Photo courtesy of Sarah Ochoa (@serrra_o)
When your oncologist told you about your radiation treatment plan, it was probably pretty difficult to imagine the kind of side effects you would have and how they would specifically affect you. You know you were in for some changes, but you probably didn’t think you'd have to throw out all your old bras and replace them with specific styles in order to comfort your changing body and sensitive skin.
We know firsthand the harsh effects of radiation treatment, and just how difficult it can be to find solutions that keep you as comfortable as possible during your treatment. Here at AnaOno, we have the perfect bras for every single stage of treatment and recovery you go through, and the radiation phase is no exception. Get to know a few of our favorite ultra-soft, luxurious styles designed specifically for you and your needs in mind.
What Is Radiation Therapy?
Let’s start with the basics.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Breast cancer radiation therapy may be used to destroy any remaining mutated cells that remain in the breast or armpit area after surgery.” The side effects can vary from person to person, skin pain and irritation are pretty common.
Sometimes the breast treated will feel “rough to the touch” and may become irritated, swollen, and red like a sunburn. When the skin is affected in such a way, there are certain measures you can take to soothe your sensitive areas.
How to Comfort Radiation Burns
Let’s just say it: radiation burns are a b*tch. But there are a few things you can do to decrease your skin's sensitivity during radiation treatment, and help soothe it in times of need.
- Wear loose-fitting, breathable shirts (like cotton).
- When showering, avoid harsh soaps that contain fragrances, and opt for gentler fragrance-free soaps instead. Make sure you are only showering with warm water rather than hot as not to irritate your skin even more.
- Gently apply a radiation-safe skin cream to irritated, or burned skin. There are plenty of different doctor-approved brands to choose from here.
- Do your best to avoid skin-on-skin contact. You can do this by keeping your arm away from your body and wearing an ultra-soft modal bra without an underwire to keep comfort your skin and keep your breasts separated from your arms.
Amber (@feminine_phenom) showing off her beautiful and healing skin. Photo courtesy of Amber Dawn Rice
Best Bras For Radiation Therapy
We have a wide selection of modal bras that are suited specifically to ease the pain radiation burns leave behind. One of our all-time favorites is the Leslie Bra. Leslie offers custom comfort that's as breathable as it is flexible. Never restrictive, this style offers plenty of stretch, and is easy to either pull over your head or step into. The modal fabrication functions to soothe incisions areas as well as radiation burns. The mesh detailing not only makes it cool and stylish, but also offer additional breathability all day long. What’s more? This style is so comfy, you can even sleep in it.
“The Leslie Bra is heaven. Finally something that is comfortable, looks good and feels great. I absolutely LOVE it!” - Debra M.
In the mood for something just as cozy, but with a little more flair? Then the Molly Bra will do the trick. Designed with the same silky modal fabric, this style offers more sass and sexiness without compromising any of its comfort. Designed with radiation-sensitive skin in mind, this bra is wirefree but comes pocketed with cups that easily accommodate expanders, prosthesis or lightweight F(OO)B™ Inserts. It pairs beautifully with your favorite low-cut top and will empower your flirty side whenever you put it on. The adjustable straps provide an extra component of coziness and will keep you feeling supported all day long.
“Molly's material is so so soft and feels really nice on your skin, especially at the sides. They are still cut low and it does not bother my node surgery scars.” - Debra
Shop Molly Pocketed Plunge Bra
Both The Leslie and Molly are perfect no matter what phase of radiation you are in, or what surgery you’ve had. Made for thrivers, survivors and previvors alike who have undergone any kind of breast surgery including a single or double mastectomy, reconstruction surgery, FLAP reconstruction, lumpectomy, explant or reduction.
How To Protect Radiation Burns In The Summer
We know you don’t want to miss out on being outside for the rest of the summer, but you will want to take a few additional precautions to keep your skin safe and out of harm's way. Let’s face it, radiation burns are already bad enough, so you’ll keep your skin OUT of the sun as not to cause any additional pain and discomfort (not to mention UV exposure). When outside:
- Keep the treated area completely out of the sun.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with physical blockers like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that is rated SPF 50 or higher before you go out in the sun, and make sure you reapply the sunblock every few hours.
- We love the pool just as much as the next person, but you’ll want to avoid chlorine as it is very drying, and can make your skin reaction worse.
- UPF is the rating used for clothing and other fabrics that protect you from UV rays and the sun. Keep your skin covered and protected by wearing a swimsuit with a high UPF rating.
Radiation sucks, and so does the side effects. No matter what kind of symptoms you are experiencing from treatment, ease into something soft, comforting and made just for you.
