You’re very welcome! I’m trying to pay it forward as I would’ve loved videos like this when I was going through treatment… especially from a breast cancer thriver, not someone who just treats these things.
My radiation oncology team swears by Calendula cream and suggests a minimum of 3 applications per day. I just finished my first week (of five) so I’ll see how it works!
I finished radiation a little over a week ago and the Calendula cream worked really well! My radiation oncology team also had me use hydro gel packs on tender areas for several weeks. Due to some friction and irritated skin, my team had me switch to Aquaphor ointment which really helped but is also goopy and stains clothing. I wore a men’s white undershirt to keep my nice clothes from getting stained. I had a couple of rough days but my skin is healing well and the brighter pink is already fading!! I can go back to Calendula cream once my skin becomes more hydrated and then don’t have to use anything after next week (but plan to continue moisturizing in preparation for reconstruction).
I was pretty nervous too. The actual procedure is relatively quick and not painful so the anticipation in the beginning is often the worst part. Best of luck!
I'm 10 sessions in out of 25 and I second what @breast-cancer-rehab said, at least so far! The treatment itself is quick and painless. I've started getting into the routine of it. Walking is encouraged to combat fatigue and follow whatever guidelines your team gives you for additional exercise beyond walking as well as skin care. I'm told that week 3 of treatment is when the fatigue and skin changes start to be noticeable. I start week 3 today, so here goes...
Jessica, thanks for sharing. I was super active during radiation (walking, weight training, etc) and I definitely think it played a role in me not having any fatigue during or after. Wishing you well with the rest of your sessions.
Thank you for such a detailed video! I begin radiation in 2 weeks. I wear an arm sleeve to prevent lymphedema (just finished chemo), and I'm concerned about wearing it when the skin starts to change. Any thoughts?
I am going for radiotherapy in a month. I have neen thinking what I will wear in a replacement of a bra? Especially for outside and work. Its true I had double mastectomy with reconstruction of small breasts but still. I am used to wear a bra for outside. So, basically none or the treatment plan for cancer is a normal safe and comfort solution.
I sometimes wore a bra but more often wore a camisole or tight tank top. This AnaOno bra (“Leslie Leisure Bra”) has really soft material that works well with irritated skin during/after radiation. You can also step into it and pull it up rather than putting it over your head. www.anaono.com/r?id=q77j7c (save 15%) Good luck with radiation!
Thank you thriver sister! I’m going back in after 5 years for a mastectomy revision. Going to have the new implants placed pre pectoral. I have had too many issues with animation deformity, radiation fibrosis and side rib pain. You are doing a service to so many. I didn’t learn any of this. Recovery exercises, topicals, what would happen with radiation over time. No one told me anything! One of the things that has never gone away is itchiness internally that can’t be satisfied. Do you get this? Thank you for your tips.
I hear you with animation deformity. I'm not a candidate to do over the muscle implants (pre-pectoral) so I got UNDER (sub-pectoral). I would have done that in a heart beat if I was. I was also suprised by the lack of info regarding rehab and recovery after breast cancer...hence this channel! I never had itchiness. Hopefully that will reduce with your upcoming surgery.
@@breast-cancer-rehab oh so I was mistaken, when you woke up you learned they placed them over the muscle but you wanted sub pec? And do have a lot of animation deformity over the muscle? My new plastic surgeon told me that will be better bc the muscle causes the bounce and pulling and after 5 years they look awful. Plus the radiated breast is fibrotic. Thank you for your help.
@@mmags My bad! I meant I wanted OVER the muscle but got UNDER the muscle. I'm going to edit the other comment so there isn't confusion with others reading it.
For a detailed HOW TO on Saline Soaks - th-cam.com/video/_P9q7bA7qkM/w-d-xo.html
I just started my radiation therapy, so im so very grateful to you for doing this video and letting us newbies what helped you!!! Thank you!
You’re very welcome! I’m trying to pay it forward as I would’ve loved videos like this when I was going through treatment… especially from a breast cancer thriver, not someone who just treats these things.
My radiation oncology team swears by Calendula cream and suggests a minimum of 3 applications per day. I just finished my first week (of five) so I’ll see how it works!
Jessica, thanks for sharing! Post again and let us know how the calendula cream worked.
