 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | Before the newcomers here the crap scared out of them about radiation side effects, most people experience a mild sunburn effect. One important thing to remember is to have the skin dry and ointment free BEFORE getting a radiation treatment. Many things can cause a "bolus" effect (i.e., enhancement of the radiation effect). Any soothing creams and lotions should be applied AFTER the treatment session. Usually the radiology techs can provide you with appropriate lotions for radiated skin care such as "Radiacare". Whatever you do -DON'T SCRATCH IT!
Some peoples skin just reacts poorly to radiation. Chemotherapy may also play a role here.
Gary Allsebrook
***********************************
Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
________________________________________________________
"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
| 
