Sensitivity To The Sun?

My hubby has just come off of 7 erbitux infusions (2 weeks ago today) and 42 radiation treatments (a week ago yesterday).  He is actually doing quite well.  The erbitux caused severe swelling and sores in his mouth/lips and that is starting to come down extremely well.  NOW the issue is the burns on his neck; they look pretty darn bad and it is quite painful for him when that wasn't an issue during the actual treatments.  Any suggestions for dealing with these?

He is also starting to eat slowly but surely.  Yesterday he ate two eggs and today he had some oatmeal and raman noodle soup this afternoon.  I am very pleased with how is doing there!

Now my question:  he decided to take our daughter to the park this morning.  Not something I would have suggested, but I was at work and knew nothing about this until I came home.  He actually did fine, until it started getting hot (which doesn't take long, we live in Florida).  At this point the sun REALLY started bothering him even though he was under a pavillion the whole time.  He started feeling ill so of course he came home.  How long does this last? Does anyone have any experience with this?  He is a roofer when he was working and I was hoping (NEEDING) him to be at work by August (when the Dr. said he would be able to be in the sun).  Is this going to be too much to expect?  I am just curious what others' experiences have been with this.

Hope everyone is doing well, hugs to you all!

 Brandi

I find the fact that he even FELT like doing that only a week out of treatment amazing. Chemo/radiation takes a lot more out of you than you think. Please have him take it easy for a little longer. He will dehydrate easier and burn MUCH easier. If he needs to get out, have him take water with and wear heavy sunscreen, at least on his neck.

I grew up in the Palm Beach area, so I know what the Florida sun can do to you.

Best wishes,

Mike

i agree with mike that it is amazing that he even wanted to go to the park at this stage! that is great that he is doing so well so soon but he does need to be careful about overdoing it.  we were told sunscreen anytime he is outside...my guy also bought a straw cowboy hat to shade his neck some..(i think he always wanted one and this was a good excuse to buy it!).  our experience is a good day followed by a feeling like sh$%*t day!  and the bad days have outweighed the good ones...so your guy is doing great!  we are 6 weeks post rad/chemo and it is still touch and go.

all the best to you.

 ~meesh

I definately agree with you both.  If he would have called me and asked my opinion it would have been no for sure.  I definately think he overdid it and now he is paying for it with exhaustion, it lieterally whooped his butt.  I think he just wants to try to feel as normal as possible as he is definately NOT one who likes being cooped up.  This was one of the hardest things for him, he was so outgoing and energetic and since the beginning of April he hasn't left the house but to go to appointments which I believe drove him nuts.  I will just have to gently remind him that this process takes time.

At the same time I definately don't want to sound harsh and push him any sooner than necessary but the reality is, he needs to eventually go back to work.  Our finances will not allow him to stay out of work too much longer and as the Dr said he cannot be out in the sun for two months which would put us at July 27th so I was hoping maybe the first week of August.  I am just wondering if this is too high of a goal??  Right now it is one day at a time, but part of me can't help but think of where the future is going as well.

Have a lovely evening!

Brandi

I was told to never expose the radiated area to sun w/o sunscreen-the skin was too damaged and sensitive. I'm 14 mos out of TX and was a total sun worshipper. I can live with the sunscreen idea-but I notice now laying/sitting in the sun too long seems to make me nauseous & very fatigued.I doubt if I could actually work in the sun!  I was wondering if that's another side effect, or it's just too soon. Of course I know in general it's not a great idea-but it use to make me so happy. Gayle

my s.o. has not worked since he started treatment last November and realistically is looking at fall before returning.  he is a studio potter which is a physical job...(clay is heavy to move around!).  it is tough surviving on one income...thankfully it is just the two of us to support now.  he was able to get on disability after lots of paperwork, appointments and waiting...but the $ amount is small.  he plans to slowly work up to going back full time.  hopefully your husband will be able to do the same.

~meesh

My Oncologist told me that Fatigue would be an issue for the first yearor so, off and on.  I found it to be pretty true. I would feel fine for 2 or 3 days then feel very weak. Everything would be an effort. Then bounce back to normal.

Sun Screen for sure, the higher the number the better. If I'm in the sun too long, I feel fatigued.  I now have one of those straw hats also, just picked it up for working outside.

My Best to Everyone.

Vitamin E, Apply pure aloe vera to the burned areas several times a day. I drove a convertable during and after raditation, By appling aloe sevral times aday my skin stayed nice, use sun block when directly in sun. I also found drinking Aloe juce very helpful.