Breast Cancer RADIATION - What to Expect with Skin Changes
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- Опубликовано: 5 май 2023
- RADIATION for Breast Cancer - what to expect with skin changes both during and after radiation. I had radiation after my double mastectomy and I had a lot of questions about the side effects leading up to my treatment.
➡️ FREE Stretching Guide - breast-cancer-rehab.ck.page/s...
➡️ Printable Step-By-Step GUIDES for Post-Surgery Rehab & Common Side Effects - breastcancerrehab.myshopify.com
This video covers the skin changes that I experienced week by week as an example of what to expect.
✅ what does it look like?
✅ what does it feel like?
✅ when does the burn appearance start?
✅ how long does it last?
❇️ Comfortable bras for sensitive skin during and after radiation - www.anaono.com/r?id=q77j7c (save 15% code applied at checkout)
Look for "Leslie" bra (less support) or "Monica" bra (more support)
❇️ For bras post-mastectomy and beyond - www.prairiewear.com/ERICA10 (save 10%)
❇️ CREAM TO USE DURING & AFTER RADIATION:
Aquaphor - amzn.to/3Impbca
Eucerin - amzn.to/43T5Jgn
Cerave - amzn.to/3LfmPxE
My other favourite rehab & recovery products - amazon.com/shop/breastcancerrehab
Barrier cream used at end of radiation - Proshield Plus
Topical antibiotic ointment prescribed by my radiation oncologist for peak of symptoms - Flamazine/Silvadene
🔅 Enjoying my videos? If you want to show some love and support consider contributing to “Buy Me a Coffee” - www.buymeacoffee.com/drerica
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Хобби
For anyone getting radiation, not everyone burns. That was my biggest fear but I had my 30 treatments with slightly pink skin that didn't hurt and faded in a few days. I am someone who gets sunburn going to get the mail. Avoiding friction is the most important thing you can do to protect your fragile skin. Prop your arm out to the side while you work or prop it on a pillow while you sleep to avoid skin to skin contact with your underarm. When you exercise (daily exercise minimizes symptoms and fatigue during chemo, radiation and afterwards), adjust your arm movements to avoid skin to skin contact. I was able to successfully do kickboxing (1000+) punches on each arm, running and walking without irritation by adjusting my arm positioning. Good luck to anyone going through radiation.
Thanks for sharing your experience! You’re right, radiation skin changes can be quite variable. Reducing friction points is super helpful!
5 days ago, I had a lumpectomy with sentinal lymph node biopsy. I'll be doing radiation next month. This video helped me understand what's ahead. Thank you!!! My radioligist told me to plan on using Aloe for the burn.
All the best with the rest of your treatment. There’s lots of info on the channel to help with your recovery.
I'm just starting my final week of radiation (Week 6)... Also finished my 2nd (final) round of Chemo last week (Chemo&Radiation done together)... At week 5 is when the area really started to show radiation burns (very dark red, rough peeling skin).. My Doc prescribed me Silver Sulfadiazine cream (which has worked wonders so far).. and i'm also taking daily Epsom salt (with peppermint) baths to soak the area (might increase to 2 baths a day)... Not looking forward to week 7 of the burn, But I am looking forward to being done with the treatment and I am looking forward to being cured and ringing the "Bell" ..
Thanks for sharing! The details will be helpful for others to read. My radiation oncologist gave me the same thing - Flamazine/Silvadene - also worked wonders. Hoping the peak of your symptoms aren’t too terrible.
Praying 🙏for all women that under go treatments I’m going to have16 treatments of radation soon Wish everyone the he Very Best 💯🙏🙏
0ķ@@breast-cancer-rehab
Thank you for documenting this! I really needed this!
Welcome to the channel!
Thx! This was VERY informative! So glad you're a thriver & survivor and now contributing to the health & wellness of others 🤗💞🙏🏾✨💐
Glad you found it so useful! I originally documented all of the changes for myself…I’m happy to be paying it forward now.
This was very helpful information! Thank you!
I M so glad that I found your channel. Thanks for doing your video explaining everything so clear and thoroughly.
Glad it was helpful! Welcome to the channel.
Such a great presentation of the whole skin change process ! Congrats
Thank you so much!
Thank you very much for explaining everything in detail along with timelines and visuals. I had exactly what you had following 2 weeks after my radiation. I had broken skin in my face underarm and was beginning to get worried. After I viewed this video I felt more at ease.
