@okiejen
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- February 6, 2016 at 6:48 am
Hi Jenn,
I use CeraVe facial lotion daily on my face, ears, and neck. It is 30 SPF, lightweight, non-greasy, and goes well under makeup. It was recommended by one of my dermatologists. CeraVe also makes a more aggressive sunscreen/block if you are going to be out in the sun a lot which is 50 SPF, but it makes me white as a ghost. I guess that beats the alternative. You can find it at Walgreens and Target. As for a general moisterizer, if I am not going to be outside much (driving in my car, grocery shopping, etc). I use Lubriderm daily mosterure lotion with sunscreen. It is broad spectrum with SPF 15. I like to use it on my arms for when I am driving. If I know I am going to be out in the sun a lot, I wear sun protective clothing from Coolibar or UV skins and a sun protective hat. We recently went to Australia for 3 weeks and the sun there is very intense even when it wasn't particularly hot. I wore this clothing all the time and when we went to the beach I wore sunprotective swim pants and a sunprotective long sleeved swim suit. I just had to put sunscreen on my face, ears, neck, and feet. I never burned or even got the least bit tan, so I was quite happy. My daughter who is very fair (blonde haired and blue eyed) wore full body swim suits with matching hats from UV skins. They have them in all sorts of cute patterns. She looked adorable. it was nice to not have to slather on lotion all the time. Hope this all helps. Good luck!
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- February 6, 2016 at 6:48 am
Hi Jenn,
I use CeraVe facial lotion daily on my face, ears, and neck. It is 30 SPF, lightweight, non-greasy, and goes well under makeup. It was recommended by one of my dermatologists. CeraVe also makes a more aggressive sunscreen/block if you are going to be out in the sun a lot which is 50 SPF, but it makes me white as a ghost. I guess that beats the alternative. You can find it at Walgreens and Target. As for a general moisterizer, if I am not going to be outside much (driving in my car, grocery shopping, etc). I use Lubriderm daily mosterure lotion with sunscreen. It is broad spectrum with SPF 15. I like to use it on my arms for when I am driving. If I know I am going to be out in the sun a lot, I wear sun protective clothing from Coolibar or UV skins and a sun protective hat. We recently went to Australia for 3 weeks and the sun there is very intense even when it wasn't particularly hot. I wore this clothing all the time and when we went to the beach I wore sunprotective swim pants and a sunprotective long sleeved swim suit. I just had to put sunscreen on my face, ears, neck, and feet. I never burned or even got the least bit tan, so I was quite happy. My daughter who is very fair (blonde haired and blue eyed) wore full body swim suits with matching hats from UV skins. They have them in all sorts of cute patterns. She looked adorable. it was nice to not have to slather on lotion all the time. Hope this all helps. Good luck!
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- February 6, 2016 at 6:48 am
Hi Jenn,
I use CeraVe facial lotion daily on my face, ears, and neck. It is 30 SPF, lightweight, non-greasy, and goes well under makeup. It was recommended by one of my dermatologists. CeraVe also makes a more aggressive sunscreen/block if you are going to be out in the sun a lot which is 50 SPF, but it makes me white as a ghost. I guess that beats the alternative. You can find it at Walgreens and Target. As for a general moisterizer, if I am not going to be outside much (driving in my car, grocery shopping, etc). I use Lubriderm daily mosterure lotion with sunscreen. It is broad spectrum with SPF 15. I like to use it on my arms for when I am driving. If I know I am going to be out in the sun a lot, I wear sun protective clothing from Coolibar or UV skins and a sun protective hat. We recently went to Australia for 3 weeks and the sun there is very intense even when it wasn't particularly hot. I wore this clothing all the time and when we went to the beach I wore sunprotective swim pants and a sunprotective long sleeved swim suit. I just had to put sunscreen on my face, ears, neck, and feet. I never burned or even got the least bit tan, so I was quite happy. My daughter who is very fair (blonde haired and blue eyed) wore full body swim suits with matching hats from UV skins. They have them in all sorts of cute patterns. She looked adorable. it was nice to not have to slather on lotion all the time. Hope this all helps. Good luck!
