| Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 92 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | OP Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 92 | Any suggestions for the radiation burn? I have just finished my 5th week of treatment and the pain is getting pretty bad, the areas of my neck with creases are peeling and weeping and feel like they are stuck together when I look up. I have been using an RX named PruTect given to me by the radiation department, its like a white lotion I apply 2-3 times daily. My skin is peeling off also and I am really unsure if I should gentle remove peeling skin (this burns) or leave it in place where when it mixes with the lotion looks kind of dirty, it turns out to look like dirty goop in the creases of my neck. I have been using a light soap and gentle removing any peeling skin once a day, this usually takes about 30 minutes because I do it very gently and slow. Any ideas?
AGE 38 10-2012 thru 3-2012 swollen lymph node,painful jaw and ear,2 antibiotics,X-ray,CAT scan,needle biopsy,scope, no answers 3-4-13 tonsillectomy and selective neck dissection, DX R tonsil SCC,METS to 1 lymph node,BOT,HPV+, stage IV TX 35 RAD,3 chemo cisplatin/Taxol started 4-8-13 rad end 5-29-13
| | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 | Curious but are you putting on the lotion before treatment? That would certainly complicate the burning. I would not peel it and let it slough on its own. I used Domeboro soaks when my neck was like that for a couple of weeks. They are just a zinc mixture you add to water and then soak some gauze in it and lay it on the burns. Clears it up overnight.
Ed
SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0 Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03 Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08. Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11 Cervical Myelitis 09/12 Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12 Dysautonomia 11/12 Hospice care 09/12-01/13. COPD 01/14 Intermittent CHF 6/15 Feeding tube NPO 03/16 VFI 12/2016 ORN 12/2017 Cardiac Event 06/2018 Bilateral VFI 01/2021 Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022 Bilateral VFI 05/2022 Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Do not peel off the skin. If you dont already have prescription cream, ask for some. There are many different kinds out there. Basically all have the same directions, never apply prior to going to rads. Pat it on and let it soak in, never rub it in. Do this several times per day. if your skin is oozing, place a gauze square on top of the cream so your skin is more protected. Do not use tape. I used Beta-Val cream, aquaphor is another popular one as is silver sulfadine. When bathing, do not let the shower run directly on your sensitive skin. It may look terrible now but if properly taken care of you will not see one scar when it heels. ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 | You may need a thicker creme - I loved Glaxal base but I'm not sure if you can get it in the states some Americans love aquaphor. - use it after treatment as much as you like, best of luck only a bit more to go,
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
| | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | I used aquaphor and it helped me.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 622 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: May 2007 Posts: 622 Likes: 1 | Like many here I started with Aquaphor and graduated to Silvadene (Silver Sulfadiazine. That made a HUGE difference. Ask your doctor, it's prescription.
Kevin 18 YEAR SURVIVOR SCC Tongue (T3N0M0) diag 06/2006. No evidence of disease 2010 Another PET 12-2014 pre-HBO, still N.E.D.
�Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. It matters that you don't just give up.� Stephen Hawking | | | | Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 805 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 805 | Ditto what Kevin said. My Kevin did this too and it worked great. There are no scars at all. Kathy
Kathy wife/caregiver to: Kevin age:53 Dx 7/15/11 HPV16+ SCC Stage IV BOT/R Non smoker, casual drinker 7/27/11 Cistplatin, taxotere,5FU 2/3week sessions, followed by IMRT 125cgy x 60 (2x daily) w/Erbitux weekly. Last rad 10/26/11. Last Erbitux 10/27/11 PEG placed 9/1/11 Removed 11/8/11 Clear PET 10/12 and 10/13 and ct in 6/14 | | | | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,406 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,406 | Thritto to Kevin. Silvadene is the best when things get really bad in my experience. Keep us posted!
David 2 SCC of occult origin 1/09 (age 55)| Stage III TXN1M0 | HPV 16+, non-smoker, moderate drinker | Modified radical neck dissection 3/09 | 31 days IMRT finished 6/09 | Hit 14 years all clear in 6/23 | Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome kicked in a few years after treatment and has been progressing since | Prostate cancer diagnosis 10/18
| | | | Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 3,267 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 3,267 Likes: 1 | I used aquaphor the 1st time, and 2nd time, and Cetephil the 3rd, and never had skin problems. I always use liquid soap to wash with also. Cetephil makes one too.
