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Lee
Jul 27, 2007 08:25PM leebrigs wrote:
I used Jeans Cream that I ordered online. I had no skin problems at all. My treatments were finished last week and you can't tell I had them. The cream is fantastic.Lee
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Topic: Skin Cream during radiation
Forum: Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After —
What to expect from treatment and ways to cope with side effects.
Posted on: Jul 27, 2007 08:21PM
CarrieDee wrote:
Figured I would post this as a separate topic so people wouldn't have to dig to find out the information.What was the best cream/gel used during radiation?
I was just given a sample of Radiogel- has anyone used this?
I tried the Aquaphor and found it sticky and my skin actually felt more itchy after I applied it.
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Jul 27, 2007 08:52PM lisettemac wrote:
My doc provided a lotion called Weleda for baby. It's a Calendula lotion. I don't really love how it smells, but it isn't greasy. He said they've been getting good results with it.
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Im small breasted so stopped wearing my bra right away and wore mens cotton t-shirts under my clothing.
Jul 27, 2007 08:56PM jpann39 wrote:
I used the silvedine the dr. prescribed, it was messy but I didnt have any skin issues so guess it was worth it in the long run..Im small breasted so stopped wearing my bra right away and wore mens cotton t-shirts under my clothing.
'Gain strength by the positive and don't be sapped by the negative"
Dx
11/4/2006, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 1, 0/9 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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I used Radiaplex Gel all the way through radiation...never burned at all. I had some rashes after radiation was over...but nothing real bad. I used it everyday from the beginning.
The trick I was told with radiaplex is to put it on immediately after rads and all day. In the evening, wash it off and apply a new layer before bed. If it stings, stop using it!
Hope this helps
Julie
Jul 29, 2007 05:33PM SNJulie wrote:
CarrieDeeI used Radiaplex Gel all the way through radiation...never burned at all. I had some rashes after radiation was over...but nothing real bad. I used it everyday from the beginning.
The trick I was told with radiaplex is to put it on immediately after rads and all day. In the evening, wash it off and apply a new layer before bed. If it stings, stop using it!
Hope this helps
Julie
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Jul 30, 2007 03:57AM Fireweed wrote:
My radiologist suggested any unscented hypoallergenic lotion is fine - and told me to avoid yak oil! The Lubraderm I use for my hands worked just fine. My dry, fair skin usually reacts to everything but I had no problems at all.
Fireweed
Dx
6/1/2007, DCIS, <1cm, Stage 0, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR+
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Jul 30, 2007 05:54AM HollyHopes wrote:
My doc said that 100% aloe vera was the best choice. I bought some and used it a few times...but stopped because I haven't yet developed any pinkness or reaction of any kind. I thought I would start using it again when my skin starts reacting. Afterall...it's not like a topical lotion or cream or gel can prevent skin reaction right?? It can only soothe it. Others have different thoughts on this?
lumpectomy/dose dense AC &T/35 rads/7 boosts...treatment completed 8/31/07...reconstruction surgery 5/14/09 and 9/8/10!
Dx
2/7/2007, IDC, 1cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-
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You can get Sween Cream from your pharmacist - not prescription necessary they will order it for you 12 oz if roughly $13.50. Best stuff and nicely scented. I used it so much that after about # 27 rads I ordered another jar. Had 33 rads total.
Hugs to all of you receiveing RADS ....
Jul 30, 2007 06:12AM unlimited wrote:
I will suggest SWEEN Cream -- I just finished rads on Monday July 23rd...... never had any skin irrations - sure I got a tad red -- but never pain or soreness --You can get Sween Cream from your pharmacist - not prescription necessary they will order it for you 12 oz if roughly $13.50. Best stuff and nicely scented. I used it so much that after about # 27 rads I ordered another jar. Had 33 rads total.
Hugs to all of you receiveing RADS ....
Dx
11/20/2006, IDC, 1cm, Stage IIA, Grade 1, 1/21 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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But she did also suggest using Desitin cream, which you can get OTC practically anywhere in the baby section.
