I am 8 months out from a full left mastectomy. The incision is well healed but has many interesting curves and points. I got a custom breast form that fits the incision nicely; amazing how it stays in place. I do the aquaphor every night before bed, but use a lighter product after my shower in the morning. Aveeno Calm and Restore(it just recently had a name change; you may also find it still on the shelf under it’s old name: Aveeno Restorative Care). This product was made specifically with oncology patients in mind and yet you can easily find it on the shelf of local stores at a reasonable price 😊
This is outstanding information that I was never told by my breast surgeon. I had no idea to massage the scars and about the risk of the scars changing even further with radiation. Thank you for sharing this valuable information.
I am having surgery and my surgeon didn't even cover what this doctor has covered. I am really disappointed in my surgeon about not being informed of this information. I am having great doubts with my doctor now, you can tell this doctor is in touch with her patients and has great compassion for her patients. I wish Dr. Gary was my doctor.
Thank you for this video session. I'm so glad I found you in time. I learned so much.. Just getting ready to meet with "the panel" to discuss the start of radiation treatments. At 73 YO didn't expect to be facing something like this at this point in my life. God bless the doctor and this channel for providing valuable advise and information. Excellent source of info. I feel less apprehensive going forward after hearing Dr. Gary. This will be a go to I'll always share . From a former Philadelphian ❤❤
Thank you . when I asked my Dr about vitamins they told me I don't need to talk vitamins . Now we need to talk vitamins so even if I take medication like gabapentin , tamoxifen please let me know thank you again you doing your job and responsibilities I hope others learn from you
I can't say how upset I am right now that my surgeon should have removed the skin glue because now it's deeply embedded in my surgical site and I'm now 5 weeks post op and my surgical site isn't healed. I have no health problems other than the breast cancer. So so disappointed in my surgeon. So now I'm getting ready to do radiation and I am really upset with how this is going to continue to heal and will I be deeply scared or even have increased pain to this wound thats not healing.
I don't see replies from the doctors?? Women of color need to know specifcs. For example, my nurse told me during radiation that I may feel like I had a bad sunburn, it may look a little red. Not so! I told her I never had a sunburn in my life. It just demonstrated that she nor my dr took sufficient time to educate themselves on radiation's skin effects on people of color. And, I'm certainly not the first person of color to get radiation treatments. I would think they have better access to this info than their patients. It left me angry afterwards specially the more I thought about it.
I’m white, but feel the medical people keep trying to minimize the side effects. During the second week,everything hurt so much that I couldn’t pick up my cell phone. I asked if it was because of the radiation, or could it be because I’d stopped taking arthritis meds and fish oil for inflammation. The Dr responded by saying I could start taking supplements soon. During the last week of radiation, the tech person let it slip that many people had significant pain during the second week. Then there is the mild sunburn! What a myth! My breast resembles a fried chicken breast! And mild fatigue that really shouldn’t interfere with daily living! One day after radiation at 10:30 AM, I was so tired driving that I felt unsafe so before doing errands, I decided to lay down for a few minutes. I woke up at 5:30 PM. Because they minimize everything, and don’t tell the whole truth, they inspire distrust.
@@kathygann1180 I agree. They did minimize the effects. It's like they don't know what the effects are. How can that be? They're supposed to be subject matter experts. I'd preferred getting clear, uncoated facts so I can better handle what is to come.
@@markyour6998 I agree with both of you. I just had surgery a few weeks ago and in the second week of recovery my armpit was burning significantly. I was not informed about any potential burning so I googled it. Turns out it's nerve issues. Rather than telling me everything to expect I'm figuring things out on my own. They prescribed gabapentin which did nothing for me. I haven't started radiation yet but I'm very concerned about how minimized the conversations are.
I had a breast biopsy and 2 years later I have a breast that is slowly hardening from the guided wiring. No I have multiple scoring. My thought Never again.
my integrative wellness doc limited my vitamins too. allowed: multivitamin by emerald labs, tumeric, fish oil. I am allowed magneisum (calm) to sleep and a probitoic. That is it! she said no vitamin c, b, or anything else I was taking (for radiation specifically) For chemo all I was allowed was the multiivamin, d3, cal/mag/zinc, and probiotic. I was told to limit supplments during chemo due to issues w/ nausea.