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- May 31, 2016 at 8:17 am
Hello,
I also had a Stage 1a melanoma removed from my left shoulder this past fall when my daughter was then just turning two years old. I am currently monitored by a local dermatologist specializing in skin cancer and MDA who did my WLE. We had wanted to have one more child and didn't want to wait too long because of our age (I am almost 41 and my husband is 46). We also wanted our children to be fairly close together. My local dermatologist has told me to go ahead and have as many children as I wanted if that ultimately is going to affect our happiness as a family. On the other hand my surgical oncologist from MDA has taken a more conservative approach and told me we can discuss the topic again at my 1 year recheck. After reading all the stories about pregnancy and melanoma and knowing that mine likley evolved during or soon after pregnancy (I have photos of it when my daughter was a young baby) and the recent report about pregnancy and melanoma and how melanoma can be more aggressive during pregancy or soon after, we have decided to not have any other children. So we are one and done. The tragedy of not being able to see my daughter or a new baby grow up do to progression of melanoma was just a risk we are not willing to take. Obviously, your sister situation could be completely different, and I am just speaking from my perspective. I wish your family the best of luck in your decision as it is not an easy one to make.
Jen
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- May 31, 2016 at 8:17 am
Hello,
I also had a Stage 1a melanoma removed from my left shoulder this past fall when my daughter was then just turning two years old. I am currently monitored by a local dermatologist specializing in skin cancer and MDA who did my WLE. We had wanted to have one more child and didn't want to wait too long because of our age (I am almost 41 and my husband is 46). We also wanted our children to be fairly close together. My local dermatologist has told me to go ahead and have as many children as I wanted if that ultimately is going to affect our happiness as a family. On the other hand my surgical oncologist from MDA has taken a more conservative approach and told me we can discuss the topic again at my 1 year recheck. After reading all the stories about pregnancy and melanoma and knowing that mine likley evolved during or soon after pregnancy (I have photos of it when my daughter was a young baby) and the recent report about pregnancy and melanoma and how melanoma can be more aggressive during pregancy or soon after, we have decided to not have any other children. So we are one and done. The tragedy of not being able to see my daughter or a new baby grow up do to progression of melanoma was just a risk we are not willing to take. Obviously, your sister situation could be completely different, and I am just speaking from my perspective. I wish your family the best of luck in your decision as it is not an easy one to make.
Jen
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- May 31, 2016 at 8:17 am
Hello,
I also had a Stage 1a melanoma removed from my left shoulder this past fall when my daughter was then just turning two years old. I am currently monitored by a local dermatologist specializing in skin cancer and MDA who did my WLE. We had wanted to have one more child and didn't want to wait too long because of our age (I am almost 41 and my husband is 46). We also wanted our children to be fairly close together. My local dermatologist has told me to go ahead and have as many children as I wanted if that ultimately is going to affect our happiness as a family. On the other hand my surgical oncologist from MDA has taken a more conservative approach and told me we can discuss the topic again at my 1 year recheck. After reading all the stories about pregnancy and melanoma and knowing that mine likley evolved during or soon after pregnancy (I have photos of it when my daughter was a young baby) and the recent report about pregnancy and melanoma and how melanoma can be more aggressive during pregancy or soon after, we have decided to not have any other children. So we are one and done. The tragedy of not being able to see my daughter or a new baby grow up do to progression of melanoma was just a risk we are not willing to take. Obviously, your sister situation could be completely different, and I am just speaking from my perspective. I wish your family the best of luck in your decision as it is not an easy one to make.
Jen
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- February 3, 2016 at 9:21 am
My dermatologist did tell me about the link to breast cancer. Thankfully I don't eat soy (I am from Oklahoma. We eat meat. Ha!) . I didn't know about flax. I do put that in my smoothies. I won't be using that from now on. I might start buying organic milk too. Thanks for that heads up!
