Sunday, January 24, 2010

Radiation

Many women receive radiation therapy to the chest wall or to the affected site of the breast as treatment for breast cancer. Your doctor will review the reasons for this treatment with you and all radiation therapy departments have a nurse coordinator who will go over the standards of care for that particular hospital setting. What I have learned from my own experience is that every Radiation Oncologist has his/her own protocol for skin care during the treatment cycle.

What I know for sure
  • Radiation to the chest wall and/or breast will be a treatment cycle for 5 -7 weeks. Your individual needs will determine the extent of the radiation therapy. A specific map of your affected body area will be sketched (on your body) so that the radiation itself will be directed to a certain site.
  • Each doctor will have their own specific care instructions. Check with them first and they will provide specific instructions on what is allowed and not allowed
  • We often see women who will be in their 4-5 week of treatment and their skin will become compromised, sometime tender, itchy and red. As the treatment progresses these symptoms may continue and become worse
  • As a nurse, I instruct my clients to talk with their doctor or nurse regarding what they can use for their skin during treatment. You may be directed not to wear your regular bra. We suggest wearing either a camisole or an undershirt of lightweight material and texture to protect your chest wall. You can even buy a cotton tank top to have under your outer clothing.
  • We use Radia-Guard products that offer a Ratiation Treatment Cream to use daily at night and a Restructure Cream to be used once the therapy is completed. These products are miraculous and provide the moisture and soothing elements to help the skin heal after treatment. We have also found great success with Norske Skin Therapy.
  • Lindi Skin Cooler Pad captures the natural cooling and moisturizing effects of water and aloe vera.
  • There are many products to help you during this time that will provide soothing relief for tense and compromised skin. http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

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