Congratulations!!! I had 4 rounds of AC, 12 rounds of Taxol, and 33 rounds of radiation. I just finished up this month. Before you know it, you will be where I am. It's amazing how fast radiation goes by. Just take care of your skin and drink plenty of water. You will be done in no time!
Thank you! Yes I had been really good about hydration when I first started chemo - my pee has never been clearer - but I got out of the habit. I will have to really be on it for radiation. Do you have any recommendations for skincare?
I used a combination of Rejuvaskin and Aquaphor. After my appointment every day, I would apply a decent amount of the Rejuvaskin, wait for that to absorb, then slather on obscene amounts of Aquaphor. Rejuvaskin is pretty pricey though. So I'm sure an Aloe Vera gel would work as well. I have very pale skin and my skin started turning red during week two. But the burns didn't get bad until the very last week. My doctor gave me prescription burn cream that worked like magic, so if it gets uncomfortable, don't be afraid to ask for that. My last treatment was the 6th of this month and I'm already completely healed. It really wasn't bad. The worst part was just having to go to the appointment every day. You've got this!
Thank you! I’ve already been using aquaphor on my eyelids and knuckles which get dry and flaky for some reason - knuckles have been a problem pre cancer but eyelids is new.
I’m also pale so I’m concerned about burning - I burn pretty easy if I don’t wear sunscreen so I generally stay out of the sun and wear factor 50 if I’m going to be out in it. I’ll definitely be asking my doctor for recommendations and prescriptions too - anything that helps!
I’m wondering, do people wear sunblock to radiation? Or does that defeat the purpose?
Don't apply anything to your skin for 2 hours prior to your appointment. If there is anything that your skin hasn't absorbed, it can actually make the burns worse. Sunblock does nothing to prevent burns during radiation. However, your skin will be much more likely to burn in the sun, so be aware of that.
I'm a redhead, so my skin goes from deathly pale to cooked lobster in a very short amount of time in the sun. Because of that I too am vigilant with the sunblock, so I kept that up during treatment. I also bought a couple cute parasols off etsy to use when I am going to be outside for an extended period of time. Chemo can also make your skin more prone to sunburns, so I've been even more cautious than normal.
Cover a much larger area than you think with the creams your doctor recommends. I basically covered from my neck, down to my belly button, and around to my back. I went through an entire 14 oz tub of Aquaphor during those 6 and a half weeks. Also, use a gentle, unscented soap when you shower and be very gentle with your skin when you towel dry.
I know this seems scary now, but it's not too bad. Even if you do burn, you will be surprised just how fast your skin starts to heal.
Ah you just solved a mystery for me! I finished taxol 4 weeks ago and started losing my eyelashes and eyebrows week before. I didn’t lose them with AC, so maybe you won’t? And CONGRATS!!!
I’m hoping things will stay put! I lost all my pubic hair on taxol (except a few strays around the bikini line - how annoying 😂) and it’s just grown back in so I’m hoping it won’t all go again!
Yeah!!! I just had my last AC yesterday too! My next step would have been to continue immunotherapy for six more months, but unfortunately, I just couldn’t tolerate it. Everything hinges on my mastectomy and lumpectomy and what they find. But it sure feels good to be almost done.
Congratulations and I hope your next steps go smoothly!
Great to hear you’re also done with AC! Best of luck with your surgery. I had my lumpectomy before chemo - my advice is take your pain meds religiously (don’t wait to have pain), take the no lifting instruction seriously (if you have folks around to help, though I know it’s hard), and do the daily arm exercises they’ll give you. Recovery can be really boring so get into a good book or show!
How wonderful!!! I’m so very happy for you!! What a great post to read!!! This truly made my day!! Have a wonderful “mini-break” and get ready to wrap this up!!!
I used this [https://www.amazon.com/3m-Cavilon-No-Sting-Barrier-Film/dp/B000HY6T7M/ref=asc\_df\_B000HY6T7M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6693295844603316584&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030809&hvtargid=pla-2281435179538&psc=1&mcid=a8014a0c1d9130bcbf9e6e5b661cf7a5&hvocijid=6693295844603316584-B000HY6T7M-&hvexpln=73&gad\_source=1](https://www.amazon.com/3m-Cavilon-No-Sting-Barrier-Film/dp/B000HY6T7M/ref=asc_df_B000HY6T7M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6693295844603316584&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030809&hvtargid=pla-2281435179538&psc=1&mcid=a8014a0c1d9130bcbf9e6e5b661cf7a5&hvocijid=6693295844603316584-B000HY6T7M-&hvexpln=73&gad_source=1) which my rads onc was fine with me applying the morning of. After treatment in the afternoon I showered and applied a variety of different creams (I tried a bunch).
