I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in April this year (last time 30 years ago, other breast) and I’ve been through chemotherapy (very successfully), Herceptin and then had a lumpectomy. I had hoped to avoid radiotherapy but the surgeon was insistent or else go back for a mastectomy.
I live in France and the treatment has so far been excellent but I’m now supposed to be having radiotherapy more locally because it’s too far to go into Bordeaux every day. I asked the radiotherapist if I could have the 15 treatments that now seems common in the UK but he was very scathing about the idea and said it makes the breast dry up and twist and the UK only does it because they don’t have enough radiotherapy centres !!! I almost walked away at that point but finally went back today for the planning session but I was most surprised to be told by the nurses that the radiotherapist says that I must use no creams, moisturisers at all after my sessions - if there’s a problem he’ll see me and prescribe something!
Now obviously this goes against everything I’ve read on the subject and, combined with his earlier comments, has left me with no faith in this chap whatsoever. (He also said my skin might become a bit sunburned but that was the only likely side effect!) I know nobody can advise me about the way things are done abroad but has anybody heard of doing things this way or am I overreacting?
It was years ago I had radiotherapy when I had breast cane 1st time but I had the 15 and did have just a mild sunburn on the breast. I’ve had worse in my garden.
First of all, welcome to the forum, there’s loads of support here.
Quite honestly, I’m amazed at what you were told, what was he on?!
From what I’ve read, following the usual clinical trials, it was found that a shorter (higher dose, I think) course of radiotherapy, was just as safe, effective & well tolerated as the longer course that was previously used & is obviously better in reducing the number of appointments & time commitments for us, as well as the clinical staff.
We are routinely advised to moisturise here, I was told E45 cream, others here can recommend others.
Just to add, apart from the usual redness & bit of soreness, my boob returned to a normal in feel & appearence within a few weeks.
I’m down to have 25 whole breast sessions and 5 booster sessions - 6 weeks in total - that seems to be usual here although I know from my reading that the opinion had changed in the UK. Given that my tumour was 100% responsive to the chemo and no sentinel node involvement - sledgehammer and nuts comes to mind! I was prepared to go along with the usual (when in Rome, etc) but this complete ban on any moisturiser/creams has totally thrown me. I know it isn’t faith healing but I do think you have to have confidence in your team, don’t you?