How to Care for Yourself During Radiation for Breast Cancer

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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Journals
• Aloe Vera Gel

1. Sleep as much as you like after radiation. You could feel fatigued for up to six weeks after treatment.

2. Eat a balanced diet. Be careful to avoid weight loss.

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.

4. Keep the skin-fold area under your breast clean and dry to prevent blistering.

5. Talk to your doctor before you use any lotions, powders, perfumes, soaps or deodorants on the area being treated.

6. Avoid starching your clothes as this may affect the treatment area. Use a mild laundry detergent when washing.

7. Bathe the treated area in lukewarm water. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can injure your skin.

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.

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.

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on 11/22/2005 My radiography nurse suggested using a hairdryer set on cool to dry the treated breast area thoroughly after a shower and/or to use cornflour (cornstarch in the US?) in place of talc (which can interfere with radiation treatment). It works nicely!