Sun Sensitivity

yensid683
yensid683 Member Posts: 349
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

DX with BOT in March of last year, induction chemo, chemo/rads (finished July 5 of 2012) surgery x 2 for remnant issues, the second from false positives.

I was told during radiation 'training' that I would need to stay out of the sun for up to a year post treatments.  During a re-visit after the skin on my neck healed, I was told that I could be out in the sun but to use a good sun block..

This past fall I was using SPF55 during a trip to Disney World and wound up sunburnt.  This past February, I pushed that up to 65+, and still had issues. 

I found something interesting this past week, driving home from my office.  A 20 minute commute with the winding roads of the capital district of NY had me in and out of sun exposure on the side of my face.  The recent GORGEOUS weather here had me driving with the window down, and with just a few minutes of direct sun, crispy city.

I'm looking for options on covering my face and neck so I can be outdoors.  I'm using a high SPF sun block and while it works, it's not perfect.  I still wind up with the tight and sore feeling of over exposure to the sun.

One of my direct reports is a tournament fisherman and said he's seen other competitors wearing some sort of muffler around their face (as well as full arm sleeves) and I'm wondering where I can find them.

Any ideas, short of hiding in the house all summer, of being able to keep from frying my face and neck? 

Comments

  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,034 Member
    #2
    Broad brim hats

    Yensid683,

    I don't know if I have a complete solution for you, but this is what I have done. If I am out for a few minutes, I where my usual stuff. But if I am out doing chores around the house for a spell, I wear a broad brim hat that has the brim all the way around it. It is weaved in a way that the air flows thru it, but the direct sun light does not. I also found some light material long sleeved shirts to wear as well. I still use the sunscreen as I am of Irish descent, so I burn easily. I also use a light weight towel dampened with water, and drape it around my neck to keep cool.

    My Best to You and Everyone Here

  • KTeacher
    KTeacher Member Posts: 1,103 Member
    #3
    SPF

    Sunday Afternoons (can be found online) is where I get my hats, they have other products.  I have found shirts at Sports Authority that have a high SPF number, they are comfortable and cool.  I even found a shirt to put over swimwear, I believe it is for surfing.  I have always been sun sensitive but worse since cancer treatment.

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #4
    Muffler...

    LOL, they wish I would wear a muffler so as to keep me quiet...

    Actually it's called a buff, I wear one quite a bit when fishing. Sunscreen and block don't hold up long because of sweating, and water spray.

    Most all of the quality buffs have something like an SPF of 30, they are kind of a stretchy nylon type material, breathable.. They take a little to get used to, but aren't really hot, and you can always moisten it with cool water.

    buff

    This is a bit extreme, LOL... But I think I was only 5 - 6 months post treatment when I took the photo...

    You can actually get some of the breathable long sleeve fishing shirts with the buffs built in.

    JG

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #5
    Skiffin16 said:

    Muffler...

    LOL, they wish I would wear a muffler so as to keep me quiet...

    Actually it's called a buff, I wear one quite a bit when fishing. Sunscreen and block don't hold up long because of sweating, and water spray.

    Most all of the quality buffs have something like an SPF of 30, they are kind of a stretchy nylon type material, breathable.. They take a little to get used to, but aren't really hot, and you can always moisten it with cool water.

    buff

    This is a bit extreme, LOL... But I think I was only 5 - 6 months post treatment when I took the photo...

    You can actually get some of the breathable long sleeve fishing shirts with the buffs built in.

    JG

    SPF Hats

    I have a wide brim hat made by San Diego Hat Company that has SPF50 protection. I used sunscreen and the hat in Florida and didn't have any issues at all. 

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    #6
    Skiffin16 said:

    Muffler...

    LOL, they wish I would wear a muffler so as to keep me quiet...

    Actually it's called a buff, I wear one quite a bit when fishing. Sunscreen and block don't hold up long because of sweating, and water spray.

    Most all of the quality buffs have something like an SPF of 30, they are kind of a stretchy nylon type material, breathable.. They take a little to get used to, but aren't really hot, and you can always moisten it with cool water.

    buff

    This is a bit extreme, LOL... But I think I was only 5 - 6 months post treatment when I took the photo...