She talks so fast I didn't get the name of the product she recommended all I heard was Slave 😂 do anyone know of the name she said to buy besides the aloe vera gel ?
aquaphor, calandula oil products, aloe vera...my doc said lubriderm would also be ok. may want to ask about wound or dry skin ointments like bag balm as well. good luck, sis !
Hello and blessings ; I had a question about scar tissue ; I had this right after my lumpectomy and was concerned about going into Radiation right after and what the after effects would be . For me I feel that it personally affected me because I now live breast pain and I had my surgery in May of 2020 and the pain has worsened over time. I also have an autoimmune disease/ RA and was told this happens to most patients who have autoimmune sickness and on top of that deal with Breast Cancer. What can someone like me do to find relief . On my research I learned that after Radiation it would be permanent. What are your thoughts ? I am desperate for true answers . Blessings from Orlando
I have the sà em problem as your, after 1 year of surgeries and 9 months after radiation, I still feel pain, asked my Dr. she said maybe it a side effect of Covid-19 vaccine, then I came back 3 months later with the same question. Why I still feel pain, Dr said maybe from the radiation. I have no ideas what happened here, I took Tylenol for pain relief.
Just about the worst experience of my life. Neither my cancer doctor or plastic surgeon mentioned anything about scarring. I had a lumpectomy to remove small 3.5mm growth using a guided needle. Then I had 4 weeks of radiation....1 min/day for 20 days. No chemotherapy was warranted. Not too long after that the breast tissue AND skin on that irradiated breast started to change. Breast tissue got hard and skin started to pucker. Radiation destroyed what was left of that breast and the skin. In Nov of 2022, I had to have a double mastectomy with DIEP flap procedure: fat, skin, and blood vessels are cut from the wall of the lower belly and moved up to your chest to rebuild your breast. My nipple as well was destroyed and it had to be removed. It has been quite the journey and the worst part was what radiation caused. So very thankful that I am done with concerns about breast cancer and the resulting remedies.
anyone have the link to that healing salve mentioned around 8:15 mark? Also is she saying use it during radiation or after all treatments are done due to the oils?
I am 7 weeks post op stage one breast cancer and 17days into 33 day radiation treatment. You answered all my questions. My doctor was very forthcoming with everything you touched on but not the whys, no explanation what could happen and how to avoid it. Also, I think we have questions all along the treatment time. I see my radiologist once a week for minutes or two but he’s gone before I remember I had questions. Thank you for all this info.
What stage were you 1A or 1B? If your cancer didn’t spread why do you need radiation after they remove it. Did it get in your lymph nodes? Im asking for someone. You never see anything about holistic ways to heal.
Radiation burns start at 27 Grey. I was getting 2.66 Grey per day, and the burning continues to get worse at least two weeks after radiation stops. (That’s where I am now.)
@@Tiffthefashionista radiation is usually protocol to eradicate any small cells that the doctor is unable to see and that don't show up on any imaging.
Great talk. I was fortunate that I had a surgeon as a public patient in Australia who performed a breast reduction at the same time as the lumpectomy. Most women don’t know this is an option. You just have to ask. The surgeon advised about skin care and massage, day 10 before the dressing came down on the lumpectomy scar. The breast nurses also reinforced skin hydration every time I spoke to them. I’m sitting in the waiting room awaiting a CT scan in preparation for radiation, and the nurse also discussed skin care.
I am 5 days post lumpectomy and have also gone through the Australian public hospital system. So happy with my care and very thankful we have a fantastic public health system.
@@judithwilliams86 Hi Judith, my heart is with you. I’m 6 months post diagnosis and now feel emotionally I’m ready to move on. Physical recovery was much quicker. Each persons journey is different, everyone’s treatment is different. If the are in Sydney, The Adventist hospital provides a face to face support group. Should this be something you are interested in. This is available to everyone now matter where you had your care. To my knowledge this is only face to face group in Sydney. I have found them very helpful.
Because I'm 67, I don't care what my breast looks like. Does the skin HURT because of radiation? How long does it hurt? Are any of these problems dangerous or do they need treatment? If it's just appearance, I don't care at my age. But I care about pain and potentially dangerous situations.
You have to give yourself time to heal just because it's healed on the outside doesn't mean you're healed inside. Give it time it'll get better. I have tenderness where I had my mastectomy and it's been almost a year. You'll be fine.
