During Radiation Treatment

Here are some easy-to-follow tips to help your skin during treatment:

• Keep showers or baths short and use lukewarm water; avoid extreme temperatures.
• Use gentle, fragrance free and ph-balancing products daily to cleanse and moisturize.
• Protect your skin from sun because treatment areas will be extra-sensitive.
  
• Cover the treated area with sun-protective clothing or items you cannot see through when you hold them up to the light.  If you can’t cover the area, ask your care team about sunscreen options.

Be Gentle with the Treatment Area

• Don’t rub, massage or scratch the area.
• Avoid using facecloths. The friction can damage the skin.
• Use a soft towel to pat skin just enough to remove water – don’t rub completely dry.
• Prevent rubbing and friction by wearing loose-fitting clothing, ideally cotton or other soft, breathable fabrics.

Things to Consider

• Save shaving or use hair removal creams for after treatment. Don’t try to remove hair from a treatment area.
• Consider products with thermal water, which have been shown to reduce radiation’s negative impacts on the skin.
• Keep areas under your breast dry to avoid fungal infections in the folds.
  Cornstarch (not talcum powder) or an antifungal powder can help manage itchiness and redness.

Lymphedema

People who are treated for cancer are at risk for lymphedema if they have lymph nodes or vessels removed or damaged during treatment. Speak with your doctor about treatment options and visit canadalymph.ca for more information.

Post-Recovery “Everyday Bras”

Recovery time can vary greatly. People can be ready to move into an everyday bra anywhere from two months to one year after treatment is complete. 

Mastectomy bras are available in many styles including lingerie, sport and everyday bras. These are specific for post-mastectomy or post- lumpectomy because they come with pockets to hold breast forms.  Many have a higher neckline for support and to help cover scars.

If you sew, or know someone who can, you can have pockets sewn into any bra as well – but you may need to experiment a bit to get the right design to hold the breast form. 

Remember that your size and shape may have changed post-treatment and post-surgery.  A specialized bra retailer can help you find the right size – or check out our bra-fitting tips on our Breast Form Fitting and Bra Tips page.

Click here for Bra Tips!

One question everyone may have as they begin their cancer treatment is ‘what are the side effects of my cancer treatment?’ The truth is, is that, while there are many common side effects from chemo, radiation, immunotherapy and drugs, your treatment experience will be different from anyone else. So, what’s ‘normal’? Your medical team may give you a booklet on what to expect, but the reality is, there is no ‘normal’.

Hair loss, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, headache, nausea are all common side effects from cancer treatment. But you may also be dealing with loss of balance, strength and coordination. Others experience nerve tingling, “burning” or numbness. It’s also possible that you may not have any of these side effects. Your reaction to your treatment is as individual as your diagnosis itself.

In the past, a good patient was often described as someone who kept questions to a minimum, who followed all the advice that their healthcare professional provided, who didn’t complain or voice their concerns, and didn’t speak out about something they didn’t understand. Over the years, medical professionals have begun to realize that their patients are individuals, with minds of their own and ideas and questions about their own healthcare.

Enter, Dr. Margaret Fitch, a professor at the University of Toronto with a background in nursing and expertise in oncology and the psychosocial and emotional side of cancer. Dr. Fitch identifies the difference between ‘person-centered’ and ‘patient centered’ care. Your care is a partnership. Doctors, nurses and social workers bring knowledge and expertise, but you are the expert on you and your personal experience. Person-centered care calls on medical professionals to listen, work in partnership with you and to better understand what your life is like and to pay close attention to how any suggestions made may impact you.

Dr. Fitch offers some important take aways to help you in your efforts to ensure your care is ‘person-centered’.

Embrace Your Right to Ask Questions: It’s crucial to remember that you have the right to ask questions about your care and treatment. Even if it’s difficult to speak up, your health and well-being are paramount. Take time at home to write down your questions when you’re relaxed, and bring them to your appointments. Don’t hesitate to be firm and confident in asking for the information you need.

Utilize All Available Resources: While your time with your physician is limited, don’t hesitate to ask a nurse or another healthcare professional for additional support. Healthcare teams often work together, and they can help ensure that your concerns are addressed. It’s okay to use multiple strategies to get the information and support you need.

Understand That “Normal” Doesn’t Mean “Okay”: If you’re told that certain side effects or feelings are normal, it’s important to recognize that this doesn’t mean you have to accept them without support. There is help available, and you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Speak up about what you’re experiencing and ask about the resources and services that can provide relief.

Recognize the Uniqueness of Your Experience: Cancer is not just one disease, but many, each with its own treatments and side effects. What you go through may be completely different from someone else’s experience, even if the diagnosis sounds similar. Don’t feel pressured to compare your journey to others; instead, focus on what you need and seek out the right support for your specific situation.

Explore Your Options: The treatment and support options available to you are diverse. Whether it’s joining a group, seeking one-on-one counseling, or trying different therapies, it’s essential to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to explore different approaches until you find the one that feels right.

Stay Informed About New Treatments: Medical advancements, like targeted therapies, are constantly evolving. These treatments can be more precise and may reduce some of the more challenging side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy. Keep the conversation open with your healthcare team about new options that may be available to you.

Value Your Individuality: Remember, your journey is uniquely yours. While it’s helpful to hear others’ experiences, what works for someone else may not be the best fit for you. Trust in your instincts, ask for the information you need, and choose the path that feels most supportive to your individual needs and circumstances.

In Episode 2 of “Facing Cancer Together,” you will hear from several women undergoing treatment, each with their own unique version of ‘normal.’ Additionally, Dr. Fitch delves into the concept of ‘person-centered care,’ offering deeper insights into this compassionate approach to treatment. Tune in for a compelling discussion that highlights the diverse experiences of these women, the importance of personalized care and how you can advocate for yourself during your own cancer journey.