You’re welcome! I definitely felt more at ease anytime I knew more of what to expect.
Thank you for the information.
After 5 months chemo, DMX with 19 lymph nodes removed, 9 were cancer. Now on 25 of 30 radiation. The next 5 Boost. Very burnt and am told become of my lymphodema too, reconstruction is not likely. Ill start 2yr chemo pill next month and 10 yrs hormone blockers. HATE every second of this nightmare!!!
What a rollercoaster for you. I hope that you are getting the support that you need as you're dealing with lot!! Regarding your lymphedema - if you have the resources to do lymphatic massage that would be very helpful (after radiation burns have healed). If not, doing consistent self-lymphatic massage can really help too. Hang in there for the rest of your treatment.
🙏🏻 I wish you all the best
Prayers for you 🙏
Hi Lisa, I just want to drop message to you, Im with you they told me I need only remove tumor from my breast. End up removed all lymp nodes, mastectomy 4 surgeries, cording, half year chemo which caused me new cancer and now strating radio. Same as you hormonal 10 years treatment and lasting numb toes on my feets from chemo. I use to hate it, constant recovery, waiting ages for physio and help. So I decided help myslef. I did my own physio and from not able lift my shoulder i háve 80% my mobility back. Instead of hate my cancer I tried to find what it brought me. It showed me who is real friend, it fixed bad relationship with my father, and I appreciate more life. Im always thinking I still have 2 legs, 2 eyes to see and 2 arms, roof above head and food. They told me I cant do solo backpacking but I went anyway and hiked over 1k km during my cancer treatment. It gave me power for chemo, and all surgiers and although it was hard I realised that be in my bed after chemo was many times easier than hike in norway 11 days in rain in fjords. My point is that hate create more hate and sometimes we have to go thru darkness to appreciate what is it to stand on sun. You can do it Lisa..sending you lots of power and love ❤ Lucy
@lucy_orangina awww thanks so much for sharing all that and I'm so happy for you to overcome so much too. ❤️
Excellent presentation and very informative~thank you♥️
Glad it was helpful!
I wish I’d found you sooner but so glad I found you now! I had breast reduction and lift after lumpectomies. I’m glad to see those videos as my scarring is bad on one side
Welcome to the channel!
Thank you for sharing valuable information.
Glad it was helpful!
Gosh - You have Really Been Through it - Ive Saved This Video and Your other Helpful Videos - Im still at a Standstill With Getting My Radiation Treatment - Because of My Scar isn't Healing under My arm. Thanks So Much - Erika
Thank you. Hope your healing continues!
I finish my treatement last year
And it s very hard to live with breast cancer😢
I hear you! The survivorship stage can often be more challenging than some of the treatment. Keeping up with self-care (exercise in my case) has been key to my recovery. I hope you're able to find what that thing is for you too.
Yes it is my sister is batting for her life now I pray God heals everyone of cancer now in the name of Jesus Christ.
Omg! I just finished radiation 2 days ago and I'm experiencing the underarm issues now.Thanks for the info!
It can be pretty uncomfortable but thankfully the skin effects are temporary!
Just to help folks w some general info. I had surgery then I had chemo first, then rads. Was told that the general timeline to start radiation is 4-8 weeks after your last chemo. it will depend on how your body has healed post chemo/blood panel and any risk factors from chemo. Just sharing in case someone out there i wondering. General statement from my doc so I am sure it varies but it was true for me. I started Rads exactly 4 weeks after my last chemo infusion (which had a 21 day healing cycle)
Thanks for sharing the timeline after you’ve had chemo. 🙏🏼
Thanks 🙏🙏
You're welcome Sana! Not sure where you're at in the treatment process but I hope you're recovery goes well.
Quando eu fiz radioterapia tive queimaduras também
Thanks for sharing your experience. Were you able to use any other cream, aside from the prescribed cream?
My hospital gave me Proshield (a barrier cream) near the end of radiation and that was helpful. I used a fragrance-free water based cream that I already had at home throughout treatment before my skin got bad. I didn’t know at the time what other alternatives there were. Had I known I would have used Eucerin, Aquaphor or CeraVe (see product link in the description of video)
I 'm 2 treatments away from being done. I used aquaphor the entire time.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I start radiation in a few weeks.
Good luck! Moisturizing daily and the saline soaks really do help.
