hi all - I am starting rads on Tuesday next week (bit nervous but after chemo I am sure I can handle it) - post chemo I have very dry skin and use Sanex Shower cream for dry skin - I know I can’t use it during rads and wonder when do I stop using it - now ? Monday ? didn’t get any advice from the hospital (to be fair I didn’t ask!)
I have baby soap which I hate but will use for the 5 weeks or so that rads lasts.
thanks in advance - sorry this is a really lame question ! R
I was told on Monday to try to use Simple soap. Apparantly all others (and all deodrants) contain metal. I did ask if it was my whole body or just the part being treated and it is just the bit being treated, so it is safe to carry on with Sanex on the rest of your body. They said if you forget it isn’t the end of the world but you have more chance of redness and getting more sunburnt, because of the metal. It is nothing to do with damaging the machine.
I used ordinary soap right up until the day of first rads as I wasn’t given any advice beforehand from hospital.
Hi
Likewise l was also told to use simple soap/bath foam/deodrant,
Sandra x
Hi
Me too - Simple soap or shower gel. They told me at planning appointment & I used it from then. Used it all over, too much bother to use different things. To be honest I’m still using it, but that’s cos it’s not finished yet - waste not, want not.
Hi
i have just finished rads, I was told to use simple soap and aqueous cream, and no deodrant or other perfumes on the effected side.
x
I was allowed to use aluminium free deodorant and I found one called Bionsen that is available in most supermarkets as roll on, spray and stick form. I can’t imagine going without deodorant for that long, especially now we have some better weather. I used Simple soap and shower creme too.
Good luck - you’ll be through it in no time!
E xx
I will speak to them on Tuesday - I was told no deodorant but I agree would rather use it if I can at all. If not lots of showers - also not sure about baby wipes are they allowed ???
I was also told no shower gel cause the foaming agent causes issues - how odd that we are all getting slightly different advice ! anyway I will use the baby soap and ask about deodorant that elsk mentioned.
thanks all – I’ll keep you posted…
Hi all
Here’s a link to the BCC publication about radiotherapy which contains advice about skin care:
breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/bcc_radiotherapy_final.pdf
Best wishes
Lucy
I’m in the middle of RADS at the moment and was told to use Simple soap, no deodourant and to use Simple wipes to help keep me fresh. Although I have noticed I don’t seem to perspire as much on that side, don’t know if that’s to do with surgery or not.
HC xx
Hi Recs,
I did not use soap at all during my rads (in the raditaion area) i used aqueous cream instead. It can be used in the for this function as well as an emmoliant, I found it nice and cooling when the cumulative effect of the rads cicked in. It also had the added benefit of maintaining my skin during the treatment I did not suffer any breakdown of skin at all. If you are having rads to supra clavicular region dont forget to cream your exit site on the back of your shoulder as well.
Hope all goes well
Jano
I used my normal shower gel as wasn’t advised otherwise. Used Doublebase moisturiser for the boob tho and Biosen deodorant.
Julia xx
I used aqueous cream ( the one bought from Sainsbury’s as they advised) both to use in shower and as a moisturiser during rads. But started with it as moisturiser in the area a couple of weeks before rads actually started. Have carried on with it as it’s so cheap, effective and doesn’t smell doen’t interfere with my perfume of choice!
I too was told no deodorant but that hasn’t been a problem, - don’t even know if I really need it now as I don’t seem to have a problem that daily washing doesn’t resolve. Like someone else said - maybe sweat glands have been affected by chemo &/or rads (or my sense of smell!!!).
Like lots of other ladies I was advised simple soap/body wash and bath creme. I also used E45 all the way through rads and had no problems at all.
Good Luck
Andie
Thanks - very helpful - next question - assuming that eventually some hair does grow under my arms am I allowed to shave ??? wax ? any ideas ?
I was told not to use a razor under my arm again but to use hair removing cream or a lady shave. But dont think lady shave does a very good job so I just use the cream now, dont want to cut myself and end up with swollen arm. Joyce.xx
My surgeon told me at the start no more razors just something like a ladyshave or cream. Haven’t needed either yet though so still undecided. There is a thread on this subject that I’ve read recently, can’t remember what it’s called though.
Hi
I am part way through rads - 6 out of 15, I started using the aqueous cream about 10 days beforehand. I haven’t had any problems so far.
I don’t use deodourant, but find wipes work if required during the day, and generally haven’t had any problem not using deodourant. When underarm hair starts growing again I will use a ladyshave.
Chris x
hiya - just back from session number 1 and all aok. was told to drink loads of water so I will do and I slapped on some cream as soon as I get back.
I was told no shaving or cream for underarm hair but I will cross that bridge when I come to it cause I have none so why worry at the moment ??
The journey to the hospital for 9am is a total mare cause I have to deal with rush hour traffic so OH is driving to save my energy /stress levels.
1 down 18 to go !!
Hi RECS - glad everything went OK today. My radiographers are fab and we have a real good chat which has made everything bearable. I am having my last “normal” blast tomorrow and then 5 booster ones. Have used Simple soap and the aqueous cream throughout and worn no bra only cotton vests and have been able to deal with the discomfort. Getting bit sore now and also aches quite a bit but nearly there. Good luck with the rest and keep us informed of progress. Marli x
Hi - I have some booster sessions scheduled - what are they in terms of difference to the “normal” session??