May 13, 2022 03:12PM hippmark wrote:

Well, part of my radiated area is now red. Light red, but red. After 17 treatments, I had hoped to skip it, but like a few others mentioned, it seemed to be fine one day and then Wham! the next day it was red. So mine started 3 1/2 weeks into treatment. Mostly just over the right side of my right breast and the area next to it and some underneath, so not everywhere. Today, I completed 19 treatments to that area! So I think I made it pretty far without seeing any side effects. I have 6 more treatments to go in the entire area and then the 5 boosts to the nipple area where tumor was. All in all, it's ok and does not hurt. We'll just see what the next 6 treatments bring! Hopefully, it will be manageable.

tsohl-I am having a total of 30 treatments, so I am almost in your shoes. I also have been using Rejuvaskin. But I also slather on the Aquaphor. I don't like it, but am doing everything I can. I just wear greasy t-shirts around the house. I found someone who mentioned how to do the saline soaks on the March radiation thread:

I made it myself with 2 cups of boiling water and 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of salt put in a container to cool (I actually put my in the fridge). Then I got the microfiber clothes (one you use to clean your car) soaked one with the salt water and slapped it on my boob for ten to fifteen minutes. My skin healed really well and the blisters to break just healed up.

I don't know when you start using it, but I noticed most seem to use it when the area gets pretty red and/or peeling/blistering.

Mentioning that I read that should you start to peel, not to peel off the skin. The old skin protects the new skin until it can start to come back.

May 14, 2022 07:59AM hippmark wrote:

tsohl, I spoke slightly too soon. This morning I have two very tiny ulcers below my armpit where my skin folds. They sting but aren't too bad. These are what I believe to be "moist reaction" not dry. I put a little Neosporin on them and Rejuvaskin, but not putting Aquaphor on that area as I have read with moist reaction not to put petroleum on them. Now I need to really keep my arm away from my side. Hard to do! I may indeed try a little saline soak just on that area today as there is also some swelling.

It seems that when it does eventually turn red, like mine from zero to red practically overnight, that's when you need to be more diligent.

You know, you work so hard to follow everything to the letter and yet you still don't know what will happen! I know it will heal, but not while I am still getting rads there. I know it is more prone to happen in areas that the skin folds over and that is exactly where it is for me.

I believe they already mapped me for the boost because I am not scheduled for another mapping session. My energy is still ok. I think another week might tell a different tale, but I will update here.

15 hours ago - edited 15 hours ago by hippmark

Day 22 of rads: Today, my rads area is deciding it has had enough and is very red and feels "sunburnt." Not yesterday, but today after rads. Fortunately, I saw my MO for weekly appointment, and he prescribed Mometasone which I picked up and have already started to use. It is a steroid cream. I still have the two tiny ulcerated areas under my arm which are no worse, but not better. I have 3 more full treatment area to go. Then 4 boosts (MO went from 5 down to 4). Total of 7 left.

It seems when your skin is done, it let's you know quickly and I am towards the end of treatment. The worst area is below the armpit and down the sides. I have been more than diligent with all the creams, etc. But I do think anything beyond 20 treatments just be prepared, for those coming behind me. I don't mind it being red, just don't want any more blisters.

All this stuff is making me mentally very tired!

5 hours ago tsohl wrote:

I had day 17 today and am doing OK so far, but feel like any day now, side effects will strike. I’ve pretty much been told there is no escaping them….

Monday I go in for another mapping session to be sure everything is still all lined up properly and to get ready for the boost in a few weeks