Has anyone tanned after radiation treatments?
KYLEZ ♥
Comments
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I've never do booth tanning
I've never do booth tanning but do get a lot of sun (during the few months that it's warm enough to here) and have all my life. Being a Native Floridian and having grown up primarily in there and living in the Mojave Desert for a few yers and everywhere else, I've gotten a lot of sun over the years. I'll be done with rads next week (chemo already done). Once weather lets me get out and start working in my yard/garden and doing more with the horses, I'll be out there getting that blessed sunshine (I suffer from SAD badly here). I will be doing a lot of sunscreen which I have never done before but between the IBC and having several pre-Cancerous spots burned off areas that have always had a lot of sun on them - Sunscreen makes sense to me because I'm not giving up being outside.0 -
I've used the tanning bedsRague said:I've never do booth tanning
I've never do booth tanning but do get a lot of sun (during the few months that it's warm enough to here) and have all my life. Being a Native Floridian and having grown up primarily in there and living in the Mojave Desert for a few yers and everywhere else, I've gotten a lot of sun over the years. I'll be done with rads next week (chemo already done). Once weather lets me get out and start working in my yard/garden and doing more with the horses, I'll be out there getting that blessed sunshine (I suffer from SAD badly here). I will be doing a lot of sunscreen which I have never done before but between the IBC and having several pre-Cancerous spots burned off areas that have always had a lot of sun on them - Sunscreen makes sense to me because I'm not giving up being outside.
I've used the tanning beds and also tan in the sun. I still plan on doing it. I will probably do less at the tanning studio and just rely on the sun. I love a tan! It always makes me feel better and look better in the summer. I have never used a sunscreen before, but, might try it this summer.
Hugs, Leeza0 -
Use caution
I finished rads last July, and was told by my rad onc to be extremely careful of being in the sun for the first 5-6 months. In fact, he told me if I were going to be in the sun for an extensive amount of time (like sitting at a baseball game) to use sunscreen on the radiated area, even if it were covered with a t-shirt.
I've never used a tanning booth, so don't know how much more damage that could do.
-rainbow40 -
I'm Curious Also How I Will Tan
I have great skin for tanning. It's genetic. I also am very curious about how my radiated skin is going to react to the sun. I was very specific when I questioned my radiology oncologist. It seems what she is concern about/afraid of is that my skin could burn, so she was recommending the use of sunscreening. I also got from her that no ill effects would come the sun to the radiated breast - but again just be careful that you do not burn. Note, I had a chance to go to Florida in February but because I finished my rads in January, I decided that I did not want my skin exposed to the sun for a number of months. By the time hot weather comes to Chicago, end of May or beginning of June, I think or am hoping that length of time is sufficient for the skin to be introduced to the sun.
Normally, I don't use sunscreening because I generally start out slow with suntanning...walking one hour per day at lunch time starts me with a good tan. I think it also depends on where you live as far as the sun rays. I live in Chicagoland area. If I were to go to Florida, you better believe that I would use sunscreening until I had a good tan.
I definitely would stay away from the tanning booth. A tanning booth is artificial and nothing artificial is good for the body - that's my opinion.
We are going to have to post again in a few months so we know what we did and how our skin reacted to the sun.
Lots of Hugs,
Janelle0 -
Not This California Girl! LOL
Oh , this is such a sore spot with me! I would have been absolutely fine living in the Victorian times when women were outside with parasols , gloves, hats, and the sun didn't THINK of touching their skin! LOL Well, maybe that is overboard, but ya know! :-)
Health concerns aside ( and there is No Such Thing as a healthy tan~ tanned skin is damaged skin!) I am way, way, way tooo vain to let the UV rays age me any more than chronology already is! That is actually more of a motivator for me than the skin-cancer is; and the skin cancer part looms large! I use a 70 SPF on my hands and face winter and summer, and shorts? No no no! Even when we go to the beach I have one of those foldy-chairs with a top~ no sun burning me! And a sari-type wrap around my waist over my suit!
My dark-skinned Native-American Reggie is an ocean lover, as I am, and teaches kayaking in the summer. He is also part of his Tribe's traditional plank canoe group, and he wears at least 40 SPF as well.
If that isn't quite enough, here's food for thought: Leather is made from the skin of animals being TANNED! I am soo opting out of that~ even though I realize it is a chemical tan on the animals! LOL But why chance it? hahahaha It's a tan!
So, this California gal exfoliates her legs, and now and again will use Clinque self-tanner~ but not the sun! I do, however, sit outside on my patio for 20 mins a day for the Vitamin D boost!
Pale-faced Hugs,
Chen&hearts0 -
I have always tanned Kylezchenheart said:Not This California Girl! LOL
Oh , this is such a sore spot with me! I would have been absolutely fine living in the Victorian times when women were outside with parasols , gloves, hats, and the sun didn't THINK of touching their skin! LOL Well, maybe that is overboard, but ya know! :-)
Health concerns aside ( and there is No Such Thing as a healthy tan~ tanned skin is damaged skin!) I am way, way, way tooo vain to let the UV rays age me any more than chronology already is! That is actually more of a motivator for me than the skin-cancer is; and the skin cancer part looms large! I use a 70 SPF on my hands and face winter and summer, and shorts? No no no! Even when we go to the beach I have one of those foldy-chairs with a top~ no sun burning me! And a sari-type wrap around my waist over my suit!
My dark-skinned Native-American Reggie is an ocean lover, as I am, and teaches kayaking in the summer. He is also part of his Tribe's traditional plank canoe group, and he wears at least 40 SPF as well.
If that isn't quite enough, here's food for thought: Leather is made from the skin of animals being TANNED! I am soo opting out of that~ even though I realize it is a chemical tan on the animals! LOL But why chance it? hahahaha It's a tan!
So, this California gal exfoliates her legs, and now and again will use Clinque self-tanner~ but not the sun! I do, however, sit outside on my patio for 20 mins a day for the Vitamin D boost!
Pale-faced Hugs,
Chen&hearts
I have always tanned Kylez and will still get mine this summer. I have used the tanning beds some and liked the fast tan that I got. Then I could wear my shorts a lot sooner. We go to the Gulf Coast on vacation and come back with the best tan ever! Nothing like the South for that great tan! My rads oncologist is against tanning too, like probably all doctors are, but, I still will do what I want to do, and, that is to still tan. Enjoy your time in the sun! I know I will!
Sue
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Please listen to the doctorsRitzy said:I have always tanned Kylez
I have always tanned Kylez and will still get mine this summer. I have used the tanning beds some and liked the fast tan that I got. Then I could wear my shorts a lot sooner. We go to the Gulf Coast on vacation and come back with the best tan ever! Nothing like the South for that great tan! My rads oncologist is against tanning too, like probably all doctors are, but, I still will do what I want to do, and, that is to still tan. Enjoy your time in the sun! I know I will!
Sue
Claudia already explain why not to go to tanning salon. Last summer I was swimming in outdoor heated pool with waterproof sunscreen on and it was the fastest way to get tan. If will get a nice tan while using sunscreen + Vitamin D. UV gives damage to the skin as well as can cause DNA damage. Plus your skin was radiated and those areas need to be protected from direct sun forever.
As always it is personal choice, but look like playing with fire to me.
Good Luck,
New Flower0 -
Ladies . . .
I'm with the rest of you and love to get some color but was told by my radiation oncologist that exposing any of the radiated area to the sun "could" cause skin cancer.
Not sure if he told me that becuase of my skin type or if it applies to everyone. I'm a natural red head with fair skin. My usual summer skin routine no matter how gradual is that I burn, freckle, peel and the color fades, (a few times) then burn, freckle, peel, tan.
I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon tomorrow so I plan on asking him about this issue to see if he agrees with the radiation onc.
Be careful!0 -
Oh, Kindred Spirit...chenheart said:Not This California Girl! LOL
Oh , this is such a sore spot with me! I would have been absolutely fine living in the Victorian times when women were outside with parasols , gloves, hats, and the sun didn't THINK of touching their skin! LOL Well, maybe that is overboard, but ya know! :-)
Health concerns aside ( and there is No Such Thing as a healthy tan~ tanned skin is damaged skin!) I am way, way, way tooo vain to let the UV rays age me any more than chronology already is! That is actually more of a motivator for me than the skin-cancer is; and the skin cancer part looms large! I use a 70 SPF on my hands and face winter and summer, and shorts? No no no! Even when we go to the beach I have one of those foldy-chairs with a top~ no sun burning me! And a sari-type wrap around my waist over my suit!
My dark-skinned Native-American Reggie is an ocean lover, as I am, and teaches kayaking in the summer. He is also part of his Tribe's traditional plank canoe group, and he wears at least 40 SPF as well.
If that isn't quite enough, here's food for thought: Leather is made from the skin of animals being TANNED! I am soo opting out of that~ even though I realize it is a chemical tan on the animals! LOL But why chance it? hahahaha It's a tan!
So, this California gal exfoliates her legs, and now and again will use Clinque self-tanner~ but not the sun! I do, however, sit outside on my patio for 20 mins a day for the Vitamin D boost!
Pale-faced Hugs,
Chen&hearts
You already know I stand right beside you, squarely shoulder to shoulder, on this topic (as with many others). While also respecting each individual's right of choice, of course.
