I am starting my radiation treatments today for breast cancer (have already done the chemo.) Do any of you have advice on herbal skin/cream or teas, etc. that can help my skin and body heal better? The Dr. reccommends an excellent cream containing pure lanolin. Is there anything I can add to this to boost its healing properties?

I am concerned too about my lymphatic drainage, which has already been compromised by similar treatment on the other side. Any thoughts?

Thank you in advance for your input.

Lenvt

Also, you might consider taking astragalus internally to help boost your immune system while undergoing the radiation therapy. Check with your doctor first, but it is reputed to reduce the effects of radiation therapy, and keep up your strength. A friend of mine underwent similar treatment, took a combination of astragalus and violet leaves for a few weeks before, during and after, and was able to continue working almost full-time throughout. Six years later, she is cancer-free. I hope it turns out just as well for you.

I hope the treatment goes well.

A very good supplement to aid the bodies recovery from radiation treatment is Milk Thistle. Research has been carried out on this in several countries for medical use, and in some european countries doctors are now reccomending it. Milk thistle is completely harmless, and extremly well tolerated by all.

Dont forget that vitamin C is also a very important supplement to take after radiation exposure such as chemo.

As with any herbal supplement taken during illness, do some research of your own, and also have a chat with your specialist.

Once again I wish you luck with your treatment, and best of health for the future.

Here's another overview, which talks about the kinds of irritations and skin reactions seen in some patients receiving therapeutic radiation.

You've gotten good advice to check out any alternative treatment with your oncologist before using it, as some herbal meds could cause problems of their own or interact with other drugs. An active ingredient in milk thistle, for example, has been found to impair the liver's ability to process certain drugs, which could make them more toxic.

Duckworth, I read your response the day you posted it and realized that I have a huge aloe plant in my house! I have been mixing the juice with the lanolin cream and I have had no adverse reactions to it. Thank you for posting! So far my skin a bit is tanned, but not crisp. (My doctor hates it when I use words like "crispy" or "fried." I wonder why? :)

Eric OH, thank you for the website link. I have found it very informative and have passed it on to the social worker who generates a page of helpful links for new paitents. This one was not listed. Perhaps you've helped more than one person with your post.

Again,

Thank you for your time and thoughts.

Lenvt

Distilled Water, Apricot Oil, Sweet
Almond Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera Extract, Lanolin, Beeswax, Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Herbs of Chamomile, Calendula, Comfrey, Lavender, Borage, St. John’s Wort, Organic Essential Oils of Lavender and Chamomile. Vitamin E sparingly used.