Got sunburn on lower arm-is it a problem in radiation?

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JosieO
JosieO Member Posts: 314
edited May 2018 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Sure hope someone can share a thought, comment, opinion...

Just started radiation on Monday 5/7. Was feeling good, came home and went outside to work in my flowerbeds. Weather was about 75 degrees, sunny with some clouds. Was wearing pants and a short sleeve T-shirt (covered to the elbow joint) Had been outside about 40 minutes when I realized I had not applied any sunscreen. I’m very fair skinned, burn easily, and almost never go outside without sunscreen. Went in and put on SPF 50.

I noticed when I took a shower this evening that both of my lower arms have some sunburn. Not bad, but you notice it.

Will this cause a problem in radiation treatment?

I’m thinking no, because

—I put my left hand on my forehead to expose my axcilla (armpit) for radiation to my lymph nodes, so that arm is turned down toward the table

—My lright arm and hand is down at my side

—most logically, the beams are not aimed that low

I did cover it with the same aloe vera I was told to use for my irradiated area.

Am I just being paranoid


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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited May 2018

    Should be no problem at all...the radiation beams don't extend beyond the radiation field. So if your sunburn is forehead level or down by your side it shouldn't be near the radiation unless they are doing things very wrong!!



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  • JosieO
    JosieO Member Posts: 314
    edited May 2018

    gb2115,

    Yes, you are right. Went to my treatment this morning, and we all had a chuckle about it.

    Crazy how one can get paranoid on little things.

    Thanks for reading, and responding

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited May 2018

    I get paranoid about things too... I worry about lots of things so I get it!!

    :-)

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  • JosieO
    JosieO Member Posts: 314
    edited May 2018

    Unless we want to laugh a little more, I will officially ‘close” this query.

    Thanks again, all

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