INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADIATION TREATMENTS TO THE BREAST This information is designed to answer some of your questions during radiation treatments. SKIN CARE We suggest that you wear a soft cotton t-shirt next to your skin when you come for your radiation treatments. This will both feel good next to your skin and minimize the chance that your other clothing may be stained by the marks that are placed on your skin, outlining areas to be treated. Do not apply any type of heat or adhesive tape to the treated areas. Do not use any other creams, lotions or perfumes in the treatment area unless directed to do so by the staff. You may use cornstarch or baby powder over the area to keep the skin dry and to protect the marks placed on your skin. Shaving or the use of deodorants under your arm on the affected side is not advised. Your skin may become red and irritated a couple weeks into treatment. This will be a temporary reaction and usually heals within a couple weeks of completing treatment. Remember, treat the area as you would sunburn and avoid any type of irritation, including direct contact with the sun. The staff may recommend the use of over-the-counter ointments available at The Regional Cancer Center and most drug stores. You should not have any ointment on your skin when you come for treatment. Clean the area with a mild soap and water and pat the area dry, being careful not to remove any markings placed on your skin for treatment. Toward the end of treatment, your skin may become tender and you may notice moist areas. The staff will advise you how to care for this reaction. Allow the area to be exposed to the air as much as possible. Avoid wearing anything that will rub on the area to further irritate it. Avoid wearing a bra as much as possible during your radiation treatment to prevent further irritation to the area. Baby powder and cornstarch may be applied to intact skin in the treated area; however, if the area feels moist and the skin is broken, do not use cornstarch or powder because it may cake up and promote bacteria and fungal growth. Women with large breasts may have a greater amount and degree of skin reactions. Patients who recently have completed chemotherapy or are receiving chemotherapy may have earlier, intense skin reactions because of the reactivity of the skin cells. Skin reactions need to be reported to the staff; report any redness, itching, pain, or drainage at the site. LYMPHEDEMA "Lymphedema is the accumulation of fluid in the tissues caused by a disruption in the lymphatic system." Reasons why this may occur: 1. Radiation related: Scarring in axilla or armpit can limit lymphatic circulation 2. Disease related: Tumor compression can block the circulation of fluid returning to the arm 3. Treatment related: Surgical removal of lymph nodes may interrupt the flow of fluids *Patients at highest risk for lymphedema are patients who have had both the lymph nodes removed as well as with radiation therapy to that area. Patients should watch for any of the following symptoms: pain in the axilla and/or arm on the treated side; changes in color, temperature, movement and sensation in that arm. PREVENTION IS THE KEY 1. Maintain proper arm and shoulder exercises as instructed by your surgeon. 2. Avoid invasive or traumatic procedures in the affected extremity, i.e., blood draws, injections, blood pressures, IV's. 3. Use an electric razor in the under arm area. 4. Carry heavy packages and your purse on the unaffected side. 5. Wash cuts and scrapes immediately; treat with antibacterial medication to prevent infection (example: Neosporin®) 6. Avoid elastic cuffs on clothing 7. Use protective gloves when gardening or cleaning (using strong detergents). NUTRITIONAL CARE Maintaining your weight during treatments is very important, even if you are overweight. Why is this so? Patients who eat well are able to withstand the side effects of treatments better. A balanced diet can help you maintain your strength and prevent body tissues from breaking down. Adequate protein in your diet helps to rebuild the normal tissues affected by the treatments. A feeling of tiredness or fatigue often accompanies treatment, but it will become progressively worse if your nutritional intake is not adequate. Many patients ask about vitamin pills. The best source of vitamins and minerals is foods. During illness, your food intake may be less than optimal, and a vitamin and mineral supplement may be needed. The best choice is a balanced multiple vitamin/mineral supplement which contains up to 100% of the "Daily Value" of most nutrients. It is not a good idea to take "mega-doses" of any vitamin or mineral, including the antioxidant nutrients, as they may interfere with the effectiveness of your treatments. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources for naturally occurring antioxidants. Return To Commonly Asked Questions