Starting Radiology April 2019

[Paulus]

I was a summer 2018 radiotherapy, and all of us ladies would moisturise - whichever we found suited us best?  A lot of people swear by the Aveeno range - I used Dr Hauschka Rose Oil, as my daughter bought it for me as a gift, and a little went a long way - I think the rule is not to moisturise before your daily treatment, but to have clean dry skin - and then slather whatever suits best afterwards.  If memory serves me right, there should be a nurse attached to the R/T unit who should be able to advise - I saw her weekly, just so she could check the area - I had 15 plus 5 boosters. Good luck to you all x

[AJAY]

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@MoDo wrote:

HI - I got told there's no need to moisturize my breast & underarm but have been told that you should moisturize by other hospital ????

Don't know what to do ?

Hi

I've been told to moisturise 3 times a day and use Diprobase. I'm on day 10, slight pinkness but nothing too much yet. I don't understand why you wouldn't. xx

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[MoDo]

Angie - thank you, I will ask again tomorrow when I go.

Only had 5 sessions so not any redness yet

[angie123]

MoDo

I was told by my hospital not to use a moisturiser - but I think everyone else on this forum has been advised to moisturise a lot! When I got red, the radiographer suggested aloe vera. This did cool my skin on application, but didn’t make any longer term difference. Perhaps speak again to those actually providing the radiotherapy and ask them to clarify? I found I was given differing advice about a number of issues by the BCN, physiotherapist, oncology nurse and radiographers - not helpful in our situation. I hope you get a satisfactory answer. 

A xx

[MoDo]

HI - I got told there's no need to moisturize my breast & underarm but have been told that you should moisturize by other hospital ????

Don't know what to do ?

[Bebe28]

Thank you , will give it a try .

This morning I found some Aloe Vera after sun gel , that feels go and I can tolerate the smell😊

[Aneeebel]

Yippee angie123... 🔔🔔🔔🔔😘😘😘😘

I wonder why you were advised not to moisturise your skin...if must be painful! Poor you! Why don't you try E45 or ask your Doc for something! 

When I was talking to the radiologist when I first went for rads she said it's important to moisturise my skin! 

It's strange how hospitals differ! 

Have a good day x 

🌸💖💪🏼🎀

[angie123]

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@AJAY wrote:

That sounds awful for you Angie123. I hope you get some relief soon. My booble as my niece calls it is achey and I'm only 7 days in to my RT. So, I just hope my skin which is sensitive holds out 

xx

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Booble - I love it! But not the fact it’s achy. Thinking of you xx

[AJAY]

That sounds awful for you Angie123. I hope you get some relief soon. My booble as my niece calls it is achey and I'm only 7 days in to my RT. So, I just hope my skin which is sensitive holds out 

xx

[angie123]

Aneeebel

I did indeed ring the bell. It was in a different area to where I had my treatment so I wasn’t going to. But one of the radiographers said I should as it’s cathartic. And some of my friends from here said I should ring it too 😉

I’m glad I did 🛎🛎🛎

[angie123]

Hello ladies

its interesting to read the posts on moisturising. I was told I couldn’t use anything! I finished Friday and my skin is really painful. I asked the radiographers, and they recommenced aloe vera. I got some organic av gel. Bebe - it doesn’t smell very nice! It’s cooling when I apply, but it’s not having a lasting effect, and my skin looks red and raw in parts - it’s agony. Yesterday I dressed it as best I could with bandaging to prevent further soreness or rubbing. They said side effects will peak 10-14 days after ending treatment, but I’m hoping this doesn’t get any worse now. 

Wishing you all well.  

[AJAY]

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@Bebe28 wrote:

Hi Ajay,

What does it smell like ?

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Hi Bebe28,

I was prescribed Diprobase a few years ago and found it very moisturising and no smell. You could ask your GP,chemist or the  radiographers for  recommendations of  fragrance free   cream.

I'm still having RT but was told that at the end of the treatment (15 for me) I should take a photo of the breast to see where they has been any reaction. Then when the skin had recovered you can still check your photo to know which bits you need to cover when going out in the sun.

I hope you feel better soon xx

[Aneeebel]

Thankyou Bebe28... 💖 I'm not really on the machine long enough to think of my favourite band! Takes longer to get lined up! 

I use Diprobase too and to be honest, it doesn't smell of anything! 

I have started getting a rash on my chest but I'm not sure if it's the rads or the cream -I hope it doesn't get any worse! 

