Perhaps a Silly Question

Annda · New User Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

Hi, all! I am 30-year-old rectal cancer survivor. I am ready to take my life back over again and start doing things I did prior to cancer. I still have an ileostomy, but can't have that reversal until I can get off of the blood thinner medicine. I gained about 42 pounds while going through post-surgery treatment. Needless to say, I'm feeling very depressed. I am ready to shake this depression and do all the things to make me feel good about myself again.

Next week I am getting my hair highlighted again! Woo Hoo! I can't wait! My chemo doctor also gave me the clearance to start working out again! My nails have finally quit cracking so I'll be able to have them done professionally again as well. Maybe then I'll start feeling like a woman my age instead of a drabby, frumpy, I-don't-know-what!

I do have a question. I really, really, really want to start tanning again. I am so pale, and of course I think I look "sick." Though I never get very dark, I want to have some color anyway.

Can anyone tell me if you've tanned after having cancer?
Will it affect the ostomy?
Stupid as it may sound, will it "stir up" any cancer cells again?
Is it safe?

I'm really interested in hearing others thoughts on these things.

Thanks!

brainman · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:54 pm Post subject: Re: Perhaps a Silly Question

Annda, I am very sorry about your rectal cancer but at the same time very happy that you are a survivor. Feeling depressed is very common among us.... even when we survive the cancer itself, we have to live with the damage cause by it.

I do not know specifically an answer about tanning. It will not cause your cancer to return or affect the ostomy... that is, unless you develop skin cancer Rolling Eyes

. I do know that with some chemotherapy agents doctors advise patients to avoid the sun because it puts them at higher risk of burning. It might be too early to start tanning because the chemo might still be in your body. Certainly, I would not start tanning without getting medical clearance from my medical team.

Best wishes. Keep us informed.
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Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
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Annda · New User Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

Thanks, Jim! I would ask my doctor, but I'm afraid all of my doctors will say, "No tanning!" cancer or not!

brainman · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 2:06 pm Post subject: Re: Perhaps a Silly Question

It sound like you have your mind made up to tan regardless Laughing

. In that case, put aside your fear and tell your doctor that you are going to tan sooner of later but you are concerned that it might be more dangerous for you because of the chemotherapy. That will let him know 2 things: 1. That you are asserting your right to make the final decision but 2. you respect and value his input before you take any action Wink

.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

Annda · New User Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

You are right, I totally want to go tanning! If I was told "No way, there's a chance your cancer could come back", then I aboslutely wouldn't go.

Great idea about putting it this way to my doctor. This is probably one of the best pieces of advice I've heard in three weeks!

Thanks so much!

ksplat · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 6:42 pm Post subject: Re: Perhaps a Silly Question

Hello Annda
Congratulations on your success against colon cancer! Your story will be a catalyst & inspiration for other sufferers & their carers too.
As to the tanning. Why don't you start with a "self-tanning creme"? There are so many available on the market & the product is so good these days that you can't tell it's fake, it looks so natural. No streaking or anything. I currently use (& have for the past 12 mths) on my legs & arms (don't think I can promote the product here??). They look tanned all year 'round.
PM me if you want the details of the product.
Cheers, Angie.
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46 Yrs young!
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

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Ollie · New User Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

Hey this is my first time on the forum, and i just joined becuase I had skin cancer 2 years ago (age 14) (Male)
And of corse with skin cancer, i had malignant melanoma, you should be worried about the sun and UV rays etc.
But I have been to crete for the last 3 years and been in the sun regularly, of corse i cover up my leg, where the skin graph is because the skin is very sensative there. I only use sun cream regularly, like you should anyway. Im not an expert or anythin, but I am sure you are allowed to tan it's just you should always use sun cream, and more so if you are worried/ had cancer in the past.
Also from my physics experience etc, I know that sun-cream blocks UV rays, that can cause mutation/ cancer in the skin cells, but I think that what causes 'tanning' is a different wave???
I may be wrong
Final word, sorry for the long post, you should never be in the Sun unless you actually need to be, of corse i think tanning can be a reason to be in the Sun Cool

and to the previous comment, about the self tanning etc. I think that she is planning on showing off her tan on the beach, just assuming, so she would be in the sun anyway but good idea, of corse im a teenage guy so ........ lol

Ollie

REB · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 11:07 am Post subject: Re: Perhaps a Silly Question

My doctor told me to stay out of the sun while I am doing chemo. I think it causes the skin to burn more easily. I am not sure which of my chemo drugs causes this.
_________________
10/01/07 - Removal of Stage III Colon Cancer Tumor and Temporary Colostomy
Started Chemotherapy 11-07-07 - FOLFOX regimen - 5-FU (5 Flurouracil) and leucovorin, oxaliplatin. Also Avastin
Last Chemo treatment 04-09-08, Colostomy Reversal 04-28-08 Age:41

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