Parched skin after radiotherapy
I hadn't been around in a while and have just read the most recent posts. Well done to all who have come through milestones and are feeling better, and a very big hug to those who are still suffering physically or mentally after some gruelling treatments.
Anyway, despite twice-daily slatherings of boob with E45 (sometimes more), 7 months after radiotherapy ended, my boob skin is still noticeably redder/darker, very thin, shiny, and absolutely parched. It is clear that my sweat glands have been fecked by RT, as when I come back from a run, the right boob just feels dry and shiny smooth. I also have a small patch above the nipple and towards the "cleavage" (or whatever you call that when you're a 32B) which looks like a permanent (not raw or angry) rash. That bit, and the fold below the breast, which is also quite dark in colour, are often slightly itchy.
Has anyone found anything better than E45 to deal with this?
Frankly, when I read about peripheral neuralgia and other miseries that some of you guys have to contend with, I feel a bit hypochondriacky...
Anyway, hope you are all feeling at least comfortable this afternoon, and hopefully altogether well!
Catherine
Comments
Hi Catherine
Glad that all is well with you (apart from radiation effects ). I am now 9 months post radiation and doing well also.. During treatment (and now) I only ever used bio oil and a fantastic Aloe Vera cream that I got while on holiday (I can't get it here so now stock up whenever I'm away!) and thankfully I escaped with very little skin damage (I didn't put anything on prior to treatment each morning). I did however notice that my breast was very hard and is only now beginning to feel 'normal' again. Also like you it is extremely itchy at times (usually the wrong times when I'm somewhere that I can't do anything about it )
Take care
Resolute x
Thank you Resolute and LindyLu for your good advice.
I feel a bit cheeky to even raise my dry boob as an issue: it really is small fry in the greater scheme of things. I think I'll give it another few months - I'm next seeing my oncologist in August, I might ask then if it still feels out of sorts.
I simply would have thought that the skin would have recovered more normality by now. Like you, Resolute, my boob was rock hard immediately after Rt, and while it does not feel altogether the same as the other one, it does feel a lot softer.
I can also confirm that the itch ALWAYS occurs at awkward moments...
Thanks again, guys, hope you're all well!
Catherine
Catherine, have you have a post rads meeting with your radiation oncologist?? e45 probably is not strong enough and you might need something else. It could be trial and error but before dabbling, see if it might be prudent to see your rads oncologist 1st. Failing that the Breast Care nurses are always full of great ideas on what works well.
Congrats on getting this far!