Had my briefing and tattoos, 1st session tomorrow and I’m bricking it
I know its painless but reading about the cumulative effect on my breast skin is worrying me
Yes I’ve got creams, seamless bra,
bamboo flannels in the fridge and I’ve always drunk lots of water every day but there are some horror stories about skin breakages and arm issues and Im dealing with 2 DVTs in my arm as a consequence of a PICC line
We fly 21 September to a very delayed and rescheduled holiday due to the original date clashing with my surgery and we both so need it, im praying its going to be ok
Hi, I feel for you as I was terrified about everything but everyone is different and not everybody has a horror story as you put it. In fact I was fine during radiotheraphy. Use plenty of moisturiser. Ask the radiographer which one to use. They are generally very helpful and will answer your questions. If your oncologist suggests anything in case your skin becomes red/ do use it. Mine suggested MediHoney. In fact he gave me a prescription for it, but it can be bought on Amazon. I will be thinking of you. Take care.
pace yourself, drinking lots of water really helped me with the fatigue but did find between 15-20 did nod off in the afternoons skin was bit sizzled like sunburn but all ok your team will keep eye on your skin throughout rads. Keep slapping the cream on for about 8-12 weeks after finishing rads and do get advise from your team about what to do on holiday to keep safe Shi xx
A woman was complaining on her last day of treatment when I was on my first but the radiographer said don’t listen to others, only to us as everyone is different, and she was right. I followed her advice and used a moisturiser every day and I was fine. I found no difference in my breast skin. Just over a week after completing my treatment I had to drive 4 hours to go and stay with family for a wedding. Then after a week with family I had the return journey to make and yes I was tired driving back and had to stop for a short rest on the way home. All I would say for your holiday is to rest if you feel tired and take it easy. Another advice I had at the hospital was to put suncream on my breast for next 12 months which I did, and this would especially be important for you if you are going away to sunny climate. Your treatment will soon be over and enjoy your holidays.
I used Aveeno cream for a couple of weeks prior to starting radiotherapy and put it on after each session. My skin did not break and only got a little red. I continued using it for another 6 weeks and now only have a few broken veins. Good luck and have a great holiday,
I used Cyclax aloe Vera it works great always felt cold on the skin .
My daughter was working in a pharmacy, A man came in saying his wife had been given aqueous cream ,like me she found it made it hotter .
My daughter told him what I used ,he came in to thank her it did the trick .
Good luck hope you stay well .
Be careful on holiday keep your chest covered,that’s another story .
Hi
I had 5 radiotherapy sessions finishing on8th May and then flew to Cuba on the 15th. I was given Flamigel which is specialist to radiotherapy to apply a few times a day.
Whilst in Cuba I used factor 50+ suncream and didnt stay out too long.
On returning I kept using the Flamigel and did peel in that area for a while but no lasting effects.
Just go careful and enjoy.
Hi everyone
Thank you for the hints and tips
Im using aloe vera moisturiser in the day and another from Tropic at night ( used this plus bio oil on the surgery scar since March but stopped bio oil last week in advance of the zapping)
First session done
Felt like star wars with the green lights
I lay and imagined them zaping any rogue cells like an old fashioned packman
Apart from not wearing deodorant it went ok and being very nervous
I’ll update on how boob/ over the shoulder boulder holder goes as the next 9 sessions progress
I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy last July/august. I was scared of skin reactions too but I was fine. I only ended up with tan lines! I did go braless when I could to keep any friction to a minimum but luckily worked at home so could do it!
My mum had radiotherapy at the same time and did have a bit of a skin reaction but she was give creams and it’s soon cleared. Good luck!!
Hi
I used sun cream on my breast after radiotherapy after being told my radiographer to do so for the next 12 months. It was advisable she said as wearing a t-shirt was no defence against the sun’s rays. Previously I would only put sun cream on my face, and shoulders where I once burnt quite badly, I haven’t sunbathed for many years. I did not have chemo.
Best wishes xx
Hi Kar3n,
I too was like you worried about skin reactions as I am fair skinned and a redhead. I finished treatment on the 2nd August.
My first shock was 4 days after treatment my nipple bled during the night but healed quickly with Aveeno.
I only had slight redness during treatment. I started getting a prickly heat type rash about 14 days after RT finished then at about 21 days I became very red and sore around my lymph node scar. I had 15 sessions with a boost, I think this may be the exit site. My GP gave me Flamazine which is awesome and soothed it very quickly. Also had some tenderness under the breast.
I’ve now started peeling but not the whole breast and feels less sensitive. I expected it to be much worse. Avoided wearing a bra when I could.
I did feel tired and found myself asleep by 3 for a nap. Probably disturbed sleep due to sweats doesn’t help. Feeling more energised now.
Good luck to all with their treatment.
Thanks for your reply. You sound exactly like me, redhead, fair skinned, nightsweats, prickly heat. ALSO has anyone had throat problems, i feel like i need to clear it all the time. Got 2 more chemo sessions. Will keep posted how i get on. Best wishes.
pace yourself, drinking lots of water really helped me with the fatigue but did find between 15-20 did nod off in the afternoons 
your team will keep eye on your skin throughout rads. Keep slapping the cream on for about 8-12 weeks after finishing rads and do get advise from your team about what to do on holiday to keep safe 
