Radiation and changes to skin & thyroid
 

I burned very badly during radiation, but was very pleased when the burn disappeared rather quickly and skin felt soft to touch; however, six months later, it's very dark in large area around scar and is rough to the touch. Have any of you had this happened six to seven months after your radiation, and if so, what did you do and did it help?

Also, did any of you go back to see radiologist after you finished. Mine suggested I return in April but I never did.

Also, I've been on thyroid medication for seven years with no issues, but last TSH is above normal, despite medication. Endocronologist today asked about my radiation and CT experiences. Anyone else have this happen after radiation or multiple CT's (or, possibly, herceptin). Thanks.

the thyroid gland is one of the most sensitive parts of the body to radiation
 

That is why there was increased thyroid cancer after the atomic bombs were dropped in Japan at the end of WW2. Also why they tell people who live near atomic power plants to keep tablets on hand to protect their thyroid.

Xray technicians are supposed to shield the thyroid gland with a lead protector during routine procedures--many only do so if asked. Can't shield the thyroid during radiation therapy, I have been told, as it would change the way the radiation travels around so their dose calculations would be inaccurate.

You may want to ask your oncologist about Trental and Vitamin E in combination--decreases post radiation fibrosis, even after scarring has begun. I think I posted the relevant papers (check search, if not, let me know)


Hope some of this is useful to you.

Hi Grace!
My rad onc will see me again next month. She checked me carefully throughout and just following radiation. She gave me exercises to do to keep the skin and muscles stretching and healthy and advised me on cremes etc for my skin. She works with me on long term care of the area and has been so very helpful with potential pains, etc. Call and go see her (him) and ask tons of questions. I'm discovering that the rad treatments have a long lasting effect and that I need to continue to "work the program" about them. Good luck, mary anne

Dear Grace

I burned very badly too but recovered well (like you did in the beginning) but have no lasting effects. My radiated breast is slightly darker and the breast/skin itself is firmer. That breast is actually "perkier" than my unaffected breast (go figure).

I see my radiation oncologist every 6 months but I think when I see him in October, he will switch me to once a year. (My mother had him too and she still sees him once a year- he does this with the lumpectomy patients so that we get in an additional clinical breast exam as there are 2 intact breasts there where a new problem could occur). Also, I think he just likes watching out for my mom and me very diligently and has a special feeling (this isn't the right word) for us. He had me use the Binefide cream for over 6 months. My mom told me to use pure 100% aloe vera gel for a year. Since hers turned out so good, I did and I did great (could just be the genes - the good and bad of it).

See your radiation oncologist about this as this is his area of expertise and he will have the right suggestions and exercises to help remedy this problem.

Thanks all,

I probably will make an appointment to see radiologist, and I have plenty of biafine left and will start using again. This really just started a short while ago so maybe not that far along--hopefully.

Have appointment for sonogram of thyroid in three weeks; fortunately my doctor only noticed slight enlargement of thyroid, no nodules, but sonogram will tell. I suppose it's good for everyone to get their TSH checked regularly, and easier for us as we're always getting blood tests.

Thanks.

Skin care
 

Hi Grace -
After my second round of chemos for mets, I had my thyroid checked. I was SO fatigued that they wanted to rule that out. Turns out it was normal and it was just the two solid years of treatment that was dragging me down.

I did see my rad onc for 3 or 4 followups, until he said I was doing fine and it was time to "fire" him. Was lucky not to burn more than a good sunburn. But I used a special cream from the natural herbalist shop. The rad onc's nurse also gave me a bunch of trial size tubes of Aquaphor, which I also used.

One last thing. I was taking special capsules called Nioxin Recharging Complex for hair, skin and nails. I really believe this helped nourish my skin.

It is sad that so many of the bc patients opted for radiation without deep consideration. Radiation damages are cumulative and permanent. There is a certain level one can endure. After reaching the maximum of the life-long cumulative radiation, there is no medicine that can reverse the damage. Please make sure that any radiation tests are truly necessary and useful. Always be wary about using radiation as a form of curative procedure. Remember that radiation is a major cause of cancer. My best friend died of excessive radiation while there was no cancer detectable in her body.

Actually Ann, I did extensive investigation before I agreed to radiation, even though every doctor said radiation was absolutely necessary if one has a lumpectomy. And it wasn't as easy as I was told. My burns were extensive. Towards the end I had them narrow the field as I was getting reactions well beyond the breast, including my stomach.

So I agree with you, at least to the extent that if you get radiation make sure your lungs and heart are out of the field. I was a smoker in past life and was terrified of having my lungs in the field. However, from what I've read the radiation effects, if they come, are in another ten years and since I am already 65, I decided I'd take the chance. Not that I want problems at 75, but it's all a crap shoot in my view. I wanted to hold on to my breast, and from the literature I read radiation after lumpectomy reduces recurrence about 40%.

I have a new cardiologist who is very careful about which tests she orders, citing the radiation issues, but none of my other doctors seems to take that into account. It is good to remember that many of the tests we ask for involve radiation.

Thanks for mentioning it.