Radiation and changes to skin & thyroid

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.

[StephN]

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.

[CLTann]

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.