Thank you i noticed I did not mention at the same time, I had lymphatic surgery which removed all my underarm lymph nodes due to the cancer had spread. Wonderful video and your very much appreciated to know your videos are then, when my anxiety and nerves are up, and I can not sleep🙏💕 Thank You😊
I just got done with breast radiation last Friday and I'm already healing everyone is different. I never discussed where my scars would be with my surgeon I don't get that. 🤔 I use pure aloe cervae soap and cervae healing ointment aquaphor and after the radiation was done I used tumeric soap
Have you used aquaphor or moisturizer lotion after each RT sessions? Some people suggests to moisturize immediately after RT and before bed after shower. I confuse
@@LostinTranslationss I used the Miaderm radiation cream right after radiation therapy along with the aquaphor. At night I'd use CeraVe healing ointment on it along with aquaphor
Hi Dr. Im nee to this site. Im currently foing chemo. My hands are peeling and d ty like real bab. Im presently using cereva ontiment. Can I also use the aloe plant on my hands as well? Its very over whelming?
I am 8 months out from a full left mastectomy. The incision is well healed but has many interesting curves and points. I got a custom breast form that fits the incision nicely; amazing how it stays in place. I do the aquaphor every night before bed, but use a lighter product after my shower in the morning. Aveeno Calm and Restore(it just recently had a name change; you may also find it still on the shelf under it’s old name: Aveeno Restorative Care). This product was made specifically with oncology patients in mind and yet you can easily find it on the shelf of local stores at a reasonable price 😊
Thanks for sharing, it's always helpful for others to have these recommendations. Take good care :)
This is outstanding information that I was never told by my breast surgeon. I had no idea to massage the scars and about the risk of the scars changing even further with radiation. Thank you for sharing this valuable information.
I am having surgery and my surgeon didn't even cover what this doctor has covered. I am really disappointed in my surgeon about not being informed of this information. I am having great doubts with my doctor now, you can tell this doctor is in touch with her patients and has great compassion for her patients. I wish Dr. Gary was my doctor.
Thank you for this video session. I'm so glad I found you in time. I learned so much.. Just getting ready to meet with "the panel" to discuss the start of radiation treatments.
At 73 YO didn't expect to be facing something like this at this point in my life. God bless the doctor and this channel for providing valuable advise and information. Excellent source of info. I feel less apprehensive going forward after hearing Dr. Gary. This will be a go to I'll always share .
From a former Philadelphian ❤❤
Thank you . when I asked my Dr about vitamins they told me I don't need to talk vitamins . Now we need to talk vitamins so even if I take medication like gabapentin , tamoxifen please let me know thank you again you doing your job and responsibilities I hope others learn from you
I can't say how upset I am right now that my surgeon should have removed the skin glue because now it's deeply embedded in my surgical site and I'm now 5 weeks post op and my surgical site isn't healed. I have no health problems other than the breast cancer. So so disappointed in my surgeon. So now I'm getting ready to do radiation and I am really upset with how this is going to continue to heal and will I be deeply scared or even have increased pain to this wound thats not healing.
Excellent Dr. Wish more doctors would be like this.
I would go for breasts implants and breasts reconstruction
I don't see replies from the doctors?? Women of color need to know specifcs. For example, my nurse told me during radiation that I may feel like I had a bad sunburn, it may look a little red. Not so! I told her I never had a sunburn in my life. It just demonstrated that she nor my dr took sufficient time to educate themselves on radiation's skin effects on people of color. And, I'm certainly not the first person of color to get radiation treatments. I would think they have better access to this info than their patients. It left me angry afterwards specially the more I thought about it.
I’m white, but feel the medical people keep trying to minimize the side effects. During the second week,everything hurt so much that I couldn’t pick up my cell phone. I asked if it was because of the radiation, or could it be because I’d stopped taking arthritis meds and fish oil for inflammation. The Dr responded by saying I could start taking supplements soon. During the last week of radiation, the tech person let it slip that many people had significant pain during the second week. Then there is the mild sunburn! What a myth! My breast resembles a fried chicken breast! And mild fatigue that really shouldn’t interfere with daily living! One day after radiation at 10:30 AM, I was so tired driving that I felt unsafe so before doing errands, I decided to lay down for a few minutes. I woke up at 5:30 PM. Because they minimize everything, and don’t tell the whole truth, they inspire distrust.