Aug 1, 2007 05:03AM san4850 wrote:
My rad. onc's nurse gave me something but I don't know what it's called. I's an aloe vera gel that came in a green & white tube. Real helpful, I know.......But she did also suggest using Desitin cream, which you can get OTC practically anywhere in the baby section.
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Aug 5, 2007 11:15PM HollyHopes wrote:
Based on Lee's recommendation and good results with Jean's Cream I ordered some. It is great!
lumpectomy/dose dense AC &T/35 rads/7 boosts...treatment completed 8/31/07...reconstruction surgery 5/14/09 and 9/8/10!
Dx
2/7/2007, IDC, 1cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-
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Lee
Aug 6, 2007 02:37AM leebrigs wrote:
I'm so glad you liked the Jean's Creme. I had fantastic results with it.Lee
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Barb
Aug 6, 2007 08:34AM bhmssmith wrote:
My doctor recommended Miaderm. It has both aloe and callendula. I am close to finished and had very little problems.Barb
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Aug 6, 2007 05:47PM NarberthMom wrote:
Like HollyHopes, I'm using Aloe Vera. I use it every night, as well as weekend mornings. I've got four boosts left and my skin at the boost site is only just becoming red.
There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't met!
Dx
12/15/2006, IDC, 2cm, Stage IB, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-
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I put the Aloe Vera gel on everyday when I get home from rads and apply the Aquaphor after it dries. I also use the Aquaphor at bedtime and on the mornings I go to Water aerobics.
Some ladies complained today because the pool was "too cold", but I didn't mind it at all. Once I got moving the water was just fine. My radiated area felt refreshed by the coolness at first. It sure was better than the times when the pool has been bathtub hot around 90 degrees or higher.
Aug 7, 2007 03:45AM dkmaustx wrote:
I'm using Aloe Vera gel and Aquaphor. So far I don't look too pink or red except at my collar bone. Today was # 15 of 33 treatments (the last 8 will be boosts).I put the Aloe Vera gel on everyday when I get home from rads and apply the Aquaphor after it dries. I also use the Aquaphor at bedtime and on the mornings I go to Water aerobics.
Some ladies complained today because the pool was "too cold", but I didn't mind it at all. Once I got moving the water was just fine. My radiated area felt refreshed by the coolness at first. It sure was better than the times when the pool has been bathtub hot around 90 degrees or higher.
Debbie M
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No burns. no blisters. no shrivelly marks; the application also soothing massage as I was always achey after treatments. Found white bell ringer's cotton gloves. Wore them to every treatment, as the bar was always sweaty, wet, weird. Also, wanted to avoid infection of any kind, since there are so many odd ones in the hospitals these days; staff, strip, bacterial, yeast, oodles of skin infections can occur. Using bacterial hand sanitizer and keeping huggy diaper wipes at hand at all times too.
Never used to be a germ freak. Now I am totally germneurotic. Chemo freaked me since it compromised the immune system so severly. The radiation machines are so frequented, and I didn't think the place was very sterile or clean; the bathrooms were filthy, so why would the machines be any cleaner?
Indi
Aug 15, 2007 03:19PM Indigoblue wrote:
lilly of the desert pure aloe gel and Aquaphor; kept them in the fridge and soooo soooothing. Neutragena liquid no frangrance soap; cetaphil soap; eucerin.No burns. no blisters. no shrivelly marks; the application also soothing massage as I was always achey after treatments. Found white bell ringer's cotton gloves. Wore them to every treatment, as the bar was always sweaty, wet, weird. Also, wanted to avoid infection of any kind, since there are so many odd ones in the hospitals these days; staff, strip, bacterial, yeast, oodles of skin infections can occur. Using bacterial hand sanitizer and keeping huggy diaper wipes at hand at all times too.
Never used to be a germ freak. Now I am totally germneurotic. Chemo freaked me since it compromised the immune system so severly. The radiation machines are so frequented, and I didn't think the place was very sterile or clean; the bathrooms were filthy, so why would the machines be any cleaner?
