Soreness after radiotherapy

Hi new to this!   I am now 9 days after finishing 28 days of chemoradiation for anal cancer.  On the whole I seemed to cope well with the treatment so feel very lucky.

I had a couple of bad days this week supposed to be what happens as the radiotherapy is still working and my body needs to adjust to coming off the Capecitibine tablets.

Main problem is the soreness of skin all around my bikini line (not that I wear bikinis) but the whole area is very red and sore making underwear uncomfortable.   Cannot not wear any as I have a little leakage in the anal area still.

Have used the Diprobase prescribed religiously plus Flamazine where the skin had broken down.  District Nurse said yes it is very sore but clean and not infected

Today I have tried Sudocrem on a couple of small areas and wow I have some relief!

After going to the toilet it is usually sore for a while and I am using lots of pads to make me feel more comfortable.   Also sitting on a plastic blow up ring!

Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated thanks.

 

 

Parents Reply Children
  • Sorry not to have replied but thank you to all of you.   Had some difficulty accessing the site but am back again!

    I was eventually put back on Flamazine mixed with FiftyFifty a moisturiser/lanolin ointment from Lloyds pharmacy at just over £3.   This has seemed to work well and the District Nurse has been checking my skin weekly.   I am now 5 weeks post radiation and just have one still sore area slightly blistered at the opening to the anus.   This is not helped by going to the toilet but I am battling on.

    The worst problem is what to wear and trying to go for a walk can be uncomfortable as everything rubs together!   Hopefully another week will help and I will be back to having normal skin?

  •  

    Hi Beryl,

    I am sorry to hear that you continue to suffer with your skin 5 weeks after radiation, but glad to hear that it is almost healed at last. Clothing must be difficult and, not having undergone radiotherapy, I fear that I am unable to help you here. Which do you find the most comfortable – loose clothing or close fit clothing?

    Let’s hope that you will be back to normal by next week.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx