I know my melanoma has changed my entire lifestyle! How about everyone else?
From the way I dress to spend time outdoors, my sunscreen usage, and even my diet (healthier options and “cancer-fighting” foods).
What changes have you made in your day to day routine since getting diagnosed?
I was diagnosed mid summer. I stopped sitting in the sun. I started putting on much more sunscreen if I had to be in the sun. I eat fairly healthy but cut down on meats and now eat a more veggie based diet. Before the diagnose I ate primarily organic and use non toxic body products. Now I have even become more strict with what I put in my body as well as outside. I will probably make my own sunscreen next summer. So much controversy with store bought and chemicals that they contain. Other than that just trying to stay positive but not so easy sometimes. Also started using some essential oils.
I completely agree! I was diagnosed with stage 4 In 2012 and that is when I realized how serious this disease is. Sunscreen, hats, UPF clothing. Trying not to be out in the sun too long or too often. But, I live with awareness and not fear. Life is too short and I want to continue living without the fear.
Hello! I know you posted this a couple of months ago but I noticed you're from Maine too and wanted to say hello!
I've made some more diligent changes, definitely don't leave the house without sunscreen or a hat and have backups on backups. I also tend not to put anything on my skin that's higher than a 3 on the EWG (environmental working group) ratings.
I'm also shopping pre Black Friday deals for SPF clothes since those are quite the investment!
I also downloaded an app that monitors UVB through-out the day. While I know the 10-4 "rule", it's put me at ease and has helped me better plan my outdoor adventures, especially during the summer.
Hi Sarah! That’s awesome you’re a fellow Mainer!! You shared some interesting things here, I’ve never heard of the EWG ratings but I think I will be doing some research on that. And that’s cool about the app, i had no idea that was a thing! I feel like there is so much to learn about melanoma and skin safety yet most of my information I’ve gathered is from personal research, i haven’t really had any of my docs give me any of that info whatsoever. So all of the shared stories and advice from awesome people on here is soooooo greatly appreciated!
I went right into research mode too! My dermatologist’s advice was to just keep living life... with a little more sunscreen! Hah luckily my primary care provider understood my fears and ran every test I wanted but still isn’t much help for... advice outside normal medicine.
The two big questions that have been running through my head are: should I be taking Vitamin D, especially living in Maine?
Is Frankensence an essential oil that helps kill precancerous cells? There’s been some clinical research and I think I might make my own lotion anyways but I love that I found this group to bounce ideas off of. (Anything is worth trying, right?!)
I’d love to hear more about your cancer fighting foods! I’ve heard such conflicting things (other than stop eating sugar!) and would love someone else’s input!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I haven’t heard anything about the frankensense but that sounds like something i should look into as well! And yes about the vitamin D! I went to the Brigham and women’s/ Dana farber cancer center last week in Boston to visit a melanoma specialist and she recommended adding vitamin D supplements or vitamin D rich foods. Being in New England and also being people who have to “hide” from the sun it’s very important to get that. I didn’t realize it until the doc told me about it that i actually may be quite deprived.
And for cancer fighting foods, it’s a combination of things to avoid as well as things to add to a daily diet including certain nuts and berries. I think I’ll add a post about some food ideas and when i get a minute to make a thorough list.
Also, I’m in the Greater Portland area, and there is the cancer community center in Portland, as well as the Dempsey center in Lewiston that have some awesome free resources such as yoga, meditation, and different talks and groups that may help with finding other local support systems 😊
Happy thanksgiving 😊
Hi Sarah, I actually started adding frankensense to my lotion. I also made a essential oil blend that I put on my feet and legs every other night. I also hear tumeric is good too. I love it so I just add some to different foods I consume. I have been supplementing with vitamin d as well.
I completely agree! I am 25 and was diagnosed December 18th, 2017, and had my wide excision surgery on January 16th, 2018 and I have been nothing but paranoid about this upcoming nice weather and summer season. I love being out on the boat on my near by lakes, drinking beer, and just being outdoors anytime I can get. I used to love the feeling of having warm skin on a cool summer night after a long day out in the sun. I fear even having any sun exposure. Ive been looking at sun hats and different SPFs, it is so overwhelming!
You’ll do fine this summer! After my initial diagnosis I just tried to wear a lot more sunscreen and limit my time in direct sunlight, but also would wear UPF clothing if I would be out on the water for the day. I also started using makeup with spf in it. Like a primer from tarte that has spf 30 in it and blends wonderfully and doesn’t feel sticky like other facial sunscreens.
My facial moisturizer has 15 spf and ive been using, but that primer im sure wouldnt hurt any! Ill look it up, thanks!
That’s great that you’re alrwasy using some with spf in it! I’ve tried a couple different brands but I think tarte is the best. I also have used IT cosmetics because they have spf 50 make up products but I feel that they go on a little too thick and chalky for my taste. I also tried Coola, which is pretty good but left my skin a little chalky as well. Definitely make a trip over to sephora because some of the spf products I was so glad I tested out in person because they tend to have a funky smell lol. Josie maran is a spf 47 serum that’s chemical free at sephora as well, it’s wonderful feeling on your skin (if you can get past the weird smell of it). Good luck with the search! 😊
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