After radiation, as the skin heals, a compassionate dermatologist can help us to monitor any lingering side-effects.
PUBLISHED May 02, 2018
Felicia Mitchell is a poet and writer who makes her home in southwestern Virginia, where she teaches at Emory & Henry College. She was diagnosed with Stage 2b HER2-positive breast cancer in 2010. Website: www.feliciamitchell.net
During radiation therapy, the breast area suffers. While effects are likened to sunburn, radiation is more complicated. Using a cream that works for you can do wonders to help. My team recommended several potions. Miaderm worked for me. Wearing cotton shirts and no bra also helped.After radiation, when the skin heals, there may be lingering concerns. For example, the skin on the area where my right breast was removed has more splotches than the other side. There are dark patches as well as scattered spots that are not age spots. Because I am aging, thanks to radiation and other treatment, age spots will occur soon enough. In the mix, the surgical scar appears to have scars from radiation. Then there is lymphedema.
Dermatological checkups are good for everybody, not just breast cancer survivors. I grew up at the coast, so I understand risk factors. Since both parents and other relatives have dealt with melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, I always knew to take precautions and got regular checkups. Fortunately, although I have been fortunate so far, I acknowledge that our bodies can be full of surprises, including skin cancer following breast cancer treatment.
Being cautious involves regular dermatology checkups of the sort we should get even if we never had breast cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that women who have been treated for breast cancer have an increased risk for other cancers, including melanoma. Oncological consultants suggest that basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more likely in our radiated regions.
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