I finished radiotherapy two days before Christmas. In the last week I have developed a perfectly round penny mark under my arm. It’s not painful and all my skin has held up well with no other effects that I can see but it’s not going now ive finished.
Just wanted to ask if there are any other of our lovely ladies out there if anyone has had anything similar. Can radiotherapy cause skin cancer or am i being completley paranoid?
Lv n Hugs Sandy. xxxx
Hi Sandy,
I finished my radiotherapy on 23 December same as you.
Although radiotherapy treatment is over, radiation continues to work within you because of its half life properties.Therefore, the radiographers warned me that I should expect effects of rads as much as 10 days after treatment ends, plus, depending on skin type, skin reactions per individual can be different.
Since Christmas Eve I have been suffering from severe radiation dermatitis which kept getting worse every day despite applying aqueous cream, hydrocortisone cream and 99.9% Aloe Vera gel.
In desperation I rang Clatterbridge Cancer Centre yesterday and spoke to the oncology triage nurse.
She advised me to buy some Piriton antihistamine tablets.
I took 3 yesterday and 1 during the night when I woke up.
Thank goodness!!!
The intense, distressing itchy and inflamed skin has started to ease and I can’t tell you how relieved I am.
It does sound unique getting a coin shaped mark. I think you are also getting post rads skin irritation.
Skin is so delicate and rads will impact on it. I would not think it is skin cancer but if you are very worried I can highly recommend ringing the BCC helpline. The specialist nurses will be able to put your mind at ease.
I’ve been very upset over Christmas with my severe radiation dermatitis and wish I had rang the oncology nurse sooner to get help and advice.
Wishing you all the very best and continued recovery.
Peace and Positivity,
M x