How Long to Continue Moisturizing after Rads are Done?

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macdebbie
macdebbie Member Posts: 171
edited November 2021 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I am done with my rads this Fri - yeah! 16 sessions, no boost.

I know that skin side effects can continue (some even say get worse) after rads end. How long after do I need to keep up the daily regimen I have of moisturizing? Right now I am moisturizing 5x/day - roughly every 2-1/2 hours.

My skin has held up pretty well. My nipple is pretty angry and red but it no longer itches (I think it was from the Aquaphor), and I have light pink in the whole area and a rash on the underside of my breast but so far no blistering or peeling, itching or bad pain. Hoping continue to moisturize will prevent this.

I did see my RO yesterday and asked her but she was pretty non-committal and said "for as long as you want" (on my regular schedule) and that the area would need to be moisturized "for the rest of my life" because it will always be drier than normal.

Thanks to all here who helped me through this.

Can't wait to ring that bell Friday!!

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  • carmaryae
    carmaryae Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2021

    Hi Macdebbie,

    Yay for being close to done with radiation!!

    Unfortunately, it does get worse after you're done :( skin will be even angrier and start peeling. I don't mean to scare you. I encourage you to ask for extra acquaphor, calendula and non-adhesive pads on Friday to prevent open skin from rubbing on your clothes. It will be painful but pain could be managed with tylenol (make sure you're fully stocked with this too) and will improve a week. I finished radiation last year but I still moisturize daily with creams that have shea butter or coconut oil (my RO also encouraged this). I try to keep my skin as moisturized as possible to prevent dryness. Hope this helps!


    -Carmen

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  • LW422
    LW422 Member Posts: 1,312
    edited November 2021

    My RO did not encourage use of any creams during radiation treatment unless I had discomfort. They gave me a couple of tubes of stuff but I did not use anything until I was done (30 treatments) and all the tapes and markers were off. When treatment was complete, the nurse told me to moisturize "as needed" because the radiated skin will always be drier.

    I finished treatment nearly 2 weeks ago and so far, so good. I still have some pink areas and under my arm is peeling, but the new skin underneath is not broken or sore. I moisturize once a day after my shower. I don't think it really matters that much; just do what feels good to you.

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited November 2021

    Did your rad onc mention sun exposure? Mine told me to protect that skin from the sun, but I forget for how long. I just always protect the skin of my chest with a high neck shirt (adequate since I don't spend time out in blazing sun anyway), or a rash guard for swimming. I'd be inclined to moisturize once a day after my shower, and not think about it so much the rest of the time. My skin did flake or peel off in white bits, the way skin does after a bad sunburn. No big deal. That rash on the underside -- have you tried wearing a clean piece of soft cotton fabric there to keep from rubbing sweaty skin on skin?

    Remember, starting Friday afternoon, you are now in the healing phase! Eat well, sleep well, have some fun if you can.

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited November 2021

    As needed. There aren't any rules because everyone's skin is different, and their reaction to radiation.

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  • Beaverntx
    Beaverntx Member Posts: 3,183
    edited November 2021

    Agreeing with Alice, as needed. My skin did not blister or peel. 3 plus years out, no special treatment. I don't shower everyday but that is related more to drier skin from age and anti hormonal than radiation. Actually at my visit with my BS a few weeks ago she commented that my skin came through radiation very well. All of that to say your skin's reaction is yours, not mine or anyone else's. It sounds like you are doing pretty well. Congrats are being ready to move on.

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  • kksmom3
    kksmom3 Member Posts: 183
    edited November 2021

    I had 16 with 4 boosts. The last week I got red and peeled a slight bit. I did not get any worse after treatment. I kept waiting for it and it never happened. In fact, the whole breast started improving quite a bit after the boosts. I could see clearly exactly where the boosts were. I moisturized twice a day after, I applied after my shower and a heavier layer at bedtime. I still make sure to protect my chest with lots of sunscreen all the time. I would do that anyway......cancer or not. 3 years almost to the day later, all I have left is the slightly tan square underboob. Best of Luck!

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