Radiation treatments are over, and I am elated! It's been a whirlwind of a ride these last few weeks going to and from treatments every day for what seemed like an eternity. I've experienced fatigue, low energy, and nausea throughout this experience. My skin did quite well, however, up until the last (4th) week. That's when the burn marks appeared around the area where the radiation was directed to. Under my right armpit it looks like a bad sunburn. On my right breast, red splotches began to appear all over. Under my right breast fold are burn marks as well as red splotches (See Pictures Below).
I don't know how long I will have these side effects, but my doctor did warn me. I thought I was going to get away with not having any skin reaction, and all of a sudden, almost like overnight they appeared. In addition, almost overnight the pain from the burns were felt. My doctor's exam was Monday, he saw the red areas and he said, "I warned you it was coming!". He knew I wasn't happy about it, and he did tell me not to jump ahead of myself. Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this ordeal, it hasn't been easy, but I feel like I've made it past the halfway point. I can see a good ending ahead. Yay! Before radiation treatment begins, patients are given special instructions on what type of bra to wear, what type of deodorant to use, moisturizers, topical medications to use, and so forth. I am sharing what has been the most effective during treatment in hopes of helping others get some comfort when the side effects start to happen. Patients should avoid wearing an underwire bra. I have never really cared for bras without underwire, mainly because i need support and most no wire bras I have tried in the past didn't give much support. I decided to go and have a bra fitting and consultation, and I'm glad I did. I was able to try on different types and brands of bras and find the best fit and style for me. My favorite no wire bra is by Wacoal. I found this particular one at Nordstrom and it is super comfortable, yet still gives great support. It comes in a variety of colors, and I definitely recommend it. I bought two to wear during my 4 week treatment period. The bras are great for wearing afterwards as well, I plan to. You can click on the picture at the end of this blog post to take you straight to the Nordstrom.com link. During the 4th week, however, no bra that I've tried provided any comfort. I would recommend a bralette because it's less restrictive and allows for mobility. Nordstrom sells these as well. Another recommendation is using Aloe Vera gel everyday on the breast and surrounding areas. I just used what I had on hand, which was a drug store brand. After the third week of treatment, I started using Calendula cream, which was recommended for burns and irritation on the skin. It can be found at drug stores in the first aid area. This cream helps to promote healing of burns or sunburn, and is good for the dryness and chaffing. I have found this product to be a definite necessity. I also bought Aquaphor healing ointment, which is very helpful if your skin on the breast or under the armpit gets extremely dry or cracked. Of these three products, Calendula cream has been my favorite. The Doctor also recommended over the counter Hydrocortisone cream 1%, this product has also been a necessity. Lastly, I had to change my choice of deodorant, I normally use an antiperspirant. However, during treatment and for weeks afterwards, I have to use deodorant, and a specific one. I have been using Tom's of Maine and it's just ok. Tom's is the only one recommended so it has been what I've used. With the temperature outside well in the 90's, lets just say, I keep my arms down. I've linked the remaining products below to CVS Pharmacy, just because that's where I usually shop. You don't have to use these links, I'm just trying to make it easier for you. In my next blog, I'm going to let you know how I've been taking care of my shoulder and arm pain. Stay tuned! *Nordstrom links are affiliate, which means I receive a small commission if any purchases are made. Thanks for supporting my site.
GAIL E PARMENTIER
8/21/2017 08:41:55 am
Sherri,
Sherri
8/21/2017 06:57:50 pm
Thank you, Gail. I have never tried argan oil, but I will definitely check into it, especially for scarring. I appreciate your kind comment. Comments are closed.
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September 2017
AuthorSherri Dunning is a wife, mom, grandmother, and recent blogger. Follow along with her as she writes about her experience with breast cancer. |