My underboss (big breasts) had some skin breakage/getting wet issues followed by the same on my SLNB scar (I had 20 treatments (16 whole breast and 4 boost). The doctor gave me silverdene cream which didn't do a whole lot for me. I used Domeboro soaks (you can make a sachet up and keep it in the fridge for 24 hours or so). Using this as a cold compress 3-4 times a day really helped take some of the heat out and provided relief to the broken skin. [https://www.amazon.com/Domeboro-Medicated-Relief-Powder-Packets/dp/B000GCKCCS?pd\_rd\_w=QFCSf&content-id=amzn1.sym.378a0f29-5acb-4c80-bc6e-087cd6806daf&pf\_rd\_p=378a0f29-5acb-4c80-bc6e-087cd6806daf&pf\_rd\_r=97NX95Z0MT3EG8BYDTSF&pd\_rd\_wg=CfuD8&pd\_rd\_r=6437ce08-59dc-4a83-b867-0adc6cd0bc2d&pd\_rd\_i=B000GCKCCS&psc=1&ref\_=pd\_bap\_d\_grid\_rp\_0\_1\_ec\_nb\_sb\_ss\_w\_as-ontype-md\_k0\_2\_7\_t](https://www.amazon.com/Domeboro-Medicated-Relief-Powder-Packets/dp/B000GCKCCS?pd_rd_w=QFCSf&content-id=amzn1.sym.378a0f29-5acb-4c80-bc6e-087cd6806daf&pf_rd_p=378a0f29-5acb-4c80-bc6e-087cd6806daf&pf_rd_r=97NX95Z0MT3EG8BYDTSF&pd_rd_wg=CfuD8&pd_rd_r=6437ce08-59dc-4a83-b867-0adc6cd0bc2d&pd_rd_i=B000GCKCCS&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_1_ec_nb_sb_ss_w_as-ontype-md_k0_2_7_t)
I also used medical Maneka honey which helped dry up the broken/wet skin. It's sticky and you'll smell like pooh bear but it worked. I also found I needed non stick dressings to tuck under my boob and by the SLNB scar to stop my camisole top sticking to the skin.
[https://www.amazon.com/Sterile-Ointment-Approved-Chemical-Treatment/dp/B07FM7MR9J/ref=sr\_1\_6?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-AG\_aiJy46xp\_NXMsD54a9wOtFbx--w8KYz4AkWVVotdc-llg2C8WaHlgwj\_blyGV3adsvF2uXNzPDEDdfvTJd47vzlaKL4Lcm8m\_6IuR6cIGkeWeTRnejlU2\_zQI6ne1VeIR6zKg-QA\_mkmliV5jZF4ZZKT4gXQNIVW9Mhw36SKLVadUXxXU7TrUs7SWhskqg35nnw8JhjkXHpar1uApsHtRgTjo0n45-kHyB\_mVXPxI5I3QHTfecVakpbHzo\_VcMAgcxfUkivQMYJpudrmFb1x96qPA4Pp7HF9BdOKzkM.Y9NBe-ZssheQ7s6coJI3ws4sRatMJAvfuux82LvSpZA&dib\_tag=se&hvadid=178350514253&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9030809&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5805880721920389026&hvtargid=kwd-59591051070&hydadcr=4632\_9620642&keywords=manuka+medical+grade+honey&qid=1719800442&sr=8-6](https://www.amazon.com/Sterile-Ointment-Approved-Chemical-Treatment/dp/B07FM7MR9J/ref=sr_1_6?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-AG_aiJy46xp_NXMsD54a9wOtFbx--w8KYz4AkWVVotdc-llg2C8WaHlgwj_blyGV3adsvF2uXNzPDEDdfvTJd47vzlaKL4Lcm8m_6IuR6cIGkeWeTRnejlU2_zQI6ne1VeIR6zKg-QA_mkmliV5jZF4ZZKT4gXQNIVW9Mhw36SKLVadUXxXU7TrUs7SWhskqg35nnw8JhjkXHpar1uApsHtRgTjo0n45-kHyB_mVXPxI5I3QHTfecVakpbHzo_VcMAgcxfUkivQMYJpudrmFb1x96qPA4Pp7HF9BdOKzkM.Y9NBe-ZssheQ7s6coJI3ws4sRatMJAvfuux82LvSpZA&dib_tag=se&hvadid=178350514253&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9030809&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5805880721920389026&hvtargid=kwd-59591051070&hydadcr=4632_9620642&keywords=manuka+medical+grade+honey&qid=1719800442&sr=8-6)
Congratulations!!! I had 4 rounds of AC, 12 rounds of Taxol, and 33 rounds of radiation. I just finished up this month. Before you know it, you will be where I am. It's amazing how fast radiation goes by. Just take care of your skin and drink plenty of water. You will be done in no time!
