The ladies did a wonderful job with their ideas and what worked for them before, during and after. Descriptive, thorough and honestly at its best. Any woman about to start radiation should take notes. Scroll up and down and write the names of these products . Sometimes what works for some doesn't work for everyone . You may need an arsenal of different creams and lotions so know ahead of time what might be helpful. Thank you all for your advice and helping each other. ❤️

Totally agree that the more we share the better! What worked for me is also on my profile.
My Radiation team was open to using any lotion or cream that I wanted to use. So...I like "The Dollar Store " Coconut Oil moisturizering cream and oil. I used this the entire time and still do today. Apply, breast tissue, under the arm and up the neck side and front. Yes, it is very cheap, but it works GREAT. I also had the hydrocortisone cream (also from The Dollar Store) for itching. The radiated skin will continue to change for years after radiation so continue to use lotion/cream daily for years- make it a habit (Along with stretching and other upper body exercises for mobility in the affected arm(s))
Absolutely, MUST wear sunscreen when you will be exposed to sun. Make this a habit as well. Your skin will be very sensitive to the sun.
Basically, I do what works and I let me Medical Team know what I am doing.

Great information Kaye. I think if I ever had radiation, I would never want to expose that part of my body to the sun. I am overweight so I haven't dressed in 'revealing' clothes for the last 10 years. If I did go to the beach or swimming anywhere, I would always have a colored T-shirt on.

@A MyBCTeam Member - I had my treatments during the summer. I was very thankful for that, since I live in New England. Because it was summer, there was minimal undressing and dressing for treatments. And the Calendula gel was cooling and easy to apply. It also dries to the touch fairly quickly, even when slathered on.

Another important suggestion is to be sure you cover a large area with whatever cream or gel you use. Above your breast, underneath, and especially under your arm. And continue to apply some sort of hydrating cream or lotion long after your treatments have ended. The skin and tissue in the radiated area will remain drier than the rest of your body.

Also apply sun protection - especially for the first year or two. But, again, even after that. That portion of your body has been permanently changed. It will never be quite the same.

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A MyBCTea...

WOW Ladies, such great posts with quite a few different kinds of creams. lotions and gels. I am going to save this to post the link to it when women ask the questions what helps. I asked the question for another reason, to see how many women stuck with what their doctor recommended or relied more on the experience of other women but it turned out very informative. Thank you all for your input. ❤️