Radiation
Radiation Therapy
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Tank Tops
I recommend a soft (like jersey knit), but form-fitting (not tight) tank top that you can put on from the bottom up, meaning step into it and pull it up to put it on, don’t pull it on overhead. This helps avoid any bunching or excessive rubbing in the armpit. I preferred the tank top over a shirt, just so I could get some air to that axillary area. Even the seam of the tank top can be irritating. This issue is easily taken care of with Aquaphor and nonstick pads. I liked something like these: https://www.target.com/p/women-s-any-day-tank-a-new-day-153/-/A-52512718?preselect=52903483#lnk=sametab
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Baby Aquaphor (4x/day)
My doctors were impressed with the softness of my skin and how quickly I bounced back after radiation. This may also be because I used my face cream on my radiated skin both morning and night and Aquaphor on top. I also put on Aquaphor 2 additional times in the day. I prefer Baby Aquaphor over regular Aquaphor, and I'm told other patients receiving radiation feel the same way. The Aquaphor will soak into your shirts (mine are destroyed) but my skin is great; so I am okay with the trade-off!
Yes, I realize it has petroleum in it, but it worked the best. Alternatively, you could try Maty’s baby ointment, which I love and use as a body lotion! If you choose Maty's, you will need to reapply more often than the Baby Aquaphor.
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Face Cream
I love Plexus' Joyome and used this on my face and radiated skin. I believe it worked wonders! My wrinkles decreased on my face (I had 10 wrinkles on my forehead during chemo when raising my eyebrows! Yikes!) and my skin bounced back from radiation so well! My radiation oncologist said, "I wish everyone had your skin!" I attribute this to the help from Joyome. It contains one ingredient that I don't care for - phenoxyethanol. However, If you are interested in using this on your radiated skin, try it elsewhere (like your face) to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction or any other issues with it. Also, run it by your radiation oncologist to make sure it’s okay for your situation. I ordered mine here: https://plexusworldwide.com/mccallzpark/product/plexus-joyome-essentials-combo-pack.
Since then, I have switched to a brand that I believe is completely non-toxic. I will provide the information for my current face cream in my "Health and Beauty" section, which I continue to use on my radiated skin.
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Non-stick Pads
I can’t seem to find a link for exactly what I used, but something like this:
I preferred the CVS or Walgreen’s brand. A little glob of Aquaphor was enough to hold them to my skin along with my form-fitting tank top or surgical bra. I used this for sore areas and over my infected incision.
I found nonstick pads with adhesive tabs:
These are great because you can stick the adhesive tab to your clothes to secure them in place!
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Stretch
Start stretching now; even if you don't feel that you need it just yet. Continue to stretch after radiation. All of the layers (muscle, tissue, lung, bone...) radiated are getting burned and will harden and tighten, even after you are done with treatment. Consistency is key! Breathing into the tight areas is helpful.
