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How did you feel after pelvic radiation was completed?
Gynecologic Cancers | Last Active: 21 hours ago | Replies (26)Comment receiving replies
Thank you, @ejrdevries for responding to my questions. I'm not having too much problem with digestion or bowel problems. Fortunately. Yes, my body was beat up big time like you said so I've been trying to pay attention to what my body tells me. That has meant more time at home and rest and I've been feeling more energy with every day.
I decided I will call my radiation oncologist next week and ask a few questions. One of the questions is about the bumps I have developed on the top of my forearms and my lower legs. These bumps are itchy and not at all in the area where I had radiation which was the pelvis. I've read up on this bit and it could be something called radiation dermatitis. I've been using moisturizing lotion and Benadryl (at night) and that helps. I'm wondering if there is something else I can do and how long this will last. Did you have anything like this?
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@naturegirl5 Keratosis pilaris is a very common, entirely harmless (benign) skin condition. It occurs when your body produces too much keratin—a protective protein that makes up your hair, nails, and outer skin layer. This excess keratin builds up and forms a plug that clogs the openings of your hair follicles, resulting in small, rough, sandpaper-like bumps. It's genetic. I have it now on my lower forearms after radiation, but the skin changes caused by radiation therapy are known as radiation dermatitis. These reactions only occur where the radiation enters or targets the body and follow a very different pattern than KP:
• Location: Brachytherapy skin changes are strictly confined to the specific target area (e.g., the skin over a treated tumor site or surgical vaginal cuff area). It will not cause new bumps to appear on your arms or legs.
• Acute Symptoms: Within the treatment field, radiation temporarily disrupts normal skin cell renewal. This can cause the localized skin to become pink, red, dry, itchy, or tender. In some cases, it can lead to peeling or flaking skin (desquamation). Late Symptoms: Months or years after treatment, the localized skin in the treatment path may show long-term changes, such as permanent hyperpigmentation (darkening), hypopigmentation (lightening), or mild thinning of the tissue. If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment and have noticed a new, bumpy rash on your forearms or elsewhere, it is likely due to an entirely different mechanism:
1. Chemotherapy or Targeted Drugs: Certain systemic cancer treatments—such as chemotherapy or specific targeted therapies (like BRAF inhibitors or anti-EGFR drugs)—are widely known to cause dry, bumpy, acne-like, or "KP-like" skin rashes on the arms and torso. Regrowth of Hair: As body hair begins to grow back after systemic treatments, it can occasionally cause temporary, tiny follicular bumps that look similar to KP. THIS IS WHAT I BELIEVE I HAVE. IT'S HAIR BREAKING TROUGH THE SKIN.
I bought a brand name of hair and skin products called "Vanicream" for facial moisturizer. Vanicream body moisturizer, and Vanicream for my very dry flaky scalp - currently bald with peach fuzz starting to grow. It is for sensitive skin with zero harsh chemicals/ It's hydrating. I like it. My skins been so dry, flaky and itchy. Reasonably affordable. Walmart, Target, CVS. I hope that this helps. Linda from New York.