How to Care for Yourself During Radiation for Breast Cancer?

Answer 1

BREAST CANCER RADIATION TREATMENT AND COPING WITH IT-

Once the cancer has been removed BY SURGERY , the doctor may recommend RADIATION to destroy or shrink any remaining breast cancer cells. Radiation stops the cancer cells from dividing. It works especially well on fast-growing tumors. Unfortunately, it also stops some types of healthy cells from dividing. Healthy cells that divide quickly, like those of the skin and hair, are affected the most. This is why radiation can cause fatigue, skin problems, and hair loss.

It is common after breast cancer treatment to be depressed or moody, to cry, lose appetite, or feel unworthy or less interested in sex. The breast is involved with a woman's identity and loss of it may be disturbing. For some, counseling or a support group can help. Many women have found a support group of breast cancer survivors to be an invaluable help during this stage. Involvement with volunteers from the local chapter of the Reach to Recovery program may be very helpful.

HOW TO COPE UP WITH IT-

Many patients experience skin burn, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting after radiation therapy regardless of where the radiation is applied. After treatment, the skin around the site of the treatment may also become sore. Affected skin should be kept clean and can be treated like sunburn, with skin lotion or vitamin A and D ointment. Patients should avoid perfume and scented skin products and protect affected areas from the sun.

Nausea and vomiting are most likely to occur when the radiation dose is high or if the abdomen or another part of the digestive tract is irradiated. Sometimes nausea and vomiting occur after radiation to other regions, but in these cases the symptoms usually disappear within a few hours after treatment. Nausea and vomiting can be treated with antacids, Compazine, Tigan, or Zofran.

Fatigue frequently starts after the second week of therapy and may continue until about two weeks after the therapy is finished. Patients may need to limit their activities, take naps, and get extra sleep at night.

Patients should see their oncologist (cancer doctor) at least once within the first few weeks after their final radiation treatment. They should also see an oncologist every six to twelve months for the rest of their lives so they can be checked to see if the tumor has reappeared or spread.

Answer 2

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is used after breast-conserving surgery and sometimes after mastectomy, depending on how advanced your breast cancer is at the time of your surgery. You will usually have radiation treatments every day, 5 days each week, for about 6 weeks. Radiation therapy also may be combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

The most common way to give radiation therapy is called external beam radiation. This method of treatment exposes the skin on the chest and under the arm to a carefully focused beam of radiation. You will not be able to see the radiation, but your skin will look slightly sunburned in the treated area (called the radiation field). Small marks are tattooed onto the skin to help identify the radiation area.

Sometimes tiny radioactive pellets are placed in or near the tumor site. This is called brachytherapy, internal radiation, or interstitial radiation. Giving an extra boost of radiation near where the tumor was removed may help keep the breast cancer from returning to that area. Brachytherapy is often used with external beam radiation.

Radiation therapy can cause many side effects. Fatigue is common, especially toward the end of your treatment and for several weeks afterward. Balancing rest with activity is important; try to match your activities to your energy levels. Be patient; it may take you a few weeks to fully recover.

The skin on your breast and under your arm may become red, dry, tender, and itchy. Toward the end of treatment, the skin may become moist and "weepy." These effects are temporary, and the area will gradually heal when treatment is completed. Expose the area to air as much as possible to help the skin heal. Some types of clothing may rub the skin and cause irritation, so you may want to wear loose-fitting cotton clothes. You may feel more comfortable if you do not wear a bra until your skin heals.

Answer 3

First and most important, talk to your oncologist......then go buy a 100% cotton bra, then i got some cream that was called aquaphore, but only use it after the oncologist tells you to start using it....i also took a vitamin, biotin, it is for your hair nails and skin....i didn't burn much at all and what little i did burn healed very fast....with in a week after i finished my radiation you wouldn't have even been able to tell that i had radiation if you didn't know. It is also very important to get as much rest a you can while taking radiation treatments. DON'T scrub the area, just gently wash it and pat it dry. I wish you the best of luck, just remember it will be over soon and you will be back to doing everything that you want to do, speaking from experience.