    You can actually get some of the breathable long sleeve fishing shirts with the buffs built in.

    JG

    John

    I seen this picture in the post office and there is a reward.

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    #7
    Yensid

    I live in the woods but I have a vegetable garden outside of the woods and spend many hours pulling and smoking the weeds. (Just pulling) I use nothing and never have a problem.

    I couldn't play hide and seek at night with the grandkids for 2 years after radiation because I glowed in the dark.

          Jeff

  • fisrpotpe
    fisrpotpe Member Posts: 1,349 Member
    #8
    use and use more often

    sun screen is what i use and use 30-40 max spf, my doc's said anything more is not worth the very little difference in protection. key is to use is 2-3 times more often than they recomend and more when sweating. 

    wide brim hats are a must

    when i go out, my mental thought is for be near sun but in shade as very much as possible. 

    just thought maybe window tinting on car windows is a must for you. 

     

    john 

  • Tim6003
    Tim6003 Member Posts: 1,514 Member
    #9
    fisrpotpe said:

    use and use more often

    sun screen is what i use and use 30-40 max spf, my doc's said anything more is not worth the very little difference in protection. key is to use is 2-3 times more often than they recomend and more when sweating. 

    wide brim hats are a must

    when i go out, my mental thought is for be near sun but in shade as very much as possible. 

    just thought maybe window tinting on car windows is a must for you. 

     

    john 

    Hmmm....I'm not having that problem ....

    ..I live at 5500 feet above sea level and I am out ALL the time here in Idaho (granted much of my time is in the forests)..but I also drive my International Scout with the top off all summer and have yet to have an issue with what you have had.

    I do wear a "Indiana Jones" style hat...so maybe that's what saves me!  The buff and broad brim hat my be your best solution.

    Tim

  • yensid683
    yensid683 Member Posts: 349
    #10
    Duggie88 said:

    Yensid

    I live in the woods but I have a vegetable garden outside of the woods and spend many hours pulling and smoking the weeds. (Just pulling) I use nothing and never have a problem.

    I couldn't play hide and seek at night with the grandkids for 2 years after radiation because I glowed in the dark.

          Jeff

    Glowing in the dark

    I can relate, I no longer need to turn on a light to use the bathroom at night, I find my way from the gentle blue glow....

    I have been using a wide brim had, looks like a safari had with the solid brim and top, but a vented side to let heat out.  I'm hoping to be able to walk all 18 holes in the future, I've played twice so far this year, walking and wearing higher spf sun block and keeping to the shade where ever possible, but I still get the tight and tender feeling along the side of my face. 

    I was at the sporting goods store yesterday - two actually - looking for a buff, no joy from ****'s or Sports Authority, Capbella's next.

  • yensid683
    yensid683 Member Posts: 349
    #11
    Skiffin16 said:

    Muffler...

    LOL, they wish I would wear a muffler so as to keep me quiet...

    Actually it's called a buff, I wear one quite a bit when fishing. Sunscreen and block don't hold up long because of sweating, and water spray.

    Most all of the quality buffs have something like an SPF of 30, they are kind of a stretchy nylon type material, breathable.. They take a little to get used to, but aren't really hot, and you can always moisten it with cool water.

    buff

    This is a bit extreme, LOL... But I think I was only 5 - 6 months post treatment when I took the photo...

    You can actually get some of the breathable long sleeve fishing shirts with the buffs built in.

    JG

    All I can think of....

    is Billy the Kid.

    My wife was going to sew a muffler of some sort out of Mickey fabric and while it would likely work, I'm not sure about it on the golf course.  I have to think it helps with the dry throat issue when you have to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose.  My wife makes me used a filter mask when I work on anything dusty now, and it helps to keep my mouth tissues from drying out in addition to keeping the saw dust out of my lungs.

    Now to find one of these....

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #12
    Breathe Like A Fish
    Here's a link to the shirts that are vented under the arms and sides, and you can even get them with the built in buffs....

    Breathe Like A Fish

    Also you can get buffs at most any fishing store, like Bass Pro Shop, Cabellas, ot Gander Mountain...