Indi
Dx
11/30/2005, IDC, 2cm, Stage IB, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-
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Aug 28, 2007 05:59AM Bliz wrote:
My onc has me putting on Biafine BEFORE I have radiation. Has anyone had that experience.
Dx
6/13/2007, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 1, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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i'm more of a germophobe now, too. i wash my hands all the time. i feel like Monk.
Aug 29, 2007 04:23AM playwriter wrote:
indigo, are you saying the pure aloe gel also felt like a soothing massage? what bar was sweaty?i'm more of a germophobe now, too. i wash my hands all the time. i feel like Monk.
cancer opponent chemogirlspeaksout.blogspot.com
Dx
2/12/2007, IDC, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/0 nodes, PR-, HER2-
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When the owner of the tanning salon found out about my bodies reaction to the tanning and the radiation, he gave me a lifetime membership.
Sharon
Aug 29, 2007 05:18AM sharebear wrote:
I had the funniest experience during radiation. At age 32 when first diagnosed, I use to tan topless in the tanning bed. After my lumpectomy I had rad. Never had any kind of skin reaction at all. The Dr. would check the area every day in amazement. The joke was he wished he could have all his patients tan topless before their diagnosis. I never used any special soap or cream. Just Dove or Ivory and no deodorant until after rad was done.When the owner of the tanning salon found out about my bodies reaction to the tanning and the radiation, he gave me a lifetime membership.
Sharon
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Sep 2, 2007 10:22PM mcgaffey wrote:
Biafine is sometimes used before and then throughout. I found it worked wonders. Had some redness at the end and now a few months later, breast looks & feels totally normal, well, except for the scar. I was also given a German cream with B vitamin in it called Bepanthol. It is manufactured by Bayer.I still use that.
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I hope you are doing well! The lilly-of-the-desert aloe is the best, chilled, it must have something to it, but yes, it acted instantly when gently massaged in the radiated breast areas, the neck, back, under the arm, down the arms, I even used it on my head and face (lol). Usually I would take a shower before and after the treatment. It was a long drive, and I felt icky throughout the treatment.
Also used the Aquafor; as it was given as free samples by the rads. I question that product, as it has petrolium- based ingredients; not good since they tell us not to use vaseline products. Guess is depends on the oncologist. I stopped the aquafor.
This annoyed the Radiology Oncologist, I think...I could never guess what or if he cared or not. Liked him, and he was excellent professionally, as were his fellow physicists and technicians. Who knows? I just follow my instincts.
Wish husband would have masssaged me (acted like I had leprosy or worse). It was strange, as even the doctors and nurses didn't touch me during radiation. I read somewhere that patients actually have some radiativity, and employees working in Radiation Depts. daily, need to be careful with over-exposure to radioactive rays (including patients).
It always gave me a horrid feeling to go in the building, and couldn't wait to get out. Crazy? maybe...it had an odor like an old microwave oven...lol. and I felt like a chicken breast at KFC conveyor belt...
The machines continuously broke, and sometimes treatments would take 10 minutes, sometime hours! I never missed one, however. Never got burned. Skin was fine, but the treatments radiated the lymph nodes even though I was node negative; and as a triple negative, I suppose they were being as aggressive as possible, using all available high dose treatments since there are no other treatments until a recurrance or mets shows; they keep telling me there is no more cancer; it's all gone. I don't believe them, but I always smile and say thank you. What a difficult profession that must be; heartbreaking, sad, and so much hope for so many hopeless cases. I did cry sometimes; not for myself, for the sad faces and young children, the mommy's and daddy's, the whole ordeal. My memory is slowly coming back, and I guess it was easier to forget things.
The pains were in my arms and muscles; thought it was due to tense nerves, (finished Halloween 06) have since discovered it was pain brought on by rads since I already had mild osteoarthritis;
American Cancer Society offered free massage, but I don't like people putting their hands on me.
The machines at the Rad stations all had bars with cushion covers which we were told to hold on to and not let go; not move, and when the machines were broken, the doses took forever. The handles, bar, and and the machine always felt slimy to me; imagined, maybe, but there was a constant line of patients in and out, non-stop. What a memory...didn't mean to go on about it so much. sorry!