@@kathygann1180 I agree. They did minimize the effects. It's like they don't know what the effects are. How can that be? They're supposed to be subject matter experts. I'd preferred getting clear, uncoated facts so I can better handle what is to come.
@@markyour6998 I agree with both of you. I just had surgery a few weeks ago and in the second week of recovery my armpit was burning significantly. I was not informed about any potential burning so I googled it. Turns out it's nerve issues. Rather than telling me everything to expect I'm figuring things out on my own. They prescribed gabapentin which did nothing for me. I haven't started radiation yet but I'm very concerned about how minimized the conversations are.
@@kathygann1180 - So true what you said, very unfortunate. But why are they like that?? Just don't care? lazy?
I would never wanna remove my breasts from where it belongs
Dr Gary is the best I would not see anyone else she answers all your questions and is always happy to discuss any area of care Peggy corrigan
I would also wear earrings and makeup 💄
Why remove your lovely 🌹 breasts 1:20
I had a breast biopsy and 2 years later I have a breast that is slowly hardening from the guided wiring. No I have multiple scoring.
My thought Never again.
I had radiation 2 years ago. Now I have weird moles and a lot of skin tags under that breast. Is that from the radiation?
Oils would be good for your skin
I will never remove my breasts
I was told not to take too many supplements because it lessens the effects of the chemo but I did take vitamin d and magnesium
my integrative wellness doc limited my vitamins too. allowed: multivitamin by emerald labs, tumeric, fish oil. I am allowed magneisum (calm) to sleep and a probitoic. That is it! she said no vitamin c, b, or anything else I was taking (for radiation specifically) For chemo all I was allowed was the multiivamin, d3, cal/mag/zinc, and probiotic. I was told to limit supplments during chemo due to issues w/ nausea.
Sun ☀️ is burning your skin
Dark or light skin
Aloe vera gel
She talks so fast I didn't get the name of the product she recommended all I heard was Slave 😂 do anyone know of the name she said to buy besides the aloe vera gel ?
aquaphor, calandula oil products, aloe vera...my doc said lubriderm would also be ok. may want to ask about wound or dry skin ointments like bag balm as well. good luck, sis !
You can use subtitles on RUclips videos.
Hello and blessings ; I had a question about scar tissue ; I had this right after my lumpectomy and was concerned about going into Radiation right after and what the after effects would be . For me I feel that it personally affected me because I now live breast pain and I had my surgery in May of 2020 and the pain has worsened over time. I also have an autoimmune disease/ RA and was told this happens to most patients who have autoimmune sickness and on top of that deal with Breast Cancer. What can someone like me do to find relief . On my research I learned that after Radiation it would be permanent. What are your thoughts ? I am desperate for true answers . Blessings from Orlando
I have the sà em problem as your, after 1 year of surgeries and 9 months after radiation, I still feel pain, asked my Dr. she said maybe it a side effect of Covid-19 vaccine, then I came back 3 months later with the same question. Why I still feel pain, Dr said maybe from the radiation. I have no ideas what happened here, I took Tylenol for pain relief.
Lavender 🪻
Just about the worst experience of my life. Neither my cancer doctor or plastic surgeon mentioned anything about scarring. I had a lumpectomy to remove small 3.5mm growth using a guided needle. Then I had 4 weeks of radiation....1 min/day for 20 days. No chemotherapy was warranted. Not too long after that the breast tissue AND skin on that irradiated breast started to change. Breast tissue got hard and skin started to pucker. Radiation destroyed what was left of that breast and the skin. In Nov of 2022, I had to have a double mastectomy with DIEP flap procedure: fat, skin, and blood vessels are cut from the wall of the lower belly and moved up to your chest to rebuild your breast. My nipple as well was destroyed and it had to be removed. It has been quite the journey and the worst part was what radiation caused. So very thankful that I am done with concerns about breast cancer and the resulting remedies.
Great info - thank you!
Thank you Dr. Gary for Great content!! Please continue to release more videos!! I am a pink sister BC!! New to the family!! 🙏❤️🎀
Violet
Lovely❤
anyone have the link to that healing salve mentioned around 8:15 mark? Also is she saying use it during radiation or after all treatments are done due to the oils?
This is a great video, so informative.
Sunscreen is not bad for then skin buy one without chemicals and dye
Tattoos are art 🎨 but i would put any on my chest or arms or legs
Dyes are amazing without chemicals
Thank you, Dr. Gary for taking your time...