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- February 3, 2016 at 9:21 am
My dermatologist did tell me about the link to breast cancer. Thankfully I don't eat soy (I am from Oklahoma. We eat meat. Ha!) . I didn't know about flax. I do put that in my smoothies. I won't be using that from now on. I might start buying organic milk too. Thanks for that heads up!
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- February 3, 2016 at 9:21 am
My dermatologist did tell me about the link to breast cancer. Thankfully I don't eat soy (I am from Oklahoma. We eat meat. Ha!) . I didn't know about flax. I do put that in my smoothies. I won't be using that from now on. I might start buying organic milk too. Thanks for that heads up!
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- February 3, 2016 at 8:35 am
Here is the link to the article you asked for:
Cleveland clinic finds pregnancy-associated melanoma is associated with higher death rates
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-01-cleveland-clinic-pregnancy-associated-melanoma-higher.html
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- February 3, 2016 at 8:35 am
Here is the link to the article you asked for:
Cleveland clinic finds pregnancy-associated melanoma is associated with higher death rates
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-01-cleveland-clinic-pregnancy-associated-melanoma-higher.html
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- February 3, 2016 at 8:35 am
Here is the link to the article you asked for:
Cleveland clinic finds pregnancy-associated melanoma is associated with higher death rates
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-01-cleveland-clinic-pregnancy-associated-melanoma-higher.html
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- February 3, 2016 at 9:13 am
Hello Ash,
I would definitely try to find a melanoma speciality group in your area. I live in Oklahoma (used to live in Blacksburg, VA-a beautiful place) and was refered to local plastic surgeon to remove my melanoma but cancelled that appoitment and immediately called MD Anderson in Houston, TX. I made an appointment there and had a WLE surgery the next day with a surgical oncologist. Right now I am getting recheck skin checks with my local dermatologist in Oklahoma City (who specialized in skin cancer) every 3 months and recheck exams and chest x-rays at MD Anderson every six months with my surgical oncologist. It's a 7-8 hours drive to Houston, so not too bad. I am toying with the idea of whether I should consult with medical oncologist that specializes in melanoma just to make sure my basis are covered. I think it good to have a foot in the door just in case my condition gets worse (crossing figers), and I need more aggressive treatment. MD Anderson also seems to have clinical trials that go on every now and then.
My husband and I were wanting to have another baby, and I got the okay from MD Anderson and my dermatologist following my surgery (in October 2015), but with this new report on pregnancy, we have decided to not have any other children. I want to be here/alive for my daughter and watch her grow up as long as possible. I know you do too! Thankfully your melanoma was diagnosed early too. I wish I could find someone to do professional photographs. I can't even imagine where I would start looking for someone to do that. I do worry about only being checked for lung mets with chest x-rays every 6 months. The alternative is excessive exposure to radiation from x-rays more frequently which can cause other problems/tumors. I also recently had some brown pigmentation return right smack dab in the middle of my scar. I happened to be in Australia on vacation when I noticed it. I immediately freaked out and took pictures and sent them to my doctor at MD Anderson. He told me they were freckles and to monitor them monthly. MD Anderson has a great patient portal where you can communicate/email your doctor with questions and concerns. They respond really quickly. It may not always be my sugical oncologist that responds, but it will either be him, his fellow/resident, or his nurse who will have spoken with him. directly. MDA is fine oiled machine that takes patient care seriously. So far, I am happy going there. Anyway, hang in there. I definitely understand your stress and anxiety. It comes and goes in waves for me. I try to keep busy with activities and reading. Enjoy your three babies! I am so jealous. We really would have loved to have another child, but just don't want to risk it. Take care. -Jen
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- February 3, 2016 at 9:13 am
Hello Ash,
I would definitely try to find a melanoma speciality group in your area. I live in Oklahoma (used to live in Blacksburg, VA-a beautiful place) and was refered to local plastic surgeon to remove my melanoma but cancelled that appoitment and immediately called MD Anderson in Houston, TX. I made an appointment there and had a WLE surgery the next day with a surgical oncologist. Right now I am getting recheck skin checks with my local dermatologist in Oklahoma City (who specialized in skin cancer) every 3 months and recheck exams and chest x-rays at MD Anderson every six months with my surgical oncologist. It's a 7-8 hours drive to Houston, so not too bad. I am toying with the idea of whether I should consult with medical oncologist that specializes in melanoma just to make sure my basis are covered. I think it good to have a foot in the door just in case my condition gets worse (crossing figers), and I need more aggressive treatment. MD Anderson also seems to have clinical trials that go on every now and then.
