1. < Cancer: Managing Symptoms

Wound from radiation therapy won't heal: What helps?

Posted by patrickf1 @patrickf1, May 13, 2022

In September 2020 I had superficial radiation therapy for a small squamous cell cancer on the right side of my left foot. It took three months to heal an open wound that developed. I had severe pain…shooting and throbbing…for the entire time. The wound closed by 12/31/20. In January of 2022 the wound returned. No cancer but really sever pain. Open would. Currently undergoing hyperbaric oxygen treatment. What are you experiencing?

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soozemom17 | @soozemom17 | Apr 14 9:24am

I did see a dermatologist at Columbia this week, she was very helpful, tested my insulin, and no shock I am insulin resistant, my son, who is an ED doc, also at Columbia has been telling me to see a wound specialist, I put it off because I believed I was getting the care I needed, I will call this week to schedule an appointment with a wound specialist, thank you for your input, I should have listened to my son too

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soozemom17 | @soozemom17 | Apr 17 10:43am
In reply to @colleenyoung "Oh dear, @soozemom17, that looks nasty and must be painful and worrisome. I can understand your..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Oh dear, @soozemom17, that looks nasty and must be painful and worrisome. I can understand your concern about it needing to be addressed.

Might you ask for a referral to a wound nurse? A wound care nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in treating wounds, Your cancer center likely has an oncology nurse specializing in radiation wounds. Have you asked about hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)?

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Today I went to the wound care clinic, the dr and nurse were very helpful, my leg is currently wrapped in a “soft” cast with several ointments applied by nurse, I’ll return on Friday and see the dr in a week- also gave me prescription for Lyrica because Gabapentin was having a bad side effect, hopefully I’m on a good path for healing

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