Sun sensitivity

[juliamillen]

Am probably about to go on Taxol but I like to sit outside and go on the sea. My list of side effects does not list sun sensitivity but I have read on the net that it can be a problem. Did anyone suffer from sun sensitivity with it? What form does it take? Can you sit in the sun with a high factor sunscreen or do you have to avoid the sun altogether? How do you find out if you are going to have it? Is it all right to just sit outside and see? Any advice most welcome.

[Welshandproud]

Hi there. I am on weekly paclitaxel and have had no problems in the sun. I use a high factor sun cream and avoid the hottest times of the day, wear a hat to cover thinning hair and have been fine. In fact I've taken on a good colour. My oncologist did warn me that I might become very sun sensitive but I decided to try it and am glad I did. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you will be fine too x

[Chick44nzrn]

Hi Julia . It was not noted amongst the nine main side effects when I had Taxol last year although unluckily I had many side effects !

I suggest try it and see with plenty of high factor sun cream and a sun hat! My face used to go quite red though it was winter and I was mostly inside but I think that’s because it’s very strong and it was my body’s reaction almost like an allergic reaction . As time went on it was less tolerable but you will no doubt be on the lookout for raised temp etc . I also towards the last of the treatments got a strange rash on my arms sort of scaly (!) but that cleared up , and it wasn’t on the list! I guess each person has an individual reaction so wishing you all the best

Love from Denise x

[juliamillen in reply to Chick44nzrn]

Thank you for your good wishes I shall just have to keep

My fingers crossed and hope for few side effects with the Taxol

[Cropcrop]

It’s now over 5 years since my carbo/taxol finished but I still have skin that’s more dry and sun sensitive than it was. I think that, even without factoring chemo into the equation, we should be sun aware and it’s potentially damaging effects on our skin I wear factor 50 most of the time all year round, I garden a lot and walk miles daily so it’s reassuring to know I’ve taken small steps to protect myself as much as possible. Good luck with your taxol, I hope it does it’s job for you lovely lady ❤️Xx Jane

[juliamillen in reply to Cropcrop]

Thanks for your good wishes. I’m hoping to not have too many side effects

[JulieP1986]

Hi I’m 5 sessions of 6 down for 21 day cycle for Carbo/Taxol 2nd line treatment. Last time was through winter so no worries. This time has been through our hot April & May. I was warned by my oncologist about sun sensitivity, but I’ve been fine. I’ve upped my factor (I did go up to 50 but the sun didn’t touch me at all, so I came down a bit) I’ve pottered in the garden and sun bathed and tanned wonderfully. There’s nothing better than walking in for your treatment and being told by the nurses how healthy you look. I won’t succumb to pale, bald, willowed look. I love the sun and this disease is not going to rob me of my summer tan! Such a confidence booster. Just start on a high factor and reduce as you feel your skin can cope safely with. Good luck with your treatment, stay safe ☀️🌈🏖 x

[juliamillen in reply to JulieP1986]

Thanks for your advice. I live in Brighton and like to go on the beach and in the water. It’s not at all crowded where I go.

[Lolotango]

I tan very easily but while on taxol I needed to use a stronger sunscreen 30-50 and only could tolerate sun for a bit. Wore hat and was still able to look good with some color while on taxol. Hope it works for you