Best wishes as you move forward in your recovery Bebe... 💪🏼💖🎀

Angie123...hope you're well x 🎀

And best wishes to all you other Ladies... keep your chin up! 😘🎀 x

[ladybowler]

Bebe

What about aveeno

[Bebe28]

Hi Ajay,

What does it smell like ?

[Bebe28]

Thanks Aneeebel ,

All done, which seemed like forever . It was the Easter break which made things worse.

it just lengthened the whole process 😔

Feeling sore and desperate to find a moisturiser more suitable as the E45 smell makes me heave 🤢.

Hoping that all goes well for you and your treatment .

I learnt a little tactic to make the sessions go a little quicker......... think of a singer or group and try to remember as many of their songs as you can . You will end up singing your favourite in your head 🤣

It helps the time to pass so much quicker ❤️

[AJAY]

Hi,

I use Diprobase cream 3 times a day. I'm on day 6 of my RT. I find the tiredness comes in waves.

Enjoy that Prosecco!

xx

[Bebe28]

Hi Angie ,

Yay , finished at last and celebrated with a bottle of Prosecco 🎉🥂🍾

So pleased that you have finished too 😁.

But felt terrible today , Slept for  2 hours, nausea and shooting nerve pains. Feeling much better tonight after the sleep and painkillers . 

I have now discovered that it the E45 cream that makes me feel nauseous, it’s the smell of it!

After applying this afternoon, I realised that the smell I thought was in the RT tunnel is actually coming from me !!!    It actually makes me retch .....🤢😷

Can anyone recommend a more pleasantly smelling alternative please x

[Aneeebel]

Yippee angie123... you've finished!! 💪🏼😘💗

Did you ring the bell? 🔔

I bet it does feel like there's s long way to go...but you're going in the right direction!! 

🔔💗😘💪🏼

[angie123]

I finished today. Mixed feelings - although a big step forward, it feels like there’s still a long road ahead. 

Bebe - have you finished too? 

[Aneeebel]

Oh angie123... your last rads today! 

Good luck...  💗🌸

And to you too Bebe... 💗🌸

And to anyone else who is on their last day! 

You'll be finished with your active treatment...whoop whoop! 💪🏼💗🌸

I've had 3 sessions up to now...altho, I was in and out so quickly last night I'm not sure they switched the machine on!!! Most of my appts are tea time or later...which suits me, at least I can do things during the day instead of just waiting to go to the hospital!

All the best Ladies x 💗🌸

[angie123]

Hi Bebe28

I really hope nothing was re-arranged to prevent you from finishing tomorrow (Friday.)  Me too.

A 

[Bebe28]

Hi, 

I remembered you were finishing early this week , how are you ?

i should be finished on Friday fingers crossed and I really can’t wait. It feels like I have been going

in and out of that damn tunnel for months.

I have had a couple of hiccups with the appointments being rearranged due to breakdowns including number 14 tomorrow , so I am anxious that this really is the last week.

Saw my oncologist last week for review and he says that everything is going great 👍 

In the last couple of days I have been experiencing horrible shooting pains which have woken me up

at night , so I am now going to bed with paracetamol which seems to help . 

Also I can not believe how tired I am , I can easily sleep for 2 hours in the day on top of a full nights sleep 😲 . 

Fingers crossed for us all that this is the end of this long and arduous road. 

Hugs to you all

Barbara

[MoDo]

Thank you Helena x

[MoDo]

Thank you Kimberley x

[AJAY]

Thank you, really helpful xx

[AJAY]

Just read it, it's very useful 💕👍

[AJAY]

Thank you Angie xx

[AJAY]

Thanks Helena, I'll take a look.😘

[AJAY]

Thank you 👍💕

[AJAY]

Thank you for your help. I've had 2 RT sessions, 13 to go.700 miles to go 🤔.

xx

[ladybowler]

MoDo

I think it more about making sure that the area where you had rads is fully protected with suncream and covered x

[ladybowler]

AJAY

I am not sure that you have to worry about it when you just had the one node removed, as that was the same as me and there was no spread.  However I have found the publication on here that tells you all about it for your reference, if you click on the link it will take you to it

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/publication/living-lymphoedema-after-breast-...

Helena xx

[ladybowler]

angie

Yep it has been quite a stressful time, however it looks as if he has turned the corner now, it will still be several weeks before he is home, but we can finally look towards it.  He is never ever getting into this position again because I am going to ignore his refusal to get the doc in I can not go through what I have these past 7 weeks xxx

Hope you are doing well xx

[angie123]

Hi AJAY

Have a look at this article - 

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/going-through-treatment...

As I understand it a bite can increase your risk of lymphedema so a repellent is recommended. I think it’s in para 5 of the link above. Hope that helps.