Answer 4

The person getting the treatment will get specific instructions on how to do this. Some supply a cream that the Oncologist recommends, my Aunt used Vit. E cream however I have heard that some advise against that as it is an antioxidant & will interfere with treatment. Consult with the radiation experts & oncologist.

Answer 5

Each person responds differently to radiation (high-energy rays used to kill cancer cells), but there are steps you can take for good self-care that will help protect your skin and minimize the side effects of radiation.
Instructions
STEP 1: Sleep as much as you like after radiation. You could feel fatigued for up to six weeks after treatment. STEP 2: Eat a balanced diet. Be careful to avoid weight loss. STEP 3: Wear a comfortable bra and loose clothing. If your bra rubs, place a soft cloth between your bra strap and skin. Also, avoid rubbing or scrubbing the treated area. STEP 4: Keep the skin-fold area under your breast clean and dry to prevent blistering. STEP 5: Talk to your doctor before you use any lotions, powders, perfumes, soaps or deodorants on the area being treated. STEP 6: Avoid starching your clothes as this may affect the treatment area. Use a mild laundry detergent when washing. STEP 7: Bathe the treated area in lukewarm water. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can injure your skin. STEP 8: Stay out of the sun as much as possible and wear light clothing over treated area when going outdoors. Ask your doctor before you use sunscreen. STEP 9: Before radiation, discuss any medications you are on with your physician and consult with your physician after treatment as well if you need to use any medication, even over-the-counter medications. Tips & Warnings
If you experience dry, itchy skin, check with your doctor about trying a mild lotion such as aloe vera gel.
Use paper tape and not adhesive tape on the treated skin area if you need to bandage it. Apply the bandage around the treated area and not directly on it if you can.
Take notes at doctor's appointments and keep a running list of questions for your health care provider.
Keep a daily journal during treatment to better understand your feelings during the treatment process. This will also bring to the surface any questions you may need to ask your physician.
If you need to shave under your arms, discuss this with your doctor. She might suggest using an electric shaver and avoiding preshave lotion, aftershave lotion and hair removal products.
Look for signs of infection such as redness or swelling because skin that has undergone radiation can easily become infected.
Avoid aluminum-based products such as deodorant because aluminum can interfere with treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Answer 6

Hello
Drink plenty of water and fruit juices. Eat lot of fibreous food. While eating take care to bite food properly. Also take 1 glass of green juice before the radiation so that effects of radiation is minimised. To prepare green juice take any green vegetables, wash it and then put it in the mixer with 1glass of water. Make juice add black salt and drink. ready chlorophyll also available with me.

Answer 7

Oh sweetheart...i'm so sorry on your soreness and on your mom's. My mom had maximum cancers and went by chemotherapy, so i know your concern. are you able to refer for your mom and clarify to her that you no longer understanding the information is making you scared. possibly she might want to describe what's happening including her. yet i visit allow you to know that she will be able to be able to stroll, in spite of the undeniable fact that some human beings fall unwell after remedies. Her urge for foodstuff will likely replace and so a procedures as i know, there aren't any nutritional regulations at the same time as present procedure therapy. do not problem about the homestead being very clean; basically guard her needs as they arrive alongside. that's what's going to be major. i don't know what her possibilities of survival is because i have not spoken including her physician. in spite of the undeniable fact that, there are various of serious web content that could help you. in case you google "breast maximum cancers" you have to be able to discover them honestly adequate. I actually have provided you decrease than the link to the yankee maximum cancers Society's solutions to maximum more often than not requested questions with regards to chemotherapy. You and your mom will be in my prayers.

Answer 8

1)Foremost is do not loose confidence.Have positive frame of mind.
2)For any doubt discuss with Doctor.If he is short of time ,there are many social workers around
3)take balanced diet.
4)Enough sleep

Answer 9

I suggest that you consult a specialist on this matter.

Answer 10

Well if you don't want your breasts to burn use emu oil, also check this site out www.rain-tree.com/graviola.htm