10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil 11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp 01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks 06/11 30 HBO 08/11 RND PNI 06/12 SND PNI LVI 08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy 10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux 10/13 SND 10/13 TBO/Angiograph 10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI 12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo 11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO 03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN 09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy 04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site 06/17 Heart Attack Stent 02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs
| | | | Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 92 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | OP Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 92 | I started out with Prutect RX, it was the only thing given or even suggested. I spoke with a different doctor today and SURPRISE they had samples of something else called miaderm, it burned like fire at first but after the initial burn I am much happier with it. She also suggested a "wound sheet" she says you put in the fridge and get cool, it has gel on one side you place on the burn and can be washed and reused, she couldn't find any but told me to ask the nurse that will be there tomorrow. She also suggested another topical application with lidocaine but I have to ask the nurse tomorrow. It is kind of funny that the techs there were very disappointed when they saw I had a wet rag around my neck for some relief and told me not to do that and the doctor yesterday told me to keep it moist and the doctor today said I could leave a cool washcloth on it all the time for relief if I wanted to. And the nurse I asked for something else for yesterday is the same nurse the doctor today is telling that she has it but they didn't know where to find it and I would have to ask her tomorrow. Strange
AGE 38 10-2012 thru 3-2012 swollen lymph node,painful jaw and ear,2 antibiotics,X-ray,CAT scan,needle biopsy,scope, no answers 3-4-13 tonsillectomy and selective neck dissection, DX R tonsil SCC,METS to 1 lymph node,BOT,HPV+, stage IV TX 35 RAD,3 chemo cisplatin/Taxol started 4-8-13 rad end 5-29-13
| | | | Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 92 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | OP Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 92 | Oh, and I forgot to add the doc today said they are moving away from using the silvadene on any kind of burns now and days. Shows how things change, when I worked as a nurse 10 years ago that was our go to for burns, and the first thing I thought of when I started turning red. Now she tells me she doesn't use it anymore. P.S. sorry about the little bit of anger and frustration that showed in the above post, I think I am getting tired.
AGE 38 10-2012 thru 3-2012 swollen lymph node,painful jaw and ear,2 antibiotics,X-ray,CAT scan,needle biopsy,scope, no answers 3-4-13 tonsillectomy and selective neck dissection, DX R tonsil SCC,METS to 1 lymph node,BOT,HPV+, stage IV TX 35 RAD,3 chemo cisplatin/Taxol started 4-8-13 rad end 5-29-13
| | | | Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 78 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 78 | I was told to not apply anything to my neck within 4(or 6) hours prior to my radiation time. They mentioned creams and some lotions could interfere with the radiation if i remember correctly. That could be the reason the techs were unhappy. Im not sure which doc recommended the new options but I'd make sure your radiation oncologist (vs a medical oncologist) is on board with it.
Last edited by AndrewL; 05-14-2013 04:26 PM.
Andrew age 25
early 10/12 - enlarged lymph node area 01/13 SCC of L tonsil, L BOT, 2 L lymph nodes stage IVa, T2N2bM0, HPV+
2/13 2 doses cisplatin big bag, 2 doses weekly cisplatin + 35x IMRT 4/13 TX finished 7/13 PET/CT - NED!
| | | | Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 92 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | OP Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 92 | Agreed Andrew, not supposed to apply anything 4 hours before radiation but I don't think water would hurt, do you?. The new doc was the other radiation oncologist (there are 3 where I go) OK, now I am worried about the water on my neck before treatment, I will have to ask tomorrow, I didn't even think of it that way.
AGE 38 10-2012 thru 3-2012 swollen lymph node,painful jaw and ear,2 antibiotics,X-ray,CAT scan,needle biopsy,scope, no answers 3-4-13 tonsillectomy and selective neck dissection, DX R tonsil SCC,METS to 1 lymph node,BOT,HPV+, stage IV TX 35 RAD,3 chemo cisplatin/Taxol started 4-8-13 rad end 5-29-13
| | | | Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 805 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 805 | All I know is Kevin's neck was disgustingly raw and it (the Silvadene) worked great. He doesn't have any scars and the skin is very smooth! No hair of course!! Kathy
Kathy wife/caregiver to: Kevin age:53 Dx 7/15/11 HPV16+ SCC Stage IV BOT/R Non smoker, casual drinker 7/27/11 Cistplatin, taxotere,5FU 2/3week sessions, followed by IMRT 125cgy x 60 (2x daily) w/Erbitux weekly. Last rad 10/26/11. Last Erbitux 10/27/11 PEG placed 9/1/11 Removed 11/8/11 Clear PET 10/12 and 10/13 and ct in 6/14 | | | | Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 78 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 78 | The only reason I could see water hurting would be if it prevents or slows the lotion/creme from being absorbed into the skin.
Otherwise, I wouldn't see any issue but I'm no RO. Definitely something to check out with your doctor.
On the original question, I used aquaphor 2x per day and I didn't have terrible issues with my neck. I also made sure to stop using abrasive/drying soaps and face washes. I purchased cetaphil bar soap and used that throughout treatment.
Andrew age 25
early 10/12 - enlarged lymph node area 01/13 SCC of L tonsil, L BOT, 2 L lymph nodes stage IVa, T2N2bM0, HPV+
2/13 2 doses cisplatin big bag, 2 doses weekly cisplatin + 35x IMRT 4/13 TX finished 7/13 PET/CT - NED!
| | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,291 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,291 Likes: 1 | [quote=rosymonroe]Oh, and I forgot to add the doc today said they are moving away from using the silvadene on any kind of burns now and days. Shows how things change, when I worked as a nurse 10 years ago that was our go to for burns, and the first thing I thought of when I started turning red. Now she tells me she doesn't use it anymore. [/quote]I see LOTS of posts where ppl have great results usingt silver silvadene so not sure I agreee with what your doctor says.
Last edited by donfoo; 05-14-2013 09:12 PM.
Don Male, 57 - Great health except C Dec '12 DX: BOT SCC T2N2bMx, Stage 4a, HPV+, multiple nodes 1 tooth out Jan '13 2nd tooth out Tumor Board -induction TPF (3 cycles), seq CRT 4-6/2013 CRT 70gr 2x35, weekly carbo150 ended 5/29,6/4 All the details, join at http://beatdown.cognacom.com | | |
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