[AJAY]

Many thanks,I've just been worrying about booking a holiday to the Greek islands in September but as long as I cover up I guess it will be fine. Can you explain about insect bites and lymphoedema? I had1 sentinel node removed.

Thank you

[ambychlo]

Hi MoDo,

aww how lovely is that and how amazing are you, your journey is so much more sad.

You will enjoy it

kimberley xxx

[MoDo]

Hi Ambychio,

I was bit worried about 9 days later going to Belgium as the skin etc will be at it's peak, but I'm still going as it's sort of a pilgrimage for my dad who died while I was having Chemotherapy !!!

I will wear leggings with the dresses as I'm as white as a bottle of milk..😅

I will keep looking forward as you say, thanks for reply. xx

[ambychlo]

Hi MoDo

i finish treatment on Wednesday as I still have treatment over the bank holiday. Works out well for me as it gives me 6 days clear before I go to Spain.

i havnt got a clue what to wear? I have 3/4 jeans and trousers and high neck tops and pumps. I can’t do dresses as I will be so pale but I’m thinking of getting some fake tan.

i just hope it’s not too hot so I can do a few walks rather than sitting around a pool.

what ever happens your trip will be a welcome break for you. Keep looking forward it will all be over soon xxx

[MoDo]

Starting radiotherapy 25th April, nervous & anxious as usual.

I'm going to Belgium 9 days after treatment ends.

I'm getting factor 50 sunscreen, scarf & hat plus parasol.

Have some v neck dresses & tops but will wear long sleeve tops underneath.

Feel like I'm going to wrapped up for winter...😊

Anyone got any tips for better dress wear & also tips for preparing skin for radiotherapy please.

[angie123]

Ladybowler

Sounds like you are having a challenging time.  Thinking of you xx

[angie123]

Nipper

I am so pleased that you have completed your radiotherapy sessions now 

A xx

[angie123]

Gill3105

It is really good to hear from someone who is a year on.  I am still taking it day by day (sometimes hour by hour) and, as yet, can't imagine myself in a years time.  Hearing from you helps me to think that there is  a future out there beyond my currently limited horizons!

Thank you.

Wishing you all the best.

A xx

[angie123]

Ajay

As Ladybowler said I was told to wear a factor 50 sunscreen, that was 5* rated for UVB and to cover up on top of that.  Also told to be very careful of V neck/low neckline tops, as some of the zapped area could be exposed.  I have bought myself a rather fetching (not!) wide brimmed hat, as I am out dog walking a lot and wanted something to provide protection to that possible exposed bit - as well as the rest of the head, face, neck and ear area.

The other thing I can think of would be to use an insect repellent, if you also had any node surgery, to reduce risk of being stung/swelling/lymphedema.

Keep us updated about your radiotherapy sessions.

A xx

[ladybowler]

Ajay

I know I was told to use factor 50 on the area, even when I had a top on and was out in the sun for about 12 months, as I play lawn bowls during the summer I got myself a good factor 50 just for that area to be on the safe side

[AJAY]

Hi Everyone

I started my RT last Wednesday it's good to hear everyone's experiences. I'm just researching precautions you have to take when going on holiday somewhere hot, i.e. completely covering up the area that's been zapped. Any thoughts?

[Nipper11]

Thank you Helena. That’s very kind of you.  I hope your partner is ok?  Yes I am keeping up the regime. Still quite tired and having to apply cream to nipple as itchy but pleased not to have to go to Norwich every day. The bell was rung but not very loud!

[Gill3105]

Hello Helena hope you are well and sorry for jumping in here.  Maybe not the right thread but only place I could find you 🤗.  Sorry to see partner is in hospital. Hope they soo. Feel better and back home.  Anyway just popped on here as not been back for a while.  12 month on!!!  How time flys hey!  Anyway a good mammo result where I have now taken that last step forward.  Just wanted to thank you and this forum for helping me get to where I am now.   Thank you all. Xxxxx.   We are survivors.  

[ladybowler]

Nipper

Sorry I missed ringing the bell for you on Wednesday, my partner, who has MS, is in hospital at the mmoment so things have been a bit stressful.  However even though its late I am ringing it loud and clear for you my dear.  COngratulatuons, remember to keep up your regime over the next coulple of weeks and hopefully you are enjoying the bank holiday weekend

Sending you hugs

Helena  xxx

[Aneeebel]

Oh really angie123.. So not much different to me! I'll be a day short of 7 weeks! I was hoping they would wait until at least 8 weeks! My wound still has small scabs on it! 😳🤕

Good news your skin is okay xx 😘💗🎀