    Like Tim, I'm out in the sun all of the time, for me it's fishing or yardwork. And while I do wear the buff, not as much as I use to, or probably should... But I always wear my floppu boonie style hat, covers my ears and the back of my neck.

    I also see the Dermatologists twice a year for a body scan..., other than work, you'll very rarely see my in anything less than shorts and a tank top.

    JG
  • cureitall66
    cureitall66 Member Posts: 913
    #13
    Skiffin16 said:

    Muffler...

    LOL, they wish I would wear a muffler so as to keep me quiet...

    Actually it's called a buff, I wear one quite a bit when fishing. Sunscreen and block don't hold up long because of sweating, and water spray.

    Most all of the quality buffs have something like an SPF of 30, they are kind of a stretchy nylon type material, breathable.. They take a little to get used to, but aren't really hot, and you can always moisten it with cool water.

    buff

    This is a bit extreme, LOL... But I think I was only 5 - 6 months post treatment when I took the photo...

    You can actually get some of the breathable long sleeve fishing shirts with the buffs built in.

    JG

    Ummmm......John..

    Sure I saw this on America's Most Wanted! Laughing

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #14
    I have one of the wide brimmed

    hats with the SPF rating of 50....I was hoping to ditch it this summer.  Sounds like that might not happen, tho.  I live in a valley in Montana, so haven't had any worries about the sun since last fall.  My sensitivity is my eyes....I've had to resort to the sunglass safety glasses we have at work when I go outside.  This has only been  the case since treatment, and I don't know if it's from chemo or rads....

    p

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    #15
    yensid683 said:

    Glowing in the dark

    I can relate, I no longer need to turn on a light to use the bathroom at night, I find my way from the gentle blue glow....

    I have been using a wide brim had, looks like a safari had with the solid brim and top, but a vented side to let heat out.  I'm hoping to be able to walk all 18 holes in the future, I've played twice so far this year, walking and wearing higher spf sun block and keeping to the shade where ever possible, but I still get the tight and tender feeling along the side of my face. 

    I was at the sporting goods store yesterday - two actually - looking for a buff, no joy from ****'s or Sports Authority, Capbella's next.

    Yensid

    That feeling on the side of your face?????  When I rub my left lower jawbone it actually feels like I am rubbing the outside edge of my ear. Freaked me out at first.

    I haven't golfed in almost four years because of the muscle damage in the left side of my neck from the cancer surgery 3.5 years ago. I may try it in the near future

  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #16
    Hats are back !

    We finally got rid of the snow in our area of Mn.  Last yr., I wasn't up to doing much (fun in the sun).  But this yr. is a different story !  I will be using a wide brim hat for at the beach or in the boat.  Also will be using sun screen, and yes re-applying when needed.  Yes my MD'S told me to avoid direct sun exposure for up to one yr. after tx's.  I think getting outside is good for all of us, when we can.  Hope you're able to do just that, and be safe !  Katie

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #17
    cureitall66 said:

    Ummmm......John..

    Sure I saw this on America's Most Wanted! Laughing

    Invisible Man..

    For you in ummm (my age group), I think I rather look like the invisible man...

    and by age group, I am speaking years, not maturity, LOL...

  • yensid683
    yensid683 Member Posts: 349
    #18
    Duggie88 said:

    Yensid

    That feeling on the side of your face?????  When I rub my left lower jawbone it actually feels like I am rubbing the outside edge of my ear. Freaked me out at first.

    I haven't golfed in almost four years because of the muscle damage in the left side of my neck from the cancer surgery 3.5 years ago. I may try it in the near future

    Face? what Face?

    I was very lucky, with two neck dissections that I didn't have any major impact to my shoulder or ability to move my left arm.  I had the numbness all along the left side of my face when I had the first one, and it got worse after the second.  They didn't transect any of the nerves but because they moved them around and pushed on them during the procedure, the side of my face and my left ear felt like I'd had a shot of novacaine.  They're slowly waking up and they are now starting to be uncomfortably annoying.

    I hope things get better for you soon, I intend to wear my floppy had and slather on the high SPF sun block this weekend and play 9 holes.  Not enough stamina yet to play 18

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