25 Down; 8 To Go ~ Skin Breakdown Has Begun

I'm at the end of week five of radiation treatments. Today was the last of the regular treatments, and then we will begin the "boost" on Tuesday. The boost is a more concentrated dose of radiation that is administered to just the tumor site, rather than the whole breast, chest, and underarm. So hopefully it will avoid the areas where I am already having the skin problem, so it will be easier on my skin. 

THANK GOODNESS!!! Because the skin began to breakdown earlier this week and it is not fun for sure. I've been using all the prescribed creams and even some I've learned about from other breast cancer treatments, but alas I'm still having some issues. It all started last week with some itchy areas and aches. At that time my radiation oncologist prescribed a steroid cream. I didn't use the cream much because I was not scratching my skin, and that was its primary purpose. I wanted to continue the calendula and aloe to promote healing and soothing my poor leathery-like skin. Sure enough, on Sunday there were three tiny dots on my areola where the darkened skin had pulled away and exposed a tiny wound. The doc indicated that the other dark areas, areas that to me looked like I had burned my skin with a curling iron (we know what that looks like, don't we ladies?), would most likely break down as well. It's as if the skin has blistered, even though it has not, and then the skin breaks open. There is no oozing or anything, at least not yet.

The area of breakdown is larger yet today, but hopefully this three-day-weekend off radiation will give my skin a rest and the chance to heal. My expert burn consultant, Alura, has given me wonderful advice on how to treat the wounds so I am sure everything will be fine. And it really isn't too uncomfortable so far.

So I'm glad it is all winding down and looking forward to two weeks down the road when radiation is over and everything will have a chance to heal.

Happy Labor Day Weekend! Enjoy and be safe,

Debbie... aka the cancer warrior ... AND SURVIVOR!!!

LIVESTRONG: 

I AM STRONG. I AM LOVED. I AM HEALTHY. WE WILL WIN!