Anyone got any tips for getting through radiotherapy, especially re skin care. Start mine on 29th. Thank you xx
Drink LOADS of water throughout the day, take moisturiser (like Aveeno or E45) with you to slather on after the treatment, it’s cold in there so some women I know have cut the long sleeves off an old top so they have something to keep their arms warm, if you’re NHS take something to read or get a show to watch on your phone as the machines often break down and waiting can be frustrating, continue moisturising overnight and if your skin gets hot (like sunburn) put the moisturiser in the fridge. I only had the 5 sessions and found it quite easy, the big no-no was the endless waiting but all my appointments were at the end of the day by which time delays built up so if you can wangle early morning appointments this shouldn’t be a problem. Hope it goes well for you.
Hi
I finished mine yesterday. I took aveeno with me so I could apply immediately after the session. I also took a bottle of water with me. I did have some delays but fortunately the machine didn’t break down. I moisturise 3 times a day and am now using flamigel, which I purchased off Amazon. I was also advised to ensure air gets to the treated area so I am putting on a vest top with big arm holes to allow air flow. This I will do each evening when watching TV.
Good luck, it really is a breeze.
Hi
Here are my top tips for your radiotherapy
. Keep hydrated and sleep and rest as much as you need
. Slap on moisturiser at least 3 times a day for the next 6 months. I used aloe vera types and when cooked boob and nipple went red and itchy the team gave me lots of medihoney which i used twice a day
. After your shower and pat skin rather than rub it
. Buy a bamboo flannel, wet it, put it in the fridge and then on your cooked boob
. Once skin has settled massage the whole boob and right into armpit and up to neck every day it all helps the lymph system ( you tube has some handy short films) and softens the skin
. I tried to sleep slightly upright with pillows and used the donated heart shaped cushion under my arm again ( used post surgery) and elevated my boobs with a soft bikini top so that air could get under it
. Remember to talk to the radiology team if things start to feel too warm or itchy, they can give you medication if needed
. Towards the end of the sessions you may feel tired or fatigued so rest and take naps as sleep is a great healer
. I did some gentle pilates and walked every day ( still do) and did arm and shoulder stretches at my desk when i was at work
This might help you too
Good luck x
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Thank you so much for your tips. Really appreciate your advice. Xx
Thank you so much. I’m hoping it will be better than the chemo was! X
Thank you for all your tips. Really good advice. Really appreciate it. Xx
One lady told me that her breast was red after radiotherapy but I was fine, that is apart from first morning afer treatment when my breast was pink. Radiographer said it would have been too soon to see any change and it turned out that the E45 cream I had been advised to use contained lanolin which I am allergic to. So I bought Aveeno moisturiser instead and then had no problems. I was told by one of the radiographers that I should use sun cream on the treated breast for 12 months afterwards, which I did. I had 10 radiotherapy sessions and as I live on my own and have no family living nearby I chose to take up the offer of hospital transport just in case I would be too tired to drive myself every day which takes about 75 minutes one way depending on the traffic. I was of course grateful for the shared transport provided but it did mean that they came to collect me quite early in order to get everybody there to their appointments which were different times. I took sandwiches and a drink with me as I had a long wait sometimes for everybody to finish their treatments. Once or twice I was lucky and did not have to wait long as I was the only one in the taxi which arrived to take me home without too much of a wait. This is the reason I think that I was very tired the second week, not only the travel and the detour to collect/take everyone else home, but also the long wait in the hospital which couldn’t be helped under the circumstances.
Hi,
Start using aloe cream from the get go, I didn’t and I got burned.
Good luck.
Trish
I used Aloe Vera Gel straight from the plant and that was very cooling and healing,
Not much to add to all the tips given but I would say to start to moisturise now and make sure your skin is in condition before you start - in my case my boob was a bit dry and itchy after having the surgical dressings on. I’m also a fan of bamboo I had itching between my breasts and underneath and I actually wore a clean bamboo sock inside my bra under my boob for quite some time - definitely soithing . Make sure you do all the post- op exercises to get as much movement and flexibility in your arms and shoulders as possible and you will need to continue this for at least 6 months afterwards. In truth I do a set most days even now. Xx
Thank you all for your advice. I’ve ordered some aloe vera gel this morning. X
I found one of the most difficult parts was the getting to my appointments and parking on time, particularly because the hospital where my centre was located is within hospital grounds which operates a one in one out policy when the car park was full.
I quickly discovered a different entrance which had an intercom through which connected to the reception in the centre and they were able to let me in
Good luck (and I absolutely concur with all the advice above, lots of water, moisturise, keep your shoulders moving and if possible try to go braless, the only irritation I had was where my bra strap was). Rad-chat on Instagram has lots of useful advice too
AM xxx
Thank you. No bra for me as I had a double mastectomy so that’s not a problem as I am now a happy flatty! X