I finished radiation a little over a week ago and the Calendula cream worked really well! My radiation oncology team also had me use hydro gel packs on tender areas for several weeks. Due to some friction and irritated skin, my team had me switch to Aquaphor ointment which really helped but is also goopy and stains clothing. I wore a men’s white undershirt to keep my nice clothes from getting stained. I had a couple of rough days but my skin is healing well and the brighter pink is already fading!! I can go back to Calendula cream once my skin becomes more hydrated and then don’t have to use anything after next week (but plan to continue moisturizing in preparation for reconstruction).
@@jessica_murfin Thanks for the follow-up!
Thanks, this was very helpful
Great info. I start 20 sessions next week a bit nervous.
I was pretty nervous too. The actual procedure is relatively quick and not painful so the anticipation in the beginning is often the worst part. Best of luck!
I'm 10 sessions in out of 25 and I second what @breast-cancer-rehab said, at least so far! The treatment itself is quick and painless. I've started getting into the routine of it. Walking is encouraged to combat fatigue and follow whatever guidelines your team gives you for additional exercise beyond walking as well as skin care. I'm told that week 3 of treatment is when the fatigue and skin changes start to be noticeable. I start week 3 today, so here goes...
Jessica, thanks for sharing. I was super active during radiation (walking, weight training, etc) and I definitely think it played a role in me not having any fatigue during or after. Wishing you well with the rest of your sessions.
This was so informative, I'm 3 days after 20 sessions and my skin is starting to peel slight discomfort right now but bearable
Hope the peak isn’t too bad for you!
I should have watched this before 😢! Now it’s very sensitive but I’ll still do the salty water. Thank you for sharing
The saline soaks should still help if you're skin feels sensitive. Thanks for watching!
So happy you're doing well thank you so much I really appreciate it
Thanks. Welcome to the channel!
Great info. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! Welcome to the channel.
Thank you, very helpful
You're welcome!
Thank you for such a detailed video! I begin radiation in 2 weeks. I wear an arm sleeve to prevent lymphedema (just finished chemo), and I'm concerned about wearing it when the skin starts to change. Any thoughts?
The sleeve should be find as it won't touch the areas that are going to be radiated.
I am going for radiotherapy in a month. I have neen thinking what I will wear in a replacement of a bra? Especially for outside and work. Its true I had double mastectomy with reconstruction of small breasts but still. I am used to wear a bra for outside.
So, basically none or the treatment plan for cancer is a normal safe and comfort solution.
I sometimes wore a bra but more often wore a camisole or tight tank top. This AnaOno bra (“Leslie Leisure Bra”) has really soft material that works well with irritated skin during/after radiation. You can also step into it and pull it up rather than putting it over your head. www.anaono.com/r?id=q77j7c (save 15%)
Good luck with radiation!
Dear Dr. Ainsworth, would Ibuflam help with swelling and inflamation during and after Radiotherapy? Thank you so much Renate
Check with your radiation oncologist for this.
Thank you thriver sister! I’m going back in after 5 years for a mastectomy revision. Going to have the new implants placed pre pectoral. I have had too many issues with animation deformity, radiation fibrosis and side rib pain. You are doing a service to so many. I didn’t learn any of this. Recovery exercises, topicals, what would happen with radiation over time. No one told me anything! One of the things that has never gone away is itchiness internally that can’t be satisfied. Do you get this?
Thank you for your tips.
I hear you with animation deformity. I'm not a candidate to do over the muscle implants (pre-pectoral) so I got UNDER (sub-pectoral). I would have done that in a heart beat if I was. I was also suprised by the lack of info regarding rehab and recovery after breast cancer...hence this channel! I never had itchiness. Hopefully that will reduce with your upcoming surgery.
@@breast-cancer-rehab oh so I was mistaken, when you woke up you learned they placed them over the muscle but you wanted sub pec? And do have a lot of animation deformity over the muscle? My new plastic surgeon told me that will be better bc the muscle causes the bounce and pulling and after 5 years they look awful. Plus the radiated breast is fibrotic. Thank you for your help.
@@mmags My bad! I meant I wanted OVER the muscle but got UNDER the muscle. I'm going to edit the other comment so there isn't confusion with others reading it.
@@breast-cancer-rehabthank you for the clarification! Bummed you didn’t have that option. I will keep you posted. You are a godsend 💓