Be well, be loved, September brings the hush of summer whirling in the wispering autumn winds. Happy Labor Day!
Indi
Indi
Sep 3, 2007 01:31AM Indigoblue wrote:
Playwriter,I hope you are doing well! The lilly-of-the-desert aloe is the best, chilled, it must have something to it, but yes, it acted instantly when gently massaged in the radiated breast areas, the neck, back, under the arm, down the arms, I even used it on my head and face (lol). Usually I would take a shower before and after the treatment. It was a long drive, and I felt icky throughout the treatment.
Also used the Aquafor; as it was given as free samples by the rads. I question that product, as it has petrolium- based ingredients; not good since they tell us not to use vaseline products. Guess is depends on the oncologist. I stopped the aquafor.
This annoyed the Radiology Oncologist, I think...I could never guess what or if he cared or not. Liked him, and he was excellent professionally, as were his fellow physicists and technicians. Who knows? I just follow my instincts.
Wish husband would have masssaged me (acted like I had leprosy or worse). It was strange, as even the doctors and nurses didn't touch me during radiation. I read somewhere that patients actually have some radiativity, and employees working in Radiation Depts. daily, need to be careful with over-exposure to radioactive rays (including patients).
It always gave me a horrid feeling to go in the building, and couldn't wait to get out. Crazy? maybe...it had an odor like an old microwave oven...lol. and I felt like a chicken breast at KFC conveyor belt...
The machines continuously broke, and sometimes treatments would take 10 minutes, sometime hours! I never missed one, however. Never got burned. Skin was fine, but the treatments radiated the lymph nodes even though I was node negative; and as a triple negative, I suppose they were being as aggressive as possible, using all available high dose treatments since there are no other treatments until a recurrance or mets shows; they keep telling me there is no more cancer; it's all gone. I don't believe them, but I always smile and say thank you. What a difficult profession that must be; heartbreaking, sad, and so much hope for so many hopeless cases. I did cry sometimes; not for myself, for the sad faces and young children, the mommy's and daddy's, the whole ordeal. My memory is slowly coming back, and I guess it was easier to forget things.
The pains were in my arms and muscles; thought it was due to tense nerves, (finished Halloween 06) have since discovered it was pain brought on by rads since I already had mild osteoarthritis;
American Cancer Society offered free massage, but I don't like people putting their hands on me.
The machines at the Rad stations all had bars with cushion covers which we were told to hold on to and not let go; not move, and when the machines were broken, the doses took forever. The handles, bar, and and the machine always felt slimy to me; imagined, maybe, but there was a constant line of patients in and out, non-stop. What a memory...didn't mean to go on about it so much. sorry!
Be well, be loved, September brings the hush of summer whirling in the wispering autumn winds. Happy Labor Day!
Indi
Indi
Dx
11/30/2005, IDC, 2cm, Stage IB, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-
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Sep 13, 2007 04:30AM JFfromTN wrote:
My doc said to use Curel Ultra Healing Lotion. I am on my 16th treatment today and as of yet, have had no skin reactions at all.
Janet
Dx
7/13/2012, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIA, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-
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Sep 14, 2007 04:39AM AnnT wrote:
Radiaplex Gel. I still burned painfully, but no blisters or peeling...yet.
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Sep 17, 2007 05:52AM Annie62 wrote:
Hi all,
My rads onc had me pat lasinoh ointment on after every treatment. (No rubbing). Never burned or anything. Had a slight tan at the end. Lasinoh is an ointment for breastfeeding mothers and can be found at many drugstores.
Stage IV 8/2012 Liver, brain, bone, mets. Halaven Past chemos:Carboplatin/VP16, Xgeva, Doxil, Gemzar, Navelbine, Xeloda, Faslodex Orig Dx 11/2004 St. IIIc IDC 11/19 nodes AC,Taxotere. Tamox, Aromasin. 2010 Abraxane and Gemzar, ER+/PR+ Her2- BRCA-
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Sep 17, 2007 01:19PM Myrajuc wrote:
Since Day 1, I used Eucerin. When it started getting red I switched to Aquaphor, it was more healing. On the 6th week, the doctor had to prescribe Silvadene.
