Anxiety over radiation burns: What can I expect?

My papers from the radiation oncologist office says to start skin care products on the day of radiation but the people that did the mapping a couple days ago that will also do the radiation told me I should start using the cream 2x/day that day and continue during radiation - which starts Nov 18 (which is scheduled for every other day for 5 treatments), so I have been using Vanicream as that is what I have. - they said it would make my area soft/moist before radiation. I never thought of using moisturizer unless my skin was dry - but to start with moisturizer to prevent skin dryness makes sense. They also suggested Udder Cream/Bag Balm, Aloe Vera gel at least 97% aloe, also approved are Aquaphor, Lubriderm, Eucerin and Cetaphil, and that I may apply Hydrocortisone cream if the area is itchy. Also I am to use either Lume or Native deodorant (or another deodorant that is not an antiperspirant). I haven't heard of anyone else being told to start the cream early, have you? I will do what a lot of you are saying and continue the cream for a couple weeks after surgery, and perhaps I will switch to 97% Aloe Vera during radiation treatments since many of you are using that with success but for now will use Vanicream.

My doctor gave me a prescription for a cream. I don’t remember the name of it. And a jar of petroleum jelly. I had to use the jelly twice a day and the prescription once a day after every treatment. I’m shocked they don’t automatically give you that. All My best.

It sounds like a helpful tip to moisturize before. I've found that often techs really know a lot as they see skin all day long. Hope it works well.

Thank you all so much for great advice. I finished my radiation treatments today!
I’ve been using a water based cream by Glaxo and a Calendula cream that also contains olive oil. I will need a prescription for cortisone cream. I’m in Canada and we can only get a 1% over the counter. Hoping I won’t need it.
I somehow missed the post from Carrie on the green tea. (I wonder if I’m navigating this site properly, I just saw it today). I will pass it on to a friend who is starting her radiation tomorrow.
So far no reaction but I know it can come out after treatment, fingers crossed! I’ll keep using the creams for a couple of weeks.
Now the decision on letrozole, anastrozole or tamoxifen. I have done some research and, from what I have read , letrozole and anastrozole are more targeted than tamoxifen. However, I already have arthritis and dread making it worse with either of them. My oncologist said either letrozole or anastrozole are his recommendation.
Back to the gym to get in better shape to support my old bones.
This site is so valuable, thanks to all of you. Nice to know we are not alone!

NOT BEFORE> ONLY AFTER EACH TREATMENT> I did before and they had me up off the table to clean off my breasts as it can affect the radiation.

My papers from the radiation oncologist office says to start skin care products on the day of radiation but the people that did the mapping a couple days ago that will also do the radiation told me I should start using the cream 2x/day that day and continue during radiation - which starts Nov 18 (which is scheduled for every other day for 5 treatments), so I have been using Vanicream as that is what I have. - they said it would make my area soft/moist before radiation. I never thought of using moisturizer unless my skin was dry - but to start with moisturizer to prevent skin dryness makes sense. They also suggested Udder Cream/Bag Balm, Aloe Vera gel at least 97% aloe, also approved are Aquaphor, Lubriderm, Eucerin and Cetaphil, and that I may apply Hydrocortisone cream if the area is itchy. Also I am to use either Lume or Native deodorant (or another deodorant that is not an antiperspirant). I haven't heard of anyone else being told to start the cream early, have you? I will do what a lot of you are saying and continue the cream for a couple weeks after surgery, and perhaps I will switch to 97% Aloe Vera during radiation treatments since many of you are using that with success but for now will use Vanicream.

NOT BEFORE> ONLY AFTER EACH TREATMENT> I did before and they had me up off the table to clean off my breasts as it can affect the radiation.

i finished 3 weeks of radiation 5 days a week , a couple of months ago . it went very well , looked like a bad sunburn at end, but cream from nurse worked well , no pain whatso ever , no itching . healed very well . and i'm in my 60 s. with badly sun damaged skin to begin with . you will be fine , did seem to make me tired weeks after . but everyone is different . i'm glad i had it , as several lymph nodes affected . i found it a breeze . had had a mastectomy a few weeks before, so had scaring from that , but the radiation didn't worry the long scar. or inflame it . skin slightly darker a few weeks after but returns to natural colour pretty quickly . so try not to worry , don't be anxious that's a lot worse than having it done . remember it's killing off stray cancer cells . all the best .

I am 59 yrs old. Thank for the encouragement and information. Do you remember the name of the cream? Good to hear you are well after going thru radiation.

Strata xrt

you don't use much it gives you a film over the skin .

yes the thought is usually a lot worse . but i found it easy . redness to skin for sure but no bad burns . it went roughly for 15 mins each time . and the skin darker brown after then now faded to natural colour.
yes it's all rather barbaric!! but i find not dwelling on is the best . too much info is bad too as half of it never happens . all the best !!! sending you a big hug . keryn