I found a newer product that may be helpful to those of us who have gone thru radiation. Its called Eucerin Everyday Protection body lotion with SPF 15 sunscreen. It costs around $8 and is found easily in Walmart or Kmart. I use it everyday, it works great. I dont need to worry about being outside in my garden, I know Im protected from the sun.

My all time favorite is still the Neutrogena Products

I've used the SPF 55 & 70, and I now see that there is an 85.
http://www.neutrogena.com/ProductsDetails_329.asp?lProductLineID=15

That in conjunction with Sun Protection clothing (recommended by my RO) and I'm all set. http://www.solumbra.com/

Hope this help as well.

Kevin

I was never warned about my skin post TX re the sun and I didn't burn on the outside very much during Tx and I never was one to burn in the sun and that hasn't changed now. Whenever I'm out I just use the stuff I've always used which I believe is a 6 or 8. I bike at the first crack of daylight and am usually home by 10 or 11 am at the latest and I've never burned post Tx. Just another view.

You're lucky David.

I still have my "tan lines" from the radiation treatments, and I was not one that burned easily before. My mom who had "blast the whole area" x-ray treatments back in '41 and then again in '56 had problems her whole life. I guess I am now carrying that legacy.

Kevin

The issue with sun exposure after radiation is really not whether or not you burn, the issue is that the sun is also additional radiation on an area that had already been radiated. Additional radiation exposure to a pre-radiated area simply increases your likelihood of an additional cancer-in this case a melanoma and it does that whether or not you have any sign of burning.

The safest way to protect yourself is to use a high SPF sunscreeen and /or protective clothing. Although some skin exposure to sun is good because it stimulates Vit. D production and Vit. D deficiencies have also been shown to be strongly related to cancer (though all the research I've read on that related it to other kinds of cancer, not oral). But you can put high spf suncreen on your face and neck, where you were radiated, and let your arms get more sun--which is what I usually do in the summer (though I also wear a lower spf on my arms and legs if I'm going to be out for a while).

Why put yourself at higher risk than you have to be for an additional (and deadly if not caught early) cancer?

Nelie

My dermatologist feels that everyone should regularly wear sunscreen with an SPF a very high sunscreen. 15 would be ok with her only if there was nothing else available! She strongly recommended the Neutrogena product that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

In earlier years, I tanned regularly and very rarely got even close to a burn.

As you can see from my signature, I have not had cancer. But, I'm with Nelie ... why put yourself at higher risk for something that is simple to avoid?

No one ever explained that to me from the Moffitt team and while I usually like to disagree with Nelie what she posted makes perfect sense so I have nothing to loose by upping my protection level and that makes her logic a no brainer.

Thanks for the advice.

This a great thread. We all can benefit from the suggestions here. As usual I'll add my two cents.
Sunscreen is essential for anyone who spends any amount of time outdoors. Many people forget or ignore the warnings given by Dr's and the American Cancer Society. Wide brimmed hats, sunglasses and sunscreen should be a part of everyone's routine when going outdoors.
Fair skinned individuals should consider better protection by using sunblock with titanium dioxide or even zincofax. These products stop the UVA/UVB rays from ever reaching the skin. Which gives far more protection than sunscreen.
Cheers,
Mike

Before I forget, again, another great site for sun protection wear.

http://www.tilley.com/certified_sun.asp

I've got one of their TH5 Hemp Hats. Best I've ever owned.
http://www.kevin.fastbytes.net

That's me (and the hat), 3 months post treatment

I have one too Kevin. Had it for ten years. The darn things don't wear out. Great for protecting yer head from the sun though.
Mike

I posted info about Eucerin Everyday Body Lotion because it includes the SPF 15. I thought it was a great idea to combine sunscreen with body lotion. For me, its enough since I limit my time outside to usually no more than about 20 minutes at a time. Its protection that covers me for the 45 minute drive to my doctor appointments.

I do want to try one of Kevin's hats that he suggested.
I was also impressed by the solumbra company's clothing lines.

When I finished Radiation on 11 Nov 07 the ist topic from my RO was sun screen. I work outside all year and she gave me a sample of SPF 40 and recommended it for summer and winter. At all my check-ups she always asks my wife if I am using it. I keep a bottle in my lunh box and use it twice a day. I never used it before treatment but use it everyday now. I agree with Nellie on this one! Bob

Here's my 3 cents. (had to one up Mike).

Radiation or not, everyone should use sun screen. Even though I use sunscreen religiously, just this week I had a full body check by my dermatologist to see if there were any suspicious spots. I do this once a year.

I've had a Tilley hat for 11 years (again one up on Mike)and never travel without it. Not surprised that you would have one Mike, since they're made in Canada.

Nice hat Kevin..I have a beige one.

Jerry

3 cents...man I hate it when them TV celebrity types flash their money around!
Sorry Jerry, I just couldn't resist.

Same here.
Docs in Boston told Mary to cover her RND incision with zinc oxide during any sun exposure for one full year, and to use SPF 45 on any radiated areas. Otherwise they warned she could have "radiation recall" and her skin would become very red and swollen in reaction to the sun. That doesn't sound pretty, does it??

Liz

Canada.... what sun??

I was in Calgary and by the time I waked home the ground beef was frozen. (fact).
So, snowshoes yes!

Seriously. UV exposure damages DNA which is a bad thing, that damage is generally repaired. This is on top of the damage you do with the xrays treatment, so the repair becomes more difficult. The external skin is not what you really want to treat with x rays.....

So cover up ESPECIALLY during treatment but also afterwards....

Ahh....Tilleys. A Great CANADIAN institution! I've had one for over 20 years, and wear it daily. They are the best hats available, period. Interesting Tilley "trivia"
-they have been issued to the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly 20 years
-they have been a highly sought after trading item in Afganistan. Many U.S. troops sporting Tilleys acquired them in trade with their Canadian counterparts.
-The company even guarantees them for a time against losing them...

Just got back from Alaska cruise, and can vouch for Tilley's. I have a terrible time finding hats that will give me the protection I need and fit me (I wear a size 8). We were in Skagway, and one of the stores on the main drag had a big Tilley's display.

Really helpful sales clerk helped me, and I was all set to go in no time. It fits great, has already handled sun, wind and rain, and is a dream to wear. Full marks to Tilleys!

Tilley hats are guaranteed FOREVER against wearing out, shrinking or mildew. They are amazing.