That being said...
There is some suspicion (though without proof at this time, I believe) amongst the medical community that BC may (emphasis on "may") make us more susceptible to skin cancer. And, I think - unfortunately - people usually think of skin cancer as "not that big a deal"... We so often hear of it simply being removed. However, a dear neighbor of mine passed away from skin cancer just before Christmas. So, so sad...
The recently proven risks of tanning booths hit the news not too long ago. They are far from "safe"...
To each his own.
Kindest regards, 12/250 -
I tanned last week
Kylez, I just got back from a week on Kaua'i (I'm officially a tsunami survivor!). I finished brachytherapy last September. No doc ever mentioned that I shouldn't be in the sun, so I was. Of course I used SPF 30 (sometimes 70) on my affected breast. But it darkened as much as the rest of my chest, just a little color. And I just saw my radiation oncologist yesterday and my oncologist this morning and neither of them said anything about the tan. However, I had internal, not external beam, radiation. I'm sure that makes a difference, eh?
~~Connie~~0 -
I have to agree with the
I have to agree with the comments to USE CAUTION. I just finished visiting the skin cancer discussion board and was reading a thread regarding melanoma in a young lady and she put this question out there for the rest of us....Ask youself, is a tan worth risking my life? There were also a couple of other posts that were from women who had previously had breast cancer and now have melanoma. I'm not trying to scare anyone but I know when we were younger we thought we were invincible. Whether we are still young or not, we have had our mortality put front and center and I think we should learn from that. I, for one, have just fought for my life, I'm not willing to risk it with unhealthy behavior. Just my opinion.0 -
Another voice here. I amMyTurnNow said:I have to agree with the
I have to agree with the comments to USE CAUTION. I just finished visiting the skin cancer discussion board and was reading a thread regarding melanoma in a young lady and she put this question out there for the rest of us....Ask youself, is a tan worth risking my life? There were also a couple of other posts that were from women who had previously had breast cancer and now have melanoma. I'm not trying to scare anyone but I know when we were younger we thought we were invincible. Whether we are still young or not, we have had our mortality put front and center and I think we should learn from that. I, for one, have just fought for my life, I'm not willing to risk it with unhealthy behavior. Just my opinion.
Another voice here. I am one of those that never sunburned, tanned easily etc. I have had two occurences of skin cancer and maybe that influences my opinion. I think that tanning in the sun or a booth is not a good idea. I always use a strong sunscreen, winter, spring, summer and fall. I would ask all of you who enjoy the tan, would you put sunscreen on your children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren etc and if you do, why? But it is a personal choice and I can understand wanting that healthy glow. It's why I tanned as a teen (baby oil etc.) I know they don't last as long, but what about tanning products or a professional spray tan? I have a friend who does this all summer long and it looks great. Expensive I am sure but then so is a tanning booth. I do agree that we all need to get out in the sun, but with protection.
Again, for those that want the tan, we are adults and know the risks and like anything else we have to weigh the pros and cons and make our decisions for us. For me, cons far outweighed my pros. But then I am not a shorts, swimsuit gal anymore. I like my fairer skin now and actually wish I had a beautiful porcelien (sp) complexion. But for the sun worshippers, enjoy.
Stef0 -
For me the 'tan' doesn't matter -MyTurnNow said:I have to agree with the
I have to agree with the comments to USE CAUTION. I just finished visiting the skin cancer discussion board and was reading a thread regarding melanoma in a young lady and she put this question out there for the rest of us....Ask youself, is a tan worth risking my life? There were also a couple of other posts that were from women who had previously had breast cancer and now have melanoma. I'm not trying to scare anyone but I know when we were younger we thought we were invincible. Whether we are still young or not, we have had our mortality put front and center and I think we should learn from that. I, for one, have just fought for my life, I'm not willing to risk it with unhealthy behavior. Just my opinion.
BUT the lack of what we get from the sun does. Obviously you don't SUFFER from SAD - it is debilatating. Light boxes and Vit D help but not the answer to what we gain from REAL sunlight.
My "mortality is very dear to me BUT the QUALITY of the time I have is basically as important to me.0 -
I agree...I lived in GermanyRague said:For me the 'tan' doesn't matter -
BUT the lack of what we get from the sun does. Obviously you don't SUFFER from SAD - it is debilatating. Light boxes and Vit D help but not the answer to what we gain from REAL sunlight.
My "mortality is very dear to me BUT the QUALITY of the time I have is basically as important to me.
