Moving forward from melanoma and being in the sun

community.macmillan.org.uk/.../guest-post-staying-safe-in-the-sun-with-style

I think info in this above blog is quite good.

Don't avoid the sun completely but be sensible in it.

KT

factor 30 and 50 all the way and keep re applying!!!  I went to the carriabean and survived 2 weeks of no sun burn using high factors xxx

Nothing much to add except I bought a very pretty parasol for sight seeing in Seville that's folds right down for your case and takes very little room. A little sun is good for you both physically and mentally!

Hi there,

For what it's worth, if you have just had a MM removed, I wouldn't wait 5 years for a check up. Go with 3 months for the next couple of years, then 6 months after that for a couple of years. Pay particular attention to your face, kneck and shoulders although we know MM can appear anywhere!

I live in Florida where we get loads of sun and holiday in Mexico.  Use a SPF 50. If you used to buy 3 for a trip, now buy 7 or 8.  There are some really good 50s out there that don't feel like "engine oil" when you apply it.  Re-apply every 60 mins. Buy a sun hat, invest in some SPF 50 T-shirts that can be used in the sea or pool. I don't wear mine all the time, but do during the sunniest times of the day. Don't let this dictate how you live. Happy to help with any questions.

Hi, yes I have to go every 3 months for check ups over the next 5years. I have had my first check up already. I'm just finding it a little hard to get my head around as keep going between thinking it all turned out ok and everything is fine to sheer panic that another mole could turn at any time. 

My husband is being more paranoid about the sun than me which is proving quite difficult. He wants me covered from head to toe in clothes all summer! I guess this summer will be the hardest then I suppose it all just becomes second nature. 

Did you sit out by the pool or at the beach? I have been told under no circumstance to sunbathe but how do you take the kids to the beach for the day without being in some sun? Even with a parasol you can't avoid it fully. I'm so worried about our next holiday especially since my husband is even more paranoid about it all than me.

Hi Michele I think sunbathing is taboo but covering up wearing sunscreen hat etc is fine. You can buy uv protective clothing online at reasonable prices, maybe high street sports shops sell it I'm not sure. I bought some when I went to visit my son in Kenya to go on safari was insect repellent as well! The sun is very powerful there as its right on the equator but I was fine. Enjoy your holiday!

Thank you x

Yes. I am in the same situation. I have just spent two weeks in Florida. My melanoma was on the back of my calf. I used sun block on the site and 30 or 50 everywhere else. Wore a  large brimmed hat all the time.

Enjoy the beach.

Just had my 2nd MM removed 12 years after my first. Loads of good advice here. I must admit I struggled with summer the first couple of years of diagnosis and was envious of people getting tanned. A friend then said you wouldn't tell someone who had lung cancer to smoke a cigarette so ignore the people who say you need a tan to be healthy. Bit of an extreme example, but she's right.

Always make sure you have  factor 50 (handbag, car etc), have loads of hats too. Light scarves are great. I have short hair so this stops my neck getting burnt. Invest in pretty cover ups, maxi dresses and linen trousers.

You can actually really make yourself look glamorous. I'm now on the hunt for a new parasol as saw someone with a beautiful parasol from Spain.