Marnie's Story
Surviving radiation therapy
In June 2017, I was diagnosed with a grade 3 ductal invasive carcinoma in my right breast. Over the coming months, I underwent lumpectomy surgery followed by 19 radiation therapy treatments.
Product Development:
The radiation department recommended using Fatty E cream and Mepitel, a breathable, transparent film dressing with silicone adhesive, for my radiation burn. However, I wanted to use only natural, organic products on my skin. After searching on Google, Alibaba, AliExpress and Trade Me, I found only products for breast feeding mothers.
On my second day of treatment, I searched through some fabric samples I had for a sewing project. I chose a piece of silky-soft bamboo/cotton fabric that I placed between my breast and bra, after applying iodine, and aloe vera directly from the plant. I experienced a cool, soothing sensation throughout the day.
Near the end of my treatment, towels and facecloths felt too harsh for my burnt, delicate skin. So while showering, I started using a piece of super-soft fabric, along with salted water to aid my cracked and weeping nipple. It felt incredibly soft, and the salt didn’t sting the affected area.
After completing my treatments, and getting through the worst of my radiation burn, I had no side effects from using the bra cloth, wash cloth and aloe vera. I decided to share my find with other women who want a more natural alternative to cope with the effects of radiation burn.
My product is made from reputable fabric manufacturers from certificated organic bamboo viscose and organic cotton. No harmful chemicals are used in the manufacturing or assemble process.