Sun sensitivity?

[PatriceH]

Last year I didn't spend much time out in the sun..was finishing up chemo, followed by surgery....

Still on herceptin...have been enjoying the nice weather. Over the weekend was out quite a bit, got sunburned...not as badly as the others with me....but today sat out at lunch for about 20 minutes...getting Vitamin D :). People at work commented that I was very red.

I wasn't hot or in pain. Put on some aloe vera on my arms...

So, my question is does all this stuff make us extra sensitive to sun? I have been using 30 spf before all this...should I up it?

I don't imagine I'll be visiting the beach, but do expect to enjoy a campout in July and spend lots of time on my backyard swing (I do have an umbrella for shade.)

[Ceesun]

Yes, be careful my onc constantly warns me about the use of sunscreen as I take frequent trips to Florida...this includes herceptin,too....I use a sunblock of at least 50 and I still tan down there...but try to take breaks from the intense sun exposure. Ceesun

[StephN]

Does your sunscreen have UVA and UVB protection? This is what my dermatologist is recommending for me. (I am now off Herceptin after taking that and some chemos for over 8 years.)

My skin is fair and even-toned, but I DO have sun damage hiding out in the deeper layers of my skin. I have been using a chemo cream (small amount of 5FU) on my nose and upper lip areas and had major reactions, indicating that there are lareger precancerous areas than apparent from the surface.

So, try to keep yourself from burning, and take skin protection seriously.

[Cal-Gal]

I am also very highly sensitive to the sun--completed chemo last June, BUT still on Herceptin---