Thank you for this video it really helped me be more prepared for what symptoms and side effects I could encounter. Knowledge is comforting to me. I am a multi time cancer thriver. My question for you is how did the skin tightening affect your tissue expander?
Knowledge helped to put me at ease too. When I had my expanders the radiated side was much tighter/harder than the other side. The expander also looked a bit smaller as radiation can have a shrink wrap appearance with breasts.
Thank you for sharing 🥹 God you🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
You're welcome!
I too had burns and open wounds in my armpit after radiation. Bag Balm worked best to soothe and heal that area up.
Thanks for posting about what worked for you with radiation burns!
@@breast-cancer-rehab It's a very good thing. We share and talk. So much to be learned! Thanks for providing a place for that to happen!
May God bless you. You have been through so much and so brave. Thank you for this video. It is helping me to know what to expect. They don't tell you much about this.
I'm starting my second week. I started radiation on March 5th. At the end of last week I developed a sore throat and a cough. I feel like I've come down with a head cold. It's weird. It's been warm outside, so I don't know how that happened.
I have cancer in my bladder so I refused chemo and radio therapy prior to the lumpectomy, since immunology put that in remission. After surgery, my husband convinced me to do four weeks of targeted radiation. It ends on June 1. Tomorrow, I have my "boost" shot. So far I only have tenderness where the scar is under my arm. It's a lumpy welt. I put a band-aide over it to stop the friction.
Thankfully I was "borderline" but can lay face down during treatment. I happened to talk to a lovely woman that works at Lands End. In passing I mentioned what was going on with me prior to starting treatment. She had also had breast cancer and mentioned that having treatment, face down, was easier. Had she not mentioned that, I would not have known that was an option. My doctors are okay but it does seem to be more of an assembly line approach. They are all very nice but I would have liked to have a fuller picture of what to expect or what might happen.
There is less mobility with with my left arm. I will have to do more exercises. It is my left breast that was affected. I have learned more from videos and especially yours on what to expect and how to deal with problems they don't really highlight or mention. I was just diagnosed with Hashimoto's so I battle with brain fog. Years ago I had Grave's disease and I finally seemed to go away. My GP has been handling it and I finally have an appointment with an Endo tomorrow. This was diagnosed about two months ago so hopefully my dosage can be adjusted. I am extremely tired. I have an intermittent sped up heart while being very tired at the same time. I can hardly wait till all this is over and I can get back to being myself.
In the fall will be my last hurdle. There are "suspicious nodules" in my lungs so they want to "watch" that. At least with that I can have robotic surgery and not be cut. The same is true of my bladder - robotic surgery is a Godsend. I would hate to imagine what shape I'd be in with all the surgeries I have had for bladder cancer. Hopefully my June appointment , will show I am still in in remission thanks to BCG treatment. It will eventually come back but I'd be happy with remission to continue as long as possible.
My immune system is a mess. I also have MS but do nothing about it. Diet makes a world of difference with symptoms. There is no cure for that and masking symptoms with lots of drugs, imo, isn't worth it when diet has made a positive difference.
It's unfortunate but the medical industry doesn't stress nutrition and the advice they do give, isn't always very accurate ... . They still push carbs - grains - and that creates weight issues as well as fruit - which has a lot of sugar - something else to be avoided or eaten sparingly when you have cancer. Cancer loves sugar!
I hate to be cynical but there maybe some truth to it - a healthy patient may not be in their best interests and especially since reimbursement is not what it used to be and they need a volume of patients. All I can say is, do your own research to be best informed and this video is what I would consider research. Thank you again, for sharing your experience .
It’s definitely helpful to have a better idea of what to expect with all the different stages of treatment. I’m glad you found this video helpful. Hope your burns aren’t too bad after you’re done radiation. Keep up with the exercises for your shoulder and the nutrition changes as it sound like they’re helping quite a few things that you’re dealing with.
Bubble your story hit a lot of nerves with me. Especially being under informed on drug and procedure side effects. I hope you don't mind a stranger jumping in and commenting. But to me knowing I'm not alone is very helpful.
Thank you so much for sharing this. How did you manage to avoid chemo with the node positive pls?
I had 3 lymph nodes removed, 1 positive. My oncologist did the “Oncotype Dx” breast cancer test. This helps to identify patients likely to benefit from chemotherapy, or not. My Oncotype score was 9 (low) so there was little value in adding chemo to my treatment plan.
May I pls ask if you were pre menopausal at the time ? My doctor didnt want me to do oncotype, he says for pre menopausal women there was a 5% benefit of chemo regardless. Thanks heaps.
