Sun Sensitivity

[Monique M]

My husband and I just returned from a well needed beach vacation. While I have never been one to get really tan, I can usually get a little color while on vacation. I went out to the pool for 30 minutes with SPF 30 slathered on. I was very shocked when I woke up the next morning and my face was swollen with red bumps. Has anyone else had this type of reaction to the sun while on herceptin?

[Sue2001]

Monique,

I found that I was very sensitive to the sun while on Herceptin. I burned very easily, even while wearing sunscreen, and I did get a rash along with the burn a couple of times. I ended up wearing hats and long sleeved shirts made out of a light weight material if I had to be in the sun.

Sue

[Yorkiegirl]

Sue, I have also noticed that I burn very easy since I have been on Herceptin. I also wear the light weight long sleeve shirt if I have to be in the direct sun.



Vicki

[juanita]

Did you do chemo? I remember last summer the onc nurse told me i really needed to be careful because the chemo drugs caused increased sun sensitivity. I'm pretty sure that was one of the long lasting effects.

[Monique M]

Jaunita:

I had 4 rounds of A/C and 4 taxols with herceptin. I finished chemo on January 27, 2005 (funny how I can remember certain dates and at times cannot find my car keys!). Can the chemo sun sensitivity last over 1 year?

Monique

[juanita]

I only did two ac with taxotere and then switched to cmf. It was the cmf they warned me could cause long term sunburning. The onc I had when I did the two tac didn't tell me much of anything.

[Patty H]

When I was on xeloda I noticed that I tanned really easy. Xeloda can cause changes in the skin and when my Dr. seen me he ask if I was tan. That was the only neat thing I got out of Xeloda. LOL Patty H

[MCS]

yeap. herceptin makes you more sun sensitive. the volunteer at the hospital that sells hats mentioned that to me this week.

get a hat with visor for summer. that's why i went there this week. i found some cute ones at walmart with wide visors and also a cap that covered the ears, for approx $4.00. God bless the USA!

XO

MCS (maria)

[Monique M]

Thanks for all of your replies. I am off for some hats!

Monique