Post-Cancer Diagnosis: Radiation Treatment Tips

In the , I introduced you to my two new best friends, Marina and Carmen, AKA The Glow Girls. They are the keepers of the radiation beast. And, they like to draw all over your body. 

Before I tell you anymore, I want to remind you to always bring someone to listen to what is being said. Write your questions down and give your partner a copy. You will not remember everything you are told, and you won’t ask all of your questions. Your brain is still in a state of shock and denial.

I made the mistake of leaving Snell in the waiting room. Now, he wears two hearing aids and can’t hear thunder. But one on one in a quiet room Snell usually gets the conversation. He did great with the doctors, but I didn’t have him with Marina. I also think I assimilate the information better because I know I will have to repeat some things to him. 

Marina carefully explained all the procedures to me and gave me a printed list of items needed. She understands that brain fog existence you are in. The whole team is very thorough with explanations. You have no surprises with them.

List of Helpful Items Needed:

Marina’s list included several suggestions for items to use. Did you know that you must use only certain deodorants? The one I chose was Arm and Hammer Essentials because it had nothing in it to cause problems. Many deodorants have aluminum oxides and other chemicals that can cause burns and errors in treatment.

I also was told to buy 100 percent aloe vera gel. had the largest bottles for the best prices. You need to use this immediately following your treatment and several times day. It does help with the burn and dryness. I used two large bottles during treatment. My radiant radiation sessions on one of my blossoms (OK, Elephant Ears) two of Kmart’s large bottles were perfect. I kept one in my bag to take to treatment every day. If it is cold, don’t leave you aloe in the car over night. You do not want to apply frigid gel to your body. 

Use nothing but corn starch, no talcum or scented powders. Find it in the grocery store. You will find it is comforting to sweep across your radiated body. It is cooling and helps reduce friction from your clothes. Mama always had corn starch on hand for body powder. It doesn’t interfere with other fragrances. It doesn’t fly all over like talcs do and it keeps you dryer than other powders. And, corn starch is safe for sensitive skin. Her mother always had it in a cream colored lidded bowl on the dresser.

You should also use a gentle soap for sensitive skin. I bought brand of unscented sensitive skin liquid soap. Another woman told me she used Dove for Sensitive Skin. It is important is that you use a mild soap. You want to avoid any product that has an irritant in it.  Some fragrances can be a problem. You are going to be intensely “sunburned”.  I felt a little like a fried chicken breast a couple of times.

I was told to wear a wireless bra. Since my cancer involved the breast and lymph nodes, I needed to avoid anything that would cause pressure or friction in those tender, healing areas. Remember I had an incision on the outside that reached into my insides where the surgeon scooped out parts of my body. Then I had skin on top of that. You are healing on the inside and on the outside. A person having radiation is basically healing for months, long after the last treatment. 

It has been at least 45 years since I wore a wireless bra. Just wait -- a story on bra fitting will be coming. And, it won’t be pretty.  I know, I was there.

Next time, meet "The Dreaded Three-Headed Hydra."