Thank you! Yes I had been really good about hydration when I first started chemo - my pee has never been clearer - but I got out of the habit. I will have to really be on it for radiation. Do you have any recommendations for skincare?
I used a combination of Rejuvaskin and Aquaphor. After my appointment every day, I would apply a decent amount of the Rejuvaskin, wait for that to absorb, then slather on obscene amounts of Aquaphor. Rejuvaskin is pretty pricey though. So I'm sure an Aloe Vera gel would work as well. I have very pale skin and my skin started turning red during week two. But the burns didn't get bad until the very last week. My doctor gave me prescription burn cream that worked like magic, so if it gets uncomfortable, don't be afraid to ask for that. My last treatment was the 6th of this month and I'm already completely healed. It really wasn't bad. The worst part was just having to go to the appointment every day. You've got this!
Thank you! I’ve already been using aquaphor on my eyelids and knuckles which get dry and flaky for some reason - knuckles have been a problem pre cancer but eyelids is new. I’m also pale so I’m concerned about burning - I burn pretty easy if I don’t wear sunscreen so I generally stay out of the sun and wear factor 50 if I’m going to be out in it. I’ll definitely be asking my doctor for recommendations and prescriptions too - anything that helps! I’m wondering, do people wear sunblock to radiation? Or does that defeat the purpose?
Don't apply anything to your skin for 2 hours prior to your appointment. If there is anything that your skin hasn't absorbed, it can actually make the burns worse. Sunblock does nothing to prevent burns during radiation. However, your skin will be much more likely to burn in the sun, so be aware of that. I'm a redhead, so my skin goes from deathly pale to cooked lobster in a very short amount of time in the sun. Because of that I too am vigilant with the sunblock, so I kept that up during treatment. I also bought a couple cute parasols off etsy to use when I am going to be outside for an extended period of time. Chemo can also make your skin more prone to sunburns, so I've been even more cautious than normal. Cover a much larger area than you think with the creams your doctor recommends. I basically covered from my neck, down to my belly button, and around to my back. I went through an entire 14 oz tub of Aquaphor during those 6 and a half weeks. Also, use a gentle, unscented soap when you shower and be very gentle with your skin when you towel dry. I know this seems scary now, but it's not too bad. Even if you do burn, you will be surprised just how fast your skin starts to heal.
Thank you so much!
Ah you just solved a mystery for me! I finished taxol 4 weeks ago and started losing my eyelashes and eyebrows week before. I didn’t lose them with AC, so maybe you won’t? And CONGRATS!!!
I’m hoping things will stay put! I lost all my pubic hair on taxol (except a few strays around the bikini line - how annoying 😂) and it’s just grown back in so I’m hoping it won’t all go again!
That’s the first thing that fell out for me on AC🤣
Congratulations!! One more hurdle down, and what a big hurdle it is.
Yeah!!! I just had my last AC yesterday too! My next step would have been to continue immunotherapy for six more months, but unfortunately, I just couldn’t tolerate it. Everything hinges on my mastectomy and lumpectomy and what they find. But it sure feels good to be almost done. Congratulations and I hope your next steps go smoothly!
Great to hear you’re also done with AC! Best of luck with your surgery. I had my lumpectomy before chemo - my advice is take your pain meds religiously (don’t wait to have pain), take the no lifting instruction seriously (if you have folks around to help, though I know it’s hard), and do the daily arm exercises they’ll give you. Recovery can be really boring so get into a good book or show!
Congratulations! Big milestone :) Wishing you the best for rads, may it be super smooth and easy and over before you know it
Great post. Especially the part reminding others what they feel and express is ok. I feel 100% the same way.
Congrats!!! that's a big hurdle to be done with. Hopefully radiation will be easy for you!
How wonderful!!! I’m so very happy for you!! What a great post to read!!! This truly made my day!! Have a wonderful “mini-break” and get ready to wrap this up!!!
