Radiotherapy and pubic hair

[JeanneFrench]

Usually I have a Brazilian bikini wax every 3 months or so. I can't stand having pubic hair. During confinement waxing places were closed so my last one was Christmas. I have Veet-ed a couple of times since then. I had to have an operation the day that waxing places were allowed to re-open (3.5 weeks ago). Everything is now healed so I am desperate to get a wax especially as summer looks like it is finally coming.

However I'm starting radiotherapy in a week. They have already drawn the permanent marker and stuck the stickers on my hips and pelvis (not pubic area). Is it ok to get waxed?

I think you'd be better asking this of your medical team than "the internet"

Thanks. It's weird given that in medical situations there is no privacy, but my radiotherapist is a man and I feel awkward asking him. Also I don't have any appointment with him until the treatment starts.

Your pubic hair will fall out after a couple of weeks of radiotherapy, so no point in getting waxed. It takes a few months post treatment to grow back so you can save some money.

Oh gosh, really?

Should the hospital have told me this stuff? I feel so confused. But very lucky to have MNers to help.

My partner had radiotherapyfor prostate cancer and his hair didn't fall out!

It is one of the common side effects, and it usually happens after about 10-15 sessions.
Your skin will also tan and may get sore. I moisturised about 2 hours after radiotherapy and again before bed. Don’t use any creams with metals in like zinc oxide as it makes the radiotherapy burn the skin.

Do join the cancer support thread in general health, lots of questions are asked and answered in there.

Thanks, both. I really appreciate it.

How do I know whether a cream etc. contains zinc oxide ?

And where is the cancer support thread, please?

Thread is here

@JeanneFrench Here

Hi
I wouldn't recommend waxing for the moment. You need to let the scar heal, and avoid any infection.
I second veet hair removal cream for underarms and bikini line, but maybe just check with your gp.
I know what you are going through,
I had radiotherapy a few years ago and even after all this time, I will use spray deodorant not roll one.

@JeanneFrench I'm a Therapeutic Radiographer and we would definitely advise not to wax during treatment as your skin would be too delicate if it's within the treatment field. If you really feel you need to prior to treatment starting then try to do it with enough time for skin to heal from being waxed as you want to start off with your skin being as healthy as possible before side effects kick in.

Hopefully you were given a telephone number for the radiotherapy team when you went for your planning appointment and we are always happy to answer questions like this and put minds at rest :)

prettylittlestar I don't have a scar?

Thank you for all of the advice.

SuchHunger I have got a number and have had to call a couple of other times about other things and it seems they are incredibly busy. I'm still waiting for them to confirm my appointment time for Tuesday, which I need to tell work.

I'm also worried there are things I need to know/would be helpful to know but don't. Like when I met the chemotherapy nurse and she said it lasts 7 hours, I was gobsmacked! And I had to tell work I need a whole day off, with only a week's notice (I had hoped to do it outside work time).

Also no one told me how bloody painful the PAC is! Still can't wash my hair, or write properly (had it implanted on Thursday), and scared to bike ride as it would be too painful to grip the brakes.

Does your unit have a MacMillan nurse?

Please check with the medical team. I am sure they have been asked before. I am sure there is a female liason specialist who may be able to advise. I know when my Mom was having radiotherapy she was advised to avoid a lot of cosmestics and many beauty treatments before she started treatment. In fact she was given a very limited list of products she could use. This was a number of years ago so things most likely have changed but please check

Wishing you the very best with your treatment.

Thanks, both, am not in U.K.

I am based in Ireland, we have a national help service called The Irish Cancer society who have helplines. Is there anything like that where you are? I strongly suggest avoiding any beauty treatment without medical advice. When my Mom was having treatment she was advised to use Simple (the brand) shampoo and shower wash and Aquarous cream.

I'm sure there's a MacMillan forum OP where you could ask people's opinions. They won't mind that you're not in the UK.

@JeanneFrench

SuchHunger I have got a number and have had to call a couple of other times about other things and it seems they are incredibly busy. I'm still waiting for them to confirm my appointment time for Tuesday, which I need to tell work.

I'm also worried there are things I need to know/would be helpful to know but don't. Like when I met the chemotherapy nurse and she said it lasts 7 hours, I was gobsmacked! And I had to tell work I need a whole day off, with only a week's notice (I had hoped to do it outside work time).

Ah I’m sorry it’s been difficult for you to get hold of them. I’m not sure where you are in the world but here in the UK most centres would have a pre treatment chat to go through all this with you before starting. Hopefully this will happen for you on your first day. The first day is always the worst as you don’t know what to expect. After that hopefully you should feel a bit more supported by the team.

I know quite a few trusts have online patient leaflets on specific treatment sites on their websites that detail things like skincare and other side effects so it could be worth having a look at some. Do you have a specialist cancer nurse looking after you?