Radiation Follow-up & Debrief

Almost 4 weeks out since my last radiation treatment, the skin is doing much better compared to few weeks ago.  Much of the pain is now gone, and there's just the occasional irritation that feels like a band-aid being peeled off in places, particularly in the back where the skin got exposed to the sun because I wasn't made aware the treatment area would extend so far back.  There's is still discoloration of the entire treatment area, with the worst of it being under the arms.  It could take years for the skin to return to normal, or may never return to how it was before treatment. In any case, the radiation area isn't bothering me as much now and I am having more good days mentally and physically.  I still had a follow-up scheduled though so I went.

Today's appointment was supposed to be a skin check after getting burns from radiation treatment.  My usual nurse was out sick though so I spoke to someone who didn't seem to specialize in breast radiation.  She didn't actually check my skin, and I didn't really feel like waiting around for a doctor since I felt like my skin is getting better.  The main take away from the debrief I also got was that I need to minimize sun exposure to treated area by using sunscreen SPF 50+ for life.  Good thing I am not a beach person, but I am going to have to be careful being outdoors in tank tops and such.  Yeah, it is a little thing, but there are many of these "little" things and also many big things as a result of going through cancer treatment.  

Aside from the sunscreen warning, I was told I can start using deodorant if it doesn't irritate my skin.  I can also swim and take hot baths eight weeks after last treatment if I'm healing ok.  

The usual process for most folks is to do a telehealth call with the provider a month after the last treatment.  The nurse suggested I go ahead and schedule that call even though I was here today, in case additional questions come up. The doctor still owes me some help in removing the radiation tattoos so I'll bring that up on the call next week.