I am 7 weeks post op stage one breast cancer and 17days into 33 day radiation treatment. You answered all my questions. My doctor was very forthcoming with everything you touched on but not the whys, no explanation what could happen and how to avoid it. Also, I think we have questions all along the treatment time. I see my radiologist once a week for minutes or two but he’s gone before I remember I had questions. Thank you for all this info.
What stage were you 1A or 1B? If your cancer didn’t spread why do you need radiation after they remove it. Did it get in your lymph nodes? Im asking for someone. You never see anything about holistic ways to heal.
Radiation burns start at 27 Grey. I was getting 2.66 Grey per day, and the burning continues to get worse at least two weeks after radiation stops. (That’s where I am now.)
@@Tiffthefashionista radiation is usually protocol to eradicate any small cells that the doctor is unable to see and that don't show up on any imaging.
Great talk. I was fortunate that I had a surgeon as a public patient in Australia who performed a breast reduction at the same time as the lumpectomy. Most women don’t know this is an option. You just have to ask. The surgeon advised about skin care and massage, day 10 before the dressing came down on the lumpectomy scar. The breast nurses also reinforced skin hydration every time I spoke to them. I’m sitting in the waiting room awaiting a CT scan in preparation for radiation, and the nurse also discussed skin care.
I am 5 days post lumpectomy and have also gone through the Australian public hospital system. So happy with my care and very thankful we have a fantastic public health system.
@@judithwilliams86
Hi Judith, my heart is with you. I’m 6 months post diagnosis and now feel emotionally I’m ready to move on. Physical recovery was much quicker. Each persons journey is different, everyone’s treatment is different. If the are in Sydney, The Adventist hospital provides a face to face support group. Should this be something you are interested in. This is available to everyone now matter where you had your care. To my knowledge this is only face to face group in Sydney. I have found them very helpful.
Because I'm 67, I don't care what my breast looks like. Does the skin HURT because of radiation? How long does it hurt? Are any of these problems dangerous or do they need treatment? If it's just appearance, I don't care at my age. But I care about pain and potentially dangerous situations.
Thank you so much great information..was just diagnosed
Use Dr Omo herbal medicine very active with no side effects
Scarring 😐🫤😕😮😯😵
I had a lumpectomy then radiation treatments after that. Why do I have chest wall tenderness under and around my breast?
You have to give yourself time to heal just because it's healed on the outside doesn't mean you're healed inside. Give it time it'll get better. I have tenderness where I had my mastectomy and it's been almost a year. You'll be fine.
Thank you i noticed I did not mention at the same time, I had lymphatic surgery which removed all my underarm lymph nodes due to the cancer had spread.
Wonderful video and your very much appreciated to know your videos are then, when my anxiety and nerves are up, and I can not sleep🙏💕 Thank You😊
Thank you for this information. Haven't heard any of this from my doctor. I will have a list of questions for my next appointment.
Thank you, wish you were my Doctor.
I just got done with breast radiation last Friday and I'm already healing everyone is different. I never discussed where my scars would be with my surgeon I don't get that. 🤔 I use pure aloe cervae soap and cervae healing ointment aquaphor and after the radiation was done I used tumeric soap
Have you used aquaphor or moisturizer lotion after each RT sessions? Some people suggests to moisturize immediately after RT and before bed after shower. I confuse
@@LostinTranslationss I used the Miaderm radiation cream right after radiation therapy along with the aquaphor. At night I'd use CeraVe healing ointment on it along with aquaphor
Great information ❤
Aquaphor is an ointment. If given steroid (prescription) cream, apply it first then the healing ointment. Tylenol helps block prostaglandins/pain.
I can't take Tylenol or other OCM my pain thresh hold is very low.
Wow ! I wish someone had told me this before I did radiation 6 years ago. Thank you!
Hi Dr. Im nee to this site. Im currently foing chemo. My hands are peeling and d ty like real bab. Im presently using cereva ontiment. Can I also use the aloe plant on my hands as well? Its very over whelming?
Hey Carolyn. You can use Aloe at any time. It's natural.
Thank you so very much for this important information
Great information
Thank you
Who makes the gel with calendula?
I didn’t hear the brand she recommended, but Weleda baby makes a lotion and a cream.
Miaderm