Pre-menopausal.
Did you use any cream or ointment other than the antibiotic one for the blisters? My radiation oncologist provides calendula cream, and my dermatologist prescribed a steroid cream to use as well, so I’m hoping that if I use those diligently I won’t have any skin issues!
Thanks for your videos-I’m watching a lot of them and they’re incredibly helpful. I appreciate that they’re short and to the point as well.
I didn’t use any other cream/ointment when it came to the blisters stage. I’ve heard positive things about calendula cream. Glad the videos have been helpful. Good luck with radiation!
Thanks for sharing. I had to stop radiation after 21/30 treatments bc of skin issues. Had raw areas the size of my palm in 2 places. 4 weeks to heal extremely painful.
That sounds pretty painful and no wonder you had to stop radiation early. Hoping your recovery since then is going well.
Prayig🙏
Praying 🙏 for u and everyone that is haveing breast cancer I’m starting radation soon 16 treatments will remember All 🙏🙏♥️❤️
Thank you all for prayers. Doing well. First mammogram in January. Crossed fingers. Doing well on anastrozole and verzenio.
Did you do ok. I have six to go. The rare tumor is in my ankle. My foot is swollen twice its size,huge blister all around heel,bottom of heel. I can't walk,an it has made me sick. Nurse saw me instead of the Dr. Told me to go to ER if it doesn't feel better.Surely the Dr can help ,should be educated on all this. It isn't them,so they don't care.
Hi ! It’s been 2 years I’ve had breast radiation. After about a year ago, I started having issues I. My underarm area, it’s scartches a lot. So now after putting my deodorant I put a bit of a cream call glaxal base. It’s a life saver and you can have it on the counter no prescription needed. Can you please tell me what kind of deodorant you ppl use please ? If it can help some, mine is mineral crystal, fantastic! 😊
I had a patient whose oncologist recommended glaxal as well. Thanks for sharing Re: deodorant. I haven’t had skin issues post-radiation (other than immediately after) so in terms of deodorant I use one that has clean ingredients and is free of aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances, etc (no specific brand).
I use fresh lemon or limes. Just rub a few drops under each arm. It works better than any deodorant. Keeps you fresh all day. A must try
I will be undergoing radiation therapy soon. Do I need to isolate myself for the whole treatment considering that I have below 16 years old daughter living with me in my room?
You don’t need to isolate during radiation.
Here are some of my favourite Radiation Skin Care Tips - ruclips.net/video/2XXrP5qCPqA/видео.html
I had a lumpectomy on Oct 9. I had clear margins and no lymph node involvement, so I was lucky to have only 5 targeted radiation treatments. I had no pain until the last treatment Dec 11. That treatment was painful and has been painful since. My underarm is especially tight and painful, and has changed from pink to darkening brown. The pain is deep in…is there any way to relieve that?
The pain can be radiation related but can also be due to muscular tension and reduced motion in the shoulder/underarm/chest. It’s ideal to have a therapist assess you in-person to determine the best way to address your pain. In the meantime try some of the stretching and rehab videos.
I apply Alovera gel right after my sister's inlaw's radiation then apply aquapor oitment shes in her 4th week radiation and no burn and redness. In her 4th week alovera+aquapor+ top with Alovera again..
Thank you for sharing!
Hello! I was wondering if you experienced any discomfort when swallowing. They say the esophagus might also be affected. Did you take any medications? Does it ever go away? Thank you!
I didn’t have any issues with my esophagus and swallowing. The only medication right after radiation was a topical antibiotic ointment (name in video description). Burn appearance does go away but can take a long time!
Is there any cutting edge technology other than standard of care
Hi. Not sure if you’re asking about alternatives to radiation as this is standard of care?
I somehow never paid attention to radiation....after chemo and mastectomy, I thought it was just a minor thing to finish up with. NO! I am scalded red from my neck above my clavicle to under my breast and my armpit area. There are lots of open, weeping, areas and I have been in severe pain. The Mepilex silicone bandages need to be changed every morning and I smell fetid. I am assured that nothing is infected, but at 5 days past my last radiation treatment ( had 25) I don't think I have peaked yet. Yes, it appears that there are quite varied responses to radiation. (and note, I had proton radiation which may give more intense burns than photon) Good luck....I hope you have a more moderate response.