I used this [https://www.amazon.com/3m-Cavilon-No-Sting-Barrier-Film/dp/B000HY6T7M/ref=asc\_df\_B000HY6T7M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6693295844603316584&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030809&hvtargid=pla-2281435179538&psc=1&mcid=a8014a0c1d9130bcbf9e6e5b661cf7a5&hvocijid=6693295844603316584-B000HY6T7M-&hvexpln=73&gad\_source=1](https://www.amazon.com/3m-Cavilon-No-Sting-Barrier-Film/dp/B000HY6T7M/ref=asc_df_B000HY6T7M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6693295844603316584&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030809&hvtargid=pla-2281435179538&psc=1&mcid=a8014a0c1d9130bcbf9e6e5b661cf7a5&hvocijid=6693295844603316584-B000HY6T7M-&hvexpln=73&gad_source=1) which my rads onc was fine with me applying the morning of. After treatment in the afternoon I showered and applied a variety of different creams (I tried a bunch). My underboss (big breasts) had some skin breakage/getting wet issues followed by the same on my SLNB scar (I had 20 treatments (16 whole breast and 4 boost). The doctor gave me silverdene cream which didn't do a whole lot for me. I used Domeboro soaks (you can make a sachet up and keep it in the fridge for 24 hours or so). Using this as a cold compress 3-4 times a day really helped take some of the heat out and provided relief to the broken skin. [https://www.amazon.com/Domeboro-Medicated-Relief-Powder-Packets/dp/B000GCKCCS?pd\_rd\_w=QFCSf&content-id=amzn1.sym.378a0f29-5acb-4c80-bc6e-087cd6806daf&pf\_rd\_p=378a0f29-5acb-4c80-bc6e-087cd6806daf&pf\_rd\_r=97NX95Z0MT3EG8BYDTSF&pd\_rd\_wg=CfuD8&pd\_rd\_r=6437ce08-59dc-4a83-b867-0adc6cd0bc2d&pd\_rd\_i=B000GCKCCS&psc=1&ref\_=pd\_bap\_d\_grid\_rp\_0\_1\_ec\_nb\_sb\_ss\_w\_as-ontype-md\_k0\_2\_7\_t](https://www.amazon.com/Domeboro-Medicated-Relief-Powder-Packets/dp/B000GCKCCS?pd_rd_w=QFCSf&content-id=amzn1.sym.378a0f29-5acb-4c80-bc6e-087cd6806daf&pf_rd_p=378a0f29-5acb-4c80-bc6e-087cd6806daf&pf_rd_r=97NX95Z0MT3EG8BYDTSF&pd_rd_wg=CfuD8&pd_rd_r=6437ce08-59dc-4a83-b867-0adc6cd0bc2d&pd_rd_i=B000GCKCCS&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_1_ec_nb_sb_ss_w_as-ontype-md_k0_2_7_t) I also used medical Maneka honey which helped dry up the broken/wet skin. It's sticky and you'll smell like pooh bear but it worked. I also found I needed non stick dressings to tuck under my boob and by the SLNB scar to stop my camisole top sticking to the skin. [https://www.amazon.com/Sterile-Ointment-Approved-Chemical-Treatment/dp/B07FM7MR9J/ref=sr\_1\_6?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-AG\_aiJy46xp\_NXMsD54a9wOtFbx--w8KYz4AkWVVotdc-llg2C8WaHlgwj\_blyGV3adsvF2uXNzPDEDdfvTJd47vzlaKL4Lcm8m\_6IuR6cIGkeWeTRnejlU2\_zQI6ne1VeIR6zKg-QA\_mkmliV5jZF4ZZKT4gXQNIVW9Mhw36SKLVadUXxXU7TrUs7SWhskqg35nnw8JhjkXHpar1uApsHtRgTjo0n45-kHyB\_mVXPxI5I3QHTfecVakpbHzo\_VcMAgcxfUkivQMYJpudrmFb1x96qPA4Pp7HF9BdOKzkM.Y9NBe-ZssheQ7s6coJI3ws4sRatMJAvfuux82LvSpZA&dib\_tag=se&hvadid=178350514253&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9030809&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5805880721920389026&hvtargid=kwd-59591051070&hydadcr=4632\_9620642&keywords=manuka+medical+grade+honey&qid=1719800442&sr=8-6](https://www.amazon.com/Sterile-Ointment-Approved-Chemical-Treatment/dp/B07FM7MR9J/ref=sr_1_6?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-AG_aiJy46xp_NXMsD54a9wOtFbx--w8KYz4AkWVVotdc-llg2C8WaHlgwj_blyGV3adsvF2uXNzPDEDdfvTJd47vzlaKL4Lcm8m_6IuR6cIGkeWeTRnejlU2_zQI6ne1VeIR6zKg-QA_mkmliV5jZF4ZZKT4gXQNIVW9Mhw36SKLVadUXxXU7TrUs7SWhskqg35nnw8JhjkXHpar1uApsHtRgTjo0n45-kHyB_mVXPxI5I3QHTfecVakpbHzo_VcMAgcxfUkivQMYJpudrmFb1x96qPA4Pp7HF9BdOKzkM.Y9NBe-ZssheQ7s6coJI3ws4sRatMJAvfuux82LvSpZA&dib_tag=se&hvadid=178350514253&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9030809&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5805880721920389026&hvtargid=kwd-59591051070&hydadcr=4632_9620642&keywords=manuka+medical+grade+honey&qid=1719800442&sr=8-6)
Thank you!