Blisters now raw sores following rads

rinaina · 11-01-2006, 02:30 PM

I just completed 7 weeks of radiation and the last 7 days were a booster dose directly localized on my tumor site. I still have the "X marks the spot" and the burned circular area from this booster dose. I also have 3 open sores within this circular area where the booster rads were given. They were blisters first. Has anyone else had this booster dose for 7 days and the blisters/sores? Should I be concerned? Seeing onc tomorrow at my herceptin tx thank goodness.

Becky · 11-01-2006, 04:47 PM

I had 6 boosters and I had open sores (from the blisters bursting) all over the place. Even under my arm and where the bra band is underneath the breast. My radiation onc gave me a prescription for Silvadene ointment but the Binefine cream and aloe vera gel (100%) actually worked better for me.

At least the rads are over and everything will really start to heal now.

Kind regards

Becky

newgg · 11-01-2006, 04:56 PM

The Binefine cream and the 100% aloe worked wonders. Just find the Wal Mart or Target brand that is 100%. They usually put that on the lowest shelf ....makes it more difficult to fine the cheap stuff !!
Hugs, Bonnie

rinaina · 11-02-2006, 07:39 AM

thanks becky and newgg for the recommendations. is binefine over the counter?

Andi · 11-02-2006, 08:15 AM

I reacted to aloe vera and the binefine didn't work all that well for me, so my rad onc told me to try desitin cream. It cleared me up right away.

tousled1 · 11-02-2006, 08:29 AM

I had the same problem with radiation treatments. I was using pure aloe vera from treatment number one and still got burned to a crisp. Guess the radiation worked. My radiation oncologist prescribed an antibiotic cream in order to prevent an infection -- used it a couple days and then went back to aloe vera. On my last visit he was pleased that you couldn't tell which side of my chest had been radiated.

newgg · 11-02-2006, 09:48 AM

Do not remember getting a script for the Binefine but did have to ask the pharmacy for it. If I remember ....it was a few bucks. Just find the combination of lotions that works for you and apply in ample amounts. Did not get dressed with out first appling the lotions. Went through a big bottle of aloe. If you do think anything is getting infected see the doc for an antibiotic cream.

Hugs, Bonnie

MJo · 11-02-2006, 11:20 AM

I had open sores too after radiation. I used the cream nurses gave me -- can't remember name. (can't remember a lot of things) I also added neosporin. Cleared up well except for one big round scar I have near the nipple that I hope will fade eventually. I wore a bra one day when I thought sores were healing. Big mistake. The bra rubbed them raw and I had blood on my clothes. Don't wear a bra. MJO

rinaina · 11-02-2006, 12:01 PM

Wow! Guess I am not the only one with this problem. Thank you everyone for all your good suggestions. The only thing the radiation therapist gave me was Aquafor which is really mild...kind of like petroleum jelly. So far I haven't had a problem with wearing a bra.

Bev · 11-02-2006, 08:49 PM

Hi Rinaina, Biafine was prescription but may be OTC now. $25 per tube. My insurance doesn't cover dermatological creams. Looked liked petro jelly. I don't remember what the active ingredients were, but not aloe. They really stressed putting it on 3x a day right from the start. I would put it on right after rads in the dressing room, after showers and before bed. Also asked us to wear all cotton bras. The only place I had open skin was the thin line at the crease below my breast. I followed up with aloe creams and everything is back to normal. Hope you heal quickly. BB

Lolly · 11-02-2006, 11:43 PM

Hi Rinaina;
Aquafor is great stuff, don't let it's "mild" appearance fool you...I just finished 38 rads to right axilla, and used aquafor throughout. Would put it on before dressing, after treatment, then 3 or 4 times through the day, whenever I could feel the area getting "tight". I never blistered, just got very red. I didn't wear a bra as I felt the friction would cause problems.

<3 Lolly

rinaina · 11-03-2006, 10:32 AM

Thanks Bev and Lolly for your input. Using the Aquafor liberally and often now and looking forward to these sores healing. Rads are done as of last Thursday so on with Herceptin as I have been getting it, every 3 weeks. My treatment yesterday wiped me out. I got so tired that I fell asleep at 8:00 last night and missed Grey Anatomy...can you imagine that!!!!

karen raines hunt · 11-03-2006, 10:41 AM

Hi,

I also had those "boosts" to my mastectomy scar. The creams the other folks mentioned are good. I also found that lightweight white cotton t-shirts were good to wear under my clothes during radiation and for weeks after while I was still healing.

Warmest regards,
Karen

rinaina · 11-03-2006, 10:51 AM

Thanks Karen for your input as well. I really don't have any problems with wearing anything I want. I guess the location of my sores is such that it doesn't get irritated by my bras or clothing thankfully, but I am using the aquafor to hopefully help the healing along.

lindaw · 11-03-2006, 02:59 PM

Dear Rinaina

Haven't been able to post latley but wanted to help if could. I have completed 5 weeks rads to chest area for open skin mets. One week was booster. it was a horrible red , painful mess for about 2 weeks after and then started to heal. I used solugel which is a clear gel( maybe an Australian term) and covered it with cling wrap so it didn't lift off new skin. I still have a few patches healing but the rest is better. good luck.

love
Linda

rinaina · 11-03-2006, 07:36 PM

thanks lindaw for the tip. looking forward to healing and good to hear it happens with everyone.