I sure hope your symptoms peak soon so that you can start getting some relief! Best wishes.
I have skin peeling of from armpit, areola and under my breast. The most uncomfortable area is under my breast as i can not wear any bra rigt now. Any ideas from u guys going through same on how to avoid friction in that area
I didn’t wear a bra either at that stage. I also went without a top when I was at home (just for a few days) to reduce friction.
@@breast-cancer-rehab one more thing i wanted to ask. When i saw your after radiation skin changes video. Was there any thing with which you cleaned your burnt skin.?as mine is coming off too. And i am not sure with what should i wipe the dead dark skin.
I would appreciate if you could share your experience.
I didn’t wipe the skin with anything. Just regular showers and it peeled off day by day…but it wasn’t painful at all at this stage.
Mine was pretty bad. Very raw in large areas. I alternated aquaphor and silvadine, cleaning with sterile saline twice a day. Covered with a petrolatum dressing and large pads for surgical dressings then wrapped and ace bandage. No adhesives or tape!!
I just completed 5 sessions of targeted SBRT radiation for ovarian cancer at a high dose of 6gy per session and I am in terrible pain in my abdomen where the tumour is. Severe nausea too. I guess it really depends on which area of the body they are targeting.
The side effects from radiation can be significant and you’re right, it all depends on the area that was radiated. I hope that your symptoms settle down soon!
Hello guys. Actually I’m going to start radiation soon.. please any advice about diet , creams, clothing, … before and after each session.. thank you
All the best with your upcoming radiation!
Can you please suggest early stage Breast cancer which surgery is better lumpectomy or masctemony for 50 year woman? Is radiation therapy effect on lungs?
This video may help with your decision - ruclips.net/video/Gntaqpf8fOo/видео.html. It includes all the factors that I considered when making this decision. Yes, sometimes radiation therapy can affect the lungs. It is a less common side effect.
Can i use Aloe Vera gel on these "burns"?
My radiation skin care handout from the hospital said not to use aloe vera gel. I have read other things online that recommend it. I would check with your radiation oncologist/therapist on what they recommend for you.
Is it ok to use moisturizer cream before going to your radiation therapy and after therapy?
The old advice used to be not applying cream before radiation. Most radiation oncologists don't have these limitations anymore and mine didn't - so I applied cream liberally throughout the day. I would check with your radiation therapist/oncologist for what they recommend for you.
My team has told me to use the most organic aloe vera gel I can . Follow with Aquaphor. They said every am & Pm . They also stressed. Do not put anything on four hours prior to the procedure. It looks like you were here six months ago. I hope things went well for you❤
@brendachristian582 Thanks for your input. It’s interesting the different advice that’s given from different teams. My team said in the past they used to advise patients not to put anything on before radiation, but have since changed their tune on this.
Did you go to work during treatments?
I was working but only a few hours a week treating patients. I was fortunate not to have any fatigue during radiation. I returned to work 6 wks after my double mastectomy...it felt right at the time but was too soon in retrospect. I took 9 mths off after my reconstruction surgery.
@@breast-cancer-rehab can you work while doing radiation?
Yes, but it depends how you feel going through radiation.
After surgery , when will the radiation start?
The timeline depends on whether you'll need other treatment first (eg: chemo). My surgeon said it's generally 6-12 weeks after surgery - I did at 11 weeks.
Im in my third week of radiation 😢but my only problem now is my nipple very red also in pain 😢 I used mioderm cream
Any recommendations?
Ask your radiation oncologist or therapist if you should be using anything else at this stage. I never experienced that as I had a skin-sparing mastectomy.
I know I can help someone fight with breast cancer garlic cayenne pepper and going chiropractor helps too for body adjustment😊
I only wish those things could fight cancer.
Anyone can help me w seroma under expander as lymphes removed and resistent bacteria
I would check with your surgeon on this. Hope it resolves for you.
Those mfers couldn’t give you Rx for creams before treatment?
I probably wouldn’t have used them if given at the beginning. Not everyone gets significant shin changes and I would have wanted to see what the actual changes were without cream…and then used it when I needed it like I did.
I have just finished 15 radiation treatments. I have mild sunburn and intense itching on my chest. I had a left mastectomy. I rub cortisone cream on the itchy skin, bepanthanen cream on my scars and QV cream over the top of all that! X4 daily. It has really saved my skin. Literally! Good Luck 💗❤️🇦🇺🦘
Thx for sharing your experience for others to read.