Posted January 15, 2009 By Heather
Hello,
My mom is currently going through chemo for her breast cancer and will eventually start radiation. She's been told she'll have 25 sessions and knows she'll suffer from burns. Is anyone out there able to pass on info on the best way to deal with them? She's quite upset about the upcoming treatments and I want to help her if I can.....
Posted February 4, 2009 By Mary Ann
Hi Heather,
I am 41 years old, I was 39 when I was diagnosed in May 2007, Stage 1, node negative, ER+, HER2+. I had 6 rounds of chemo treatments (FEC-D), 21 radiation treatments and 1 year of Herceptin. I had my ovaries removed 2 months ago. I am currently on tamoxifen. Regarding your mom's concerns on radiation burns, I used organic Aloe Vera gel (you can buy this from most of the health stores). Apply the gel to the affected area everytime after radiation treatment. I did not suffer from radiation burns (thank God the technicians at Princess Margaret are good). Hope that helps. I wish your mom speedy recovery.
Posted February 10, 2009 By Heather
Thank you so much. Your treatments sound almost identical to my mom's. She only has four rounds of chemo, her last one is at the end of this month, then she's up for the radiation and Herceptin with tamoxifen to follow. I'll look into the gel for her.
Posted April 16, 2009 By gigitam
I am halfway done with my 25 radiation treatments. So far, I don't have any burn just redness. my radiologist suggested me to use Glaxal Base moisturizing cream 3 times a day (but not 2 hours before the treatments).
Posted January 7, 2010 By bailey
Hi:
just wanted some comments about radiation treatments. I am done by chemo treatments except the herceptin still to continue every 3 weeks. I was wondering of some side effects from the radiation. I have had a double mastectomy & 25 lymph nodes removed on left side so will have radiation there.
also suggested I take tamoxifen (what is that like, a little worried about side effects) will be glad when it's over. (ER+,PR+,HER+) I have had (4 rounds chemo(Pertuzamab/Docataxal/Herceptin) then my surgery then 3 rounds chemo (FEC + Herceptin) now will start radiation. would appreciate any help on this (what lotions to put on my skin if it gets bad)
thanks so much everyone :)
Posted January 8, 2010 By Carolyn
I used Glaxol Base, but the lotion in the tube, not the tub. Continue until at least a month after putting the Glaxol Base on it. Actually I still continue to use the cream, but switched to the tub as I like it better and it is at Costco. You really have to be gentle with your skin. I am fair so did burn. I was told to use saline compresses and I found that gave me a huge relief. It took some of the heat out of it. You can make your own saline solution and just use facecloths. Also I think it would not be a good idea to sleep on the affected side as arm pressed against underarm creates heat where there is already a lot of heat. That I figured out too late. My Alo Vera plant gladly gave some of its limbs to me and that was cooling as well. The area they irradiate is quite large so take care of your chest from way under your arm to mid chest, from under your breast to almost to your clavicle. I was not prepared for how large the area was until it became clear to me by reddening. Don't wear any bras, just older cotton baggy tshirts, was my best garb. All the best. Carolyn
Posted March 27, 2012 By Patti b
I completed radiation 12 days ago. I still have blistering and peeling on my chest area above my breast. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this, and if so, how long does it take before the skin heals. Also, I am not sure whether to let it dry more or keep putting the Glaxal base cream on this area. It is difficult to apply it due to the texture of the area...and it hurts when touched!
