaderm a week before. My schedule for lotions are: miaderm in the am, and immediately after rads before I leave the office. Aloe vera gel (kept in the fridge) when I get home. I sometimes take off my bra for the rest of the evening , if I have no further plans. I use Miaderm again around 8 and then emu oil right before bed. I just finished my whole breast rads yesterday and have 5 boosts next week. Overall, my skin did very well. I am pink and I had 3 days of intense itching. I used cortisone cream. But as of right now I am good. Everyone follows different steps for skin care. I am certain you will find what works for you.

3. I didn't have a BMX so I cant answer this one.

4. I will be using a cone type thing for boosts.

Best of luck. It does go by quicker than you think.