Congrats on completing your first session — you're on your way! 🎉 Here are some tips that have helped others going through radiation for breast cancer: Skin Care
- Moisturize early and often using fragrance-free lotions — don't wait until your skin feels irritated
- Wash the treated area gently with mild, unscented soap and Show Full Answer
Congrats on completing your first session — you're on your way! 🎉 Here are some tips that have helped others going through radiation for breast cancer: Skin Care
- Moisturize early and often using fragrance-free lotions — don't wait until your skin feels irritated
- Wash the treated area gently with mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water
- Pat skin dry instead of rubbing
- Skip antiperspirants; cornstarch can help absorb moisture instead
- Avoid shaving the underarm area during and for a couple of weeks after treatment Clothing & Comfort
- Wear loose, soft, breathable cotton clothing
- Going braless as much as possible can really help
- Use a soft cotton cloth under the breast to prevent skin-on-skin rubbing Things to Avoid
- Sun exposure on the treated area — wear SPF 30+ sunscreen even on cloudy days
- Extreme heat or cold directly on the skin (no heating pads or ice packs directly on skin)
- Any supplements or medications not approved by your care team Rest & Nutrition
- Fatigue is very common — rest when your body asks for it, no guilt needed
- Eating enough protein helps your body repair and maintain muscle during treatment
- Light activity, like short walks, can help manage tiredness A MyBCTeam member shared a soothing tip: soak a clean cloth in saline solution, lay it on your chest for about 15 minutes, air-dry, then apply your cream. They said it feels cool and calming.
Always check in with your care team about any new symptoms, especially swelling in the arm or hand. You've got this! 💪
June 1
Exercise helps with fatigue. Moisturize often. I used Vanicream and 100% aloe gel once or twice a day plus Aquaphor at night with a light tshirt to cover my upper body. Sailed through.
June 1
Hi Suzette4, The response above gives good tips. I would add to stay hydrated. I was prescribed a cortticosteroid to apply topically twice a day for 3 weeks. It helped with the burning and itching.I also did back facing showers to prevent water from directly hitting my radiated area. All the best to you. You have come so far . One day at a time it will be done before you know it.
June 1
Moisturize and drink lots of water. I went walking every day after my treatment, and I believe that really helped as well.
June 1