I finished 7 weeks of radiation (with a week of boost) in June. My skin has since healed :) Other ladies have said that it will take a year or so before the skin returns to normal color. It's okay, I can wait.
I went swimming in our pool two weeks ago, first time in a year. I feel great!
PM if you have questions or email me at mjucutan@yahoo.com, so I can answer you faster.
Take care,
Myra
Dx
9/14/2006, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IV, Grade 3, 10/16 nodes, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2+
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Sep 29, 2007 04:31PM Sparkles wrote:
My Rad Onc's office recommended "Udderly Smooth". It's sold at Trader Joe's and is used on cow's udders! Only $2.50 for the jar and it lasted throughout my whole treatment. It worked like a dream. No severe skin reaction at all. Not icky like Aquaphor - just washes right off. My BC surgeon is amazed at how soft my breast skin is! I'm still using it on my breast to keep the skin soft. My last rad treatment was at the beginning of June almost 4 months ago.
Christine
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Sep 30, 2007 10:59AM - edited Sep 30, 2007 10:59AM by Cynthia1962
My onc's office gave me a jar of Medline's Skin Repair Cream to help remove the permanent marker from my chest after each tx and I started using it instead of the other creams/lotions/aloe I had because I love it so much. I just finished week 3 and have only a hint of pinkness late in the evening which turns into a tan by morning.
Cynthia
Mets to bones
Dx
1/3/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIIA, Grade 2, 4/18 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
2/16/2007 Lumpectomy: Right; Lymph node removal: Right, Underarm/Axillary
Chemotherapy
3/19/2007 Adriamycin (doxorubicin), Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Taxotere (docetaxel)
Radiation Therapy
9/6/2007 Breast, Lymph nodes
Hormonal Therapy
11/9/2007
Hormonal Therapy
11/1/2010 Arimidex (anastrozole)
Dx
11/11/2010, IDC, Stage IV, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Chemotherapy
6/1/2012 Xeloda (capecitabine)
Chemotherapy
11/14/2012 Navelbine (vinorelbine)
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Sep 30, 2007 12:00PM Clessie wrote:
Where do you order this Jeen cream? I will be starting my rads soon.
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Oct 3, 2007 07:36AM miss-di wrote:
Being smaller breasted, I burned raw. The radialogist said the smaller you are, the more problems you might have. I started out with the Radiogel etc. but got to the point nothing worked. I was Perscribed the Silvadene cream and after applying liberally, started to burn and itch worse, then read the information and found out it contains sulfa, which I am allergic to. Had to scrubit off, ow.
Finally, the nurse made me a bra out of the stretchy material they use to keep in your IV. Inside that we put "Vigilon" a hydrogel primary wound dressing. You cut it off sheets and can put in refridgerator if you want. It worked wonders.
Good Luck to you, Diane
May an angel walk beside you.
May an angel walk beside you.
Dx
7/28/2007, IDC, 4cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 3/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+
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Oct 12, 2007 10:59PM - edited Oct 12, 2007 10:59PM by Yogi
I had my radiation done in the German health care system and they told me not to get the area wet at all (no showers!) and to only use baby powder. I used cotton balls and patted the powder on at least twice a day. I did not experience any skin problems except for a slight discoloration during the final week of Tx and it has since gone away. I may just have been lucky but this worked for me. Just thought I would share.
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Oct 13, 2007 01:43AM garnetann wrote:
That is interesting on the smaller boobs, they told me I would have less problems because I was smaller. Also, keeping it dry makes sense since the water would dry it out.
"MAN'S FLIGHT THROUGH LIFE IS SUSTAINED BY THE POWER OF HIS KNOWLEDGE."
Dx
6/1/2007, DCIS/IDC, Right, 1cm, Stage 0, Grade 2, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-