I agree...I lived in Germany for over 20 years, my sister lives in Seattle, and SAD is a big problem! I can't imagine living in Russia! The alcoholism, suicide rate is astronomical due to among other things, the lack of sufficient sunlight! I also, as I stated, sit or walk in the sun daily~ I take my dog for a walk, or sit where I can read for 20 mins or so.
Natural sunlight with its Vitamin D is essential for our physical and mental health~ but tanning? Not so much!
Hugs,
Chen♥0 -
I tan!sbmly53 said:My PT warned about sun burn because of Lymphadema
and that scares me. I try to avoid the sun anyway, I'm 56 and I don't want to look it, or older. My younger sister (by 6 yrs)- the sun goddess - looks 10 yrs older than me. No thanks.
Sue
I tan and will continue. It is interesting to read everyone's posts. But, like so many things, tanning is an individual, personal decision. That is what makes us all unique and special! Looking forward to the first day I can lay out! I already have my shorts out and ready to go!
♠♣ Susie ♠♣0 -
What is so weird with me andchenheart said:I agree...I lived in Germany
I agree...I lived in Germany for over 20 years, my sister lives in Seattle, and SAD is a big problem! I can't imagine living in Russia! The alcoholism, suicide rate is astronomical due to among other things, the lack of sufficient sunlight! I also, as I stated, sit or walk in the sun daily~ I take my dog for a walk, or sit where I can read for 20 mins or so.
Natural sunlight with its Vitamin D is essential for our physical and mental health~ but tanning? Not so much!
Hugs,
Chen♥
What is so weird with me and SAD, is that we lived on Whidbey Island (north of Seattle in the Sound) for 12 years with no problms with it! Since we have been in western SD, it has been a big poblem - this year is possibly/probably worse. (If plans go 'right' we'll be back either in the SE or SW next winter - YEAH) My 'life style'/who 'I am', does not allow me to limit my 'outside' time to 20 minutes BUT from now on I will use sunscreen (should have over the years but that's pst- can't change) - the tan doesn't matter but I get so much from the sun that makes me who I am and I need to keep mentally healthy.0 -
Big sunscreen user heresusie09 said:I tan!
I tan and will continue. It is interesting to read everyone's posts. But, like so many things, tanning is an individual, personal decision. That is what makes us all unique and special! Looking forward to the first day I can lay out! I already have my shorts out and ready to go!
♠♣ Susie ♠♣
I try very hard to always support others' points of view and personal choices...but I have to say it surprises me that a group of cancer survivors is discussing laying out and tanning.
Of course, many of us need and want some sun exposure, for the Vitamin D and/or benefits to our mood -- I completely understand and agree with that.
But tanning? To me, it's unthinkable that, years from now, I might have to go through any part of what I've just gone through to beat breast cancer, but instead because of my own actions.
I BY NO MEANS live a perfectly healthy, anti-cancer life (Pepsi and chocolate don't cause cancer, do they?), but to me tanning would feel like I was going out of my way to invite cancer to come and get me once again. Sunscreen for me, every day.
Traci0 -
Lots of responses!TraciInLA said:Big sunscreen user here
I try very hard to always support others' points of view and personal choices...but I have to say it surprises me that a group of cancer survivors is discussing laying out and tanning.
Of course, many of us need and want some sun exposure, for the Vitamin D and/or benefits to our mood -- I completely understand and agree with that.
But tanning? To me, it's unthinkable that, years from now, I might have to go through any part of what I've just gone through to beat breast cancer, but instead because of my own actions.
I BY NO MEANS live a perfectly healthy, anti-cancer life (Pepsi and chocolate don't cause cancer, do they?), but to me tanning would feel like I was going out of my way to invite cancer to come and get me once again. Sunscreen for me, every day.
Traci
I guess everyone has to do what they feel is best or right for them. I have come to the conclusion from what I read that just about everything causes cancer. Sad, but it seems to be that way. Everyone just have a great summer, tan or pale!!!!!
And, thanks for all of the insight into how you feel about it and what you are going to do!
KYLEZ ♥0 -
LOL ! Aren't you sorry youKylez said:Lots of responses!
I guess everyone has to do what they feel is best or right for them. I have come to the conclusion from what I read that just about everything causes cancer. Sad, but it seems to be that way. Everyone just have a great summer, tan or pale!!!!!
And, thanks for all of the insight into how you feel about it and what you are going to do!
KYLEZ ♥
LOL ! Aren't you sorry you even asked?! :-) We all pretty much do what we want to do anyway, don't we? Somehow I have a feeling you are not swayed toward the non-tanning side of the table, and you probably never were!
Suddenly I have the feeling that we are much like the Democrats and Rebulicans at the table last Thursday on the health reform summit~ minds were already made up beforehand there too!
Healthy, happy hugs~ tan or pale!
Chen♥0
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