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Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Radiation

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭

Scheduled to begin radiation soon, any suggestions? Silk sheets? Cotton loose clothing? Specific creams? Specific questions I should ask? Meeting my team next week to begin planning. TIA

January 27, 2021
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A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member: calendula cream! You'll do fine with rads - the treatments are quick and painless. You spend more time changing in and out of your gown than you do on the table. Over time its like a gradual sunburn. Calendula worked best for me - another trick is to soak a cloth in saline and lay it on your chest for 15 min or so , take it off, let your skin dry, them put the cream on. Also go topless as much as you can - the more you air it out the better. You don't need any special sheets or anything but you might want to forego a bra when/if your skin starts to get uncomfortable. You got this!! 💕👍

January 27, 2021
A MyBCTeam Member

The first 2 weeks are a breeze. My radiation team was super sweet and helpful. About 10 days in, they told me my skin was getting red and irritated. I didnt feel it so i didnt treat it with creams. Until 14 days in when i started to feel the "sunburn type" symptoms. I would encourage you to apply the aquaphor and vitamin E or calendula lotion before you start having skin irritation, to reduce the discomfort becore it starts. Every one is different, and i breezed theough chemo, but i got cocky and didnt prepare adequately for radiation. I know you will be fine and I will pray for your ease theough treatment!😁

January 27, 2021
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member: Yes going every day sucks but at least it's a quick in-and-out. If things were running on time I was usually out the door in about 20 min or so. You shouldnt have any trouble driving yourself but just listen to your body - if you feel fatigued at all then don't drive.

January 28, 2021
A MyBCTeam Member

I need that info to

January 27, 2021
A MyBCTeam Member

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

Types of Radiation Therapy
1. External Beam Radiation:
- Most common form.
- Beams of energy are projected from a machine into the body.
- Targets locations such as the whole breast, lymph nodes, or other Show Full Answer

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

Types of Radiation Therapy:
1. External Beam Radiation:
- Most common form.
- Beams of energy are projected from a machine into the body.
- Targets locations such as the whole breast, lymph nodes, or other affected areas.
- Newer techniques like Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT), and Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) may lead to fewer side effects.

2. Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy):
- Involves placing radioactive substances inside the body, directly next to the tumor.
- A thin tube or applicator is used to place radioactive seeds, pellets, or ribbons.
- May require surgically placing a small device in the breast.

Purpose of Radiation Therapy:
- Helps eliminate remaining cancer cells post-surgery.
- Can shrink tumor size, slow or prevent the spread of tumors, and help treat pain when surgery is not an option.

Treatment Duration:
- Usually delivered five days a week for up to seven weeks.
- Accelerated breast irradiation can be given twice daily for one to three weeks.

Side Effects:
- Can vary widely based on individual factors.
- Common acute side effects include skin changes like redness.
- Long-term side effects can occur months to years later.

Additional Information:
- Hyperthermia (heating cancer tissue) may be used before radiation to make cancer cells more susceptible, though it's still being researched.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the provided resources:
- [Breast Cancer Treatment](https://www.mybcteam.com/resources/breast-cance...)
- [Radiation for Breast Cancer: Types and What To Expect](https://www.mybcteam.com/resources/radiation-fo...)
- [Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer](https://www.mybcteam.com/treatments/radiation-t...)
- [12 Tips for Managing Side Effects From Breast Cancer Radiation](https://www.mybcteam.com/resources/12-tips-for-...)

July 10, 2024

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