My husband and I were wanting to have another baby, and I got the okay from MD Anderson and my dermatologist following my surgery (in October 2015), but with this new report on pregnancy, we have decided to not have any other children. I want to be here/alive for my daughter and watch her grow up as long as possible. I know you do too! Thankfully your melanoma was diagnosed early too. I wish I could find someone to do professional photographs. I can't even imagine where I would start looking for someone to do that. I do worry about only being checked for lung mets with chest x-rays every 6 months. The alternative is excessive exposure to radiation from x-rays more frequently which can cause other problems/tumors. I also recently had some brown pigmentation return right smack dab in the middle of my scar. I happened to be in Australia on vacation when I noticed it. I immediately freaked out and took pictures and sent them to my doctor at MD Anderson. He told me they were freckles and to monitor them monthly. MD Anderson has a great patient portal where you can communicate/email your doctor with questions and concerns. They respond really quickly. It may not always be my sugical oncologist that responds, but it will either be him, his fellow/resident, or his nurse who will have spoken with him. directly. MDA is fine oiled machine that takes patient care seriously. So far, I am happy going there. Anyway, hang in there. I definitely understand your stress and anxiety. It comes and goes in waves for me. I try to keep busy with activities and reading. Enjoy your three babies! I am so jealous. We really would have loved to have another child, but just don't want to risk it. Take care. -Jen
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- February 3, 2016 at 9:13 am
Hello Ash,
I would definitely try to find a melanoma speciality group in your area. I live in Oklahoma (used to live in Blacksburg, VA-a beautiful place) and was refered to local plastic surgeon to remove my melanoma but cancelled that appoitment and immediately called MD Anderson in Houston, TX. I made an appointment there and had a WLE surgery the next day with a surgical oncologist. Right now I am getting recheck skin checks with my local dermatologist in Oklahoma City (who specialized in skin cancer) every 3 months and recheck exams and chest x-rays at MD Anderson every six months with my surgical oncologist. It's a 7-8 hours drive to Houston, so not too bad. I am toying with the idea of whether I should consult with medical oncologist that specializes in melanoma just to make sure my basis are covered. I think it good to have a foot in the door just in case my condition gets worse (crossing figers), and I need more aggressive treatment. MD Anderson also seems to have clinical trials that go on every now and then.
My husband and I were wanting to have another baby, and I got the okay from MD Anderson and my dermatologist following my surgery (in October 2015), but with this new report on pregnancy, we have decided to not have any other children. I want to be here/alive for my daughter and watch her grow up as long as possible. I know you do too! Thankfully your melanoma was diagnosed early too. I wish I could find someone to do professional photographs. I can't even imagine where I would start looking for someone to do that. I do worry about only being checked for lung mets with chest x-rays every 6 months. The alternative is excessive exposure to radiation from x-rays more frequently which can cause other problems/tumors. I also recently had some brown pigmentation return right smack dab in the middle of my scar. I happened to be in Australia on vacation when I noticed it. I immediately freaked out and took pictures and sent them to my doctor at MD Anderson. He told me they were freckles and to monitor them monthly. MD Anderson has a great patient portal where you can communicate/email your doctor with questions and concerns. They respond really quickly. It may not always be my sugical oncologist that responds, but it will either be him, his fellow/resident, or his nurse who will have spoken with him. directly. MDA is fine oiled machine that takes patient care seriously. So far, I am happy going there. Anyway, hang in there. I definitely understand your stress and anxiety. It comes and goes in waves for me. I try to keep busy with activities and reading. Enjoy your three babies! I am so jealous. We really would have loved to have another child, but just don't want to risk it. Take care. -Jen
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