Does anyone know of a brand of sunscreen suitable for very sensitive post-chemo skin they would recommend, preferably a brand that’s available in Spain? I’m thinking of looking for a baby/toddler product. We’re only taking carry-on, so I’ll have to get it out there.
While we’re at it, recommendations for shampoo and conditioner are also welcome. I have some baby shampoo which I could put in a small bottle. (My hair is growing back.)
Anything else you can think of? We booked the carry-on only tickets well before we knew I would need chemo, so I know we’ll have to buy stuff when we get there. Incidentally, I’ll be starting rads soon after we return, so I’m being extra cautious.
Of course I will stay in the shade 11-3 or 4 and will take a hat and perhaps an old t-shirt to swim in. If I find ‘official’ recommendations, I’ll post them later.
Hi there just wanted to say we often do the hand baggage only but rather than get our toiletries, sunscreen when we are out there, we buy them all in the boots department in the duty free lounge! It’s a good way of still being able to purchase them here, but not having to pay for hold luggage. Boots do a very good selection of toddler creams. Have a lovely trip, these are the things we need to keep us going. I am waiting to find out if I will be able to go to Kos in August, after having to cancel the Domincan Republic which we were due to go on three weeks after my diagnosis.
hi cheryl,i,ll be six weeks post rads when i travel and have been recommended “hawaiian tropic baby faces and tender places spf50” (cute name) will be handy for my kids too. have a great hol. alex xx
Thanks. I know a lot of the major brands are available there, but it’s good to have an idea what to look out for. Apparently the F part of FEC causes extra sensitivity to sun.
My daughter has always been extremely sensitive to any creams and she swears by the Nivea ones.
I had my first poisons just before the April heatwave over here. I sat in the garden to feel the warmth and wore quite poky suncream (I wouldn’t normally need any in England, got Mediterranean blood) and got a very good tan very quickly which is unusual for me. I’ve got strong skin and rarely burn and I coloured up very quickly - in fact I’m still a bit tanned from then. What I’m trying to say is that it true that we will be extra sun-sensitive so do take care.
WRT shampoo & conditioners, Boots sell the Naked range - 98% natural ingredients - I asked the chemo nurse about it and she said that a lot of the ladies had used it and really liked it. I’ve been using it on my rapidly-balding bonce since diagnosis with no irritation.
I can’t use baby shampoo as it strips my hair too much and makes it static.
I also think that in addition to sun cream, if you have had lymph nodes removed to ensure that you have a really good insect repellent, take a good first aid kit ie plasters, antiseptic cream and a course of antibiotics in case of bad insect bites. Have a great holiday!!
oooh! thanks gwyn, really didnt think of that! i usually am very attractive to mozzies. cant think why! will def stock up on repellant. had few probs with arm on surgery side so ur post has been very helpful. love alex xxx
Hi Cheryl , I live in southern Spain and i had rads last year and my husband has skin cancer .
One of the best sunscreens / skin protectors is a large selection of products by ISDIN , they can usually be found in all large pharmacias, they are not cheap , but they are very good and were reccommended by the oncologist and the dermatologist .
Yes, good mossie repellant is essential , especially as we have had a very wet spring .I use one called "Mosquito Milk " which I buy on the internet , it the only thing that works for me without lagging me in sticky gung .
Have a brill holiday .
Kristine