For those starting out or those in the middle or end, radiation can be challenging. Chemotherapy is not the only difficult treatment, Radiation can also cause painful side effects. I am moving from Padawan to the Jedi stage (7 weeks, 35 zaps) and wanted to share some interesting things that work for me...
Skin Tips:
Radiation can mess with your skin. From redness/darkening to itching to peeling. These products have really helped keep my skin moist, helped with itching, & general relief some serious burns. Avoid perfumes, deodorants, lotions, and shaving - you do not want to start skin problems.
Pre-Radiation Prep
Before you go to radiation make sure you know not to use any product (gel, lotion, etc) at least 3 hours before. The product will remain on your skin and can create additional skin irritation.
I had my treatment in the morning and I would shower prior to going. I did not use any soap on or around my treatment area ever. I also bought special no-perfumed soap for the rest of my skin. I also did not rub, scrub, or shave the skin... ouch. If I had treatment later in the day, I did not use any product that day and still took a shower before going. I did not want to add any additional ways to increase skin irritation.
Udderly Smooth Lotion
- Apply throughout the day, keeping the skin moist.
- This product is a thick, white lotion and is very soothing.
Aquaphor
- Apply throughout the day, keeping the skin moist.
- This product's texture is more like Vaseline and keeps the skin very moist.
- Product can get on clothes, wear something you don't care about after applying.
Aquaphor + Lidocaine
- The nurse combined these two products when I got really itchy to help numb the skin.
- This product's texture is more like Vaseline and numbs the area.
- It tended to dry me out faster, so I put Udderly Smooth on soon after.
- Product can get on clothes, wear something you don't care about after applying.
100% Aloe Vera Gel
- Apply throughout the day, keeping the skin cooler.
- This product is a clear gel and is very soothing to the burn feeling.
Repara
- Medicated gauze strip that helps the skin.
- Enabled my skin to peel easier and allow for healing faster.
- This product is a yellow medicated and sticky.
- Product can get on clothes, wear something you don't care about after applying.
Go Bra-less
Let out your inner 70's love child. I found this hard at first, it was awkward going out without a bra. I was luck it was winter and I wore layers and jackets and scarfs to distract from my chest area. I will say that at home I lived in very soft tank tops. I wore them as my new bra.
Bras can cause sweating and rub the skin. I would recommend just forgetting them during your treatment. Go with the cotton cloth roll (see below)...
Let out your inner 70's love child. I found this hard at first, it was awkward going out without a bra. I was luck it was winter and I wore layers and jackets and scarfs to distract from my chest area. I will say that at home I lived in very soft tank tops. I wore them as my new bra.
Bras can cause sweating and rub the skin. I would recommend just forgetting them during your treatment. Go with the cotton cloth roll (see below)...
Rolled Cotton Cloth
If you are larger breasted, I am, then radiation tends to affect the areas where skin-to-skin sweating and contact occur. So, the area below the breast can burn and peel more easily than other areas. I found one way to help prevent this was to not wear a bra and place a rolled soft cotton cloth under my breast. I kept it there and it really help me.
- I laid a large plain white worn, washed, and comfy shirt out sideways. I used scissors to cut a strip (4-6 inches) down the bottom. Then I made another one which usually left the sleeves and above remaining.... a remaining funky cut-off shirt!
- I would roll the rags up, which had 2 layers as I rolled it.
- Then I would place that under the breast.
- I would often re-roll it different ways so that I could use it longer. I wore it almost all the time, sometimes taking it off to sleep because I just needed a break.
Not it, but the general idea...
Additional Concerns & Tips:
Avoid...
- Do not use heating pads, ice packs, or anything like those.
- Do not go out and sunbath or expose treated skin to the sun, tanning beds, etc... like you would want to with the radiation burn you are getting!
- Dress comfortably in soft clothing. No under-wire bras. No tight clothes. No itchy fabrics.
- Do not use perfumes, lotions, deodorants, shaving creams, & other products to treated area.
- Do not rub the skin when washing and drying. Pat the skin... lightly!
Drink Water
I know you have heard it a million times, but keep drinking water. I have to keep after myself, but it really does help. I have found that my skin is more dry when I drink less water. So, drink it!!!
Rest & Rest
I was crazy exhausted. Sometimes so tired I forgot to tend to fixing myself food. I had to sleep. And I did sleep. On days I did not, I often paid for it. Later in treatment, the more active I was often led to my skin peeling off. So, allow yourself some time (if you can) to just embrace the fatigue and sleep.
I was crazy exhausted. Sometimes so tired I forgot to tend to fixing myself food. I had to sleep. And I did sleep. On days I did not, I often paid for it. Later in treatment, the more active I was often led to my skin peeling off. So, allow yourself some time (if you can) to just embrace the fatigue and sleep.
Coconut Oil
Yes, I know it is for cooking, but it can be used on skin too. This tip was found post-treatment - when my OT was rubbing some on my lumpectomy scars. It really softened my skin and lightened my scar discoloration. As well as my radiated chest discoloration. I now use as a moisturizer!
- Easy to find in the grocery store. Any brand will do!
- I did not use this during treatment, but after I was finished. It works as a moisturizer and smells like the beach!
- Try to get someone else to do it and include a massage.
Yes, I know it is for cooking, but it can be used on skin too. This tip was found post-treatment - when my OT was rubbing some on my lumpectomy scars. It really softened my skin and lightened my scar discoloration. As well as my radiated chest discoloration. I now use as a moisturizer!
- Easy to find in the grocery store. Any brand will do!
- I did not use this during treatment, but after I was finished. It works as a moisturizer and smells like the beach!
- Try to get someone else to do it and include a massage.
House Cleaning
If you are in some form of cancer treatment and having trouble maintaining your housework then here is a good resource that may benefit you. It is an organization that helps female cancer fighters get free house cleaning services. If you apply and have a medical professional send them the proof, then they will set up 4 free house cleaning visits from a cleaning service. LOVE IT!!!!
Cleaning for a Reason - Apply Here
If you are in some form of cancer treatment and having trouble maintaining your housework then here is a good resource that may benefit you. It is an organization that helps female cancer fighters get free house cleaning services. If you apply and have a medical professional send them the proof, then they will set up 4 free house cleaning visits from a cleaning service. LOVE IT!!!!
Cleaning for a Reason - Apply Here
Nutri-Ox
I started radiation after chemotherapy, so I was just starting to grow hair during the treatment. Hair regrowth can be awkward. For me I had bald spots and uneven hair regrowth... it looked very mange-like. It bothered me because I was excited to see hair coming back, but it was not at all doing what I had hoped for. The product was designed to help stimulate hair growth and it really helped get my hair growing again. I noticed a difference within a week.
- Use shampoo and conditioner in the shower. Leave conditioner on for up to 3 minutes.
- After drying off use 3 drops from the ointment bottle and rub into scalp.
- Really very simple!
Hand Sanitizer
Another main focus will be trying to avoid getting infections or sick! Washing hands, with soap, to help keep away germs is essential. I have opted to put hand sanitizer all over my house, remember I have young kids. I have a large pump at the front door and one at the top of the stairs. I also carry small travel size ones in my purse which is a live saver!!!
Overall there are crazy side effects and some that leave you confused and frustrated. Hopefully some of these tips will help.
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