Addicted to the sun…

Hi MyDoggyChase 

I certainly used to enjoy lying out in the sun but, having been diagnosed with melanoma 10 years ago, I certainly wish I'd been more careful now. I now follow the following recommendations:

1. Staying out of the sun during the strongest time of the day (11am to 3pm) between April and October inclusive in the UK and in all months of the year in any other part of the world
2. When going outside wear long sleeved tops and trousers/skirts made from natural fibres like cotton
3. Wear a broad brimmed hat (brim should be at least 3 inches) and sun glasses
4. Sit in the shade and never sunbathe 
5. Any part of your body that is not covered, ie face, neck, back of hands should have a sun protection cream of SPF 50 that is effective against both UVA and UVB rays
6. Re-apply the sunscreen as directed on the bottle
7. Never use sunbeds
8. Don't use sunscreen instead of covering up

The first summer after I was diagnosed was particularly hard as I used to enjoy sitting in the sun. However, I quickly got used to the new regime and have a selection of hats to choose from when I go out. I also decided that I now needed a whole new wardrobe so went on a shopping spree. So, every cloud has a silver lining!

Let us know how you get on

Thanks for your detailed reply Latchbrook. 

I am being sensible to an extent, applying sun screen constantly, got a hat, but I cannot cover up it makes me feel claustrophobic when it’s hot. 
My consultant will know i’ve been sitting in the sun, they are not daft, and i’ll be told off, but honestly it is an addiction that I can’t seem to shake! 

It's your choice. No one can force you to follow sun safety protocols if you don't want to.

Anne

HI MyDoggyChase 

I am the complete opposite of addicted to the sun and stay out of it when it's strong as much as possible. I was, in fact, quite surprised when I was diagnosed with a melanoma on the back of my calf in 2018 as my legs have not seen the sun since the 90s!

Hope all goes well at your appointment. x

I do wish I was like that. Before I came away I was telling myself what I must do. I genuinely think it’s just as bad as an alcohol addiction. I have been semi sensible but can’t keep away from it. Thank you  x

That was slightly patronising I have to say… I haven’t once said I DONT WANT TO follow rules… 

i do know the reality of what I am facing. All i’m saying is it is an addiction. You wouldn’t frown upon someone with alcohol or drug addiction. It’s almost the same thing, all 3 can kill. 

That wasn't how it was meant to sound. I just meant that how you choose to live is up to you. You know the risks of sunbathing, just like people who drink or take drugs know the risks of doing that.

Hi
I read all the above and tbh I’m not sure what you want people to say most people on here have the opinion they will do anything to be cancer free I think latchbrook was trying to be helpful not patronising please give everyone on here a break it is your choice and no one is going to give you permission to sit in the sun that’s your decision and yours alone we all in the same boat don’t be confrontational we just a friendly group of cancer sufferers.

Hope all goes well with whatever decision you make maybe look at getting counselling for your addiction 

Hi 

i dont think you was patronising you were just trying to be helpful

Jeez remind me not to ask for a bit of advice again. It was patronising to me. I didn’t once say I don’t want to follow rules… deleting my account now. 

all the best.