Advice Needed: Starting 6 Weeks of Radiation Treatment

I head in for my SIM (set up) Wednesday, then start in 2 weeks. Same...30 treatments +/-. The advice I was given was to stay away from the hot tub...no soaking...weakens your skin. Moisturize!! The doc prescribed a mild steroid ointment to use twice a day with Aquaphor.

I just finished 25 proton therapy treatments and I agree steroid cream and Aquaphor are really great. Wear soft, light shirts and use a small pillow under your seatbelt. Mine felt like a bad sunburn. I am almost a week out and it has gotten better.

The radiologist sugest not to have any antioxidants in pill form. No Fish oil, no vitamins. Any kind of food it’s ok but no pills.

Do what they say. Just communicate incessantly when you start seeing changes. They have material that can cover the parts of concern etc.

I just rang the bell last week after 20 sessions. I used Calendula Cream right after radiation and applied throughout the day… it helped a lot! It feels cool. Then before bed, I shower and then apply castor oil and I use the castor oil pad on top of my breast… I also continued to use compression bra. Use fragrance free soap for bathing so you won’t peel…. Before you know it, you’ll be ringing the bell too! :)

Oral calendula works very well.

I used corn starch. My radiologist said keeping the skin dry was the most important thing. After 6 weeks of treatment. I only had a sun burn during the last week that resolved quickly. I sprinkled in my bra ever time I put it on.

Be prepared for skin weeping. I had a special gel for that. Otherwise no further problems. I am now 84 with another breast removal. Decided at my age to forgo another radiation treatment. Apparently lymph nodes, that were infected, were removed.

Make sure you use creams on your radiation area and chest, but I did not use it the morning of radiation. I did it after radiation that day.

I make my own organic thc salve, and also used herbal calendula cream. I worked full time, at 75, and drove myself each afternoon. A bit more tired at night. CBD gummies are great for sleep. 2 years later I am considered cancer free. I declined chemo, and eat organic foods, and take oodles of supplements, especialky vit d.

Keep ice packs in the freezer as your breast will feel super hot as you move thru your treatment. Keep them moisturized really especially if your radiologist isn’t covering your breasts with Mepitel. Mepitel protects your skin from breaking down and also from being burned. It was a god send

Use a heating pad whenever you're Cold. It helps also, to rub on the areas that burn so as to relieve the pain 😢 😭. I know how you all feel as mine is metastatic.

Vaseline also works . Linoleum

Moisturize MOISTURIZE. MOISTURIZE- it can’t be said enough. Take it from someone who thought she moisturized enough- but my skin thought otherwise : worse than a sunburn !!!

Same treatment schedule for me and I agree to moisturize and stay hydrated internally. Be sure you communicate any issues with your Dr and staff. Good luck!

Aloe is great but make sure Aloe if not directly from a plant DOES NOT contain alcohol. No one told me til 1/2 way through Alcohol dries out skin? And maybe more? I ended up with delayed radiation damage 1 + year later which is extremely painful skin falls off and looks like an orange peel plus bad sun burn. Also stay hydrated! Godspeed and stay positive

I used a radiation cream I found on Amazon that worked really well to keep my area from getting leathery skin. For me , the radiation was the easiest compared to chemo and surgery.

I used RadiaPlex Rx Gel (on Amazon) at the recommendation of my doctor, three times a day. One of those was immediately after treatment and always after showering. ⚠️⚠️⚠️ If you itch where they mark you for aligning your treatments, be careful if they use paint markers. I was allergic to the Xylene in the markers. It is the ingredient that you can smell in some Sharpies and DecoColor paint markers. Make sure the marker is safe for skin.‼️ Some also have an allergic reaction to adhesives used in these sensitive areas. Listen to your body. Rest when you can. ❤️🙏

Can anyone tell me what they use for neuropathy? I need some help with my neuropathy desperately. Gabapentin don't help me at all.

Bettie Gavapentin along with Duloxetine isn’t helping me either. Doubling my dose of Gabapentin and starting neuropathic pain therapy next week. I have no idea what they’re going to do but I hope it helps. The neuropathy in my hands is no joke. And I used ice gloves and socks during Taxol treatments.

Radiation treatment can feel overwhelming to think about, but many patients find it helpful to prepare with practical items like loose-fitting clothing, gentle moisturizer for skin care, and staying well-hydrated throughout the process. The community here has valuable experience to share, so connecting with others who've been through similar treatment can provide great insights and encouragement for the weeks ahead.