When I was diagnosed with Stage 3B Triple Negative Breast Cancer, I knew my path to
recovery would be long and layered. Chemotherapy, a double mastectomy,
immunotherapy, and eventually radiation were all part of my treatment plan. Each step
brought its own physical and emotional challenges, but radiation was the one I resisted
most.
I desperately wanted to avoid radiation. I sought out opinions from three different
oncologists, hoping someone would give me an alternative. Eventually, I had to accept
that it was an essential part of my treatment plan, even though I struggled with it
emotionally.
Saying Yes to Healing on My Own Terms
Over the course of 28 rounds of radiation, I worked hard to protect both my body and
my sense of self. From the very beginning, I chose to approach radiation in a way that
honored me.
When the nurse tried to insist on radiation tattoos, I pushed back. I asked her to first
show me what that tattoo would look like on her own skin. When she wouldn’t, I knew I
didn’t want to carry permanent marks from this chapter of my life. Another nurse came
to my defense and supported my decision to forego the tattoos. Instead, I elected to use
henna tattoos—a simple temporary solution. This small act saved me from the pain of
permanent tattoos while helping me feel more in control.
I also chose to bring my own dressing gown to every appointment. It was a simple
gesture, but one that allowed me to maintain individuality during the endless cycle of
daily treatments.
My Skincare Routine: Building the Backbone of Protecting my Skin
Radiation can be harsh on the skin, but I was determined to care for mine with diligence
and consistency. As Olaf the snowman from Frozen would say, “We call this: Controlling
what you can when things feel out of control.” And to my surprise, it WORKED.
BeeCure® Radiation & Laser Skin Care became the backbone of my skincare routine.
I paired it with calendula for a layered approach:
• Immediately after each session, in the dressing room, I applied BeeCure.
BeeCure doesn’t leave a residue on your clothing so you can wear it under your
clothes without them being ruined. It’s a medical grade product that soothed my
skin immediately after radiation.
• Each evening after showering, I applied BeeCure and calendula, giving my skin
the entire night to absorb and repair.
This ritual not only protected my skin but gave me a sense of agency. It was something I
could do for myself, every single day.
The Results I Didn’t Expect
Because I was also on steroids to manage immunotherapy complications, I didn’t
experience the fatigue I had been warned about until long after radiation ended. Most
importantly, thanks to my routine, I finished all 28 sessions with zero burns.
For me, BeeCure was a big part of a healing system that allowed me to cross the finish
line of treatment with my skin intact, my spirit protected, and my individuality honored.
Why Awareness Matters
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than pink ribbons—it’s about sharing
real stories and real tools that make a difference. For patients stepping into radiation, I
want them to know: your skin doesn’t have to suffer, you don’t have to accept the
tattoos, and you can wear your own gown. There are solutions, like BeeCure, that can
help protect you and ease the journey.
I’m grateful that BeeCure was part of mine.
-Katie Cetta
