Sailing & Cancer

Iflyka200s · #1 12-30-2010

A little background...

I had MOHS surgery yesterday to remove a melanoma on my face/lip, chances are 50/50 that it has spread. If it has, my boat is yours, (free) if not...

Is there sailing after skin cancer? I've always been good about covering up head to toe but this caught me by surprise. Has anyone gone back to sailing after a real scare? I'm hopeful that they got it all, any and all thoughts are most welcome!

Tim

Sublime · #2 12-30-2010

My dad had skin cancer and he returned to sailing but with a bimini cover, hats and sunscreen.

I hope you get better soon.

PaulinVictoria · #3 12-30-2010

Can't answer your question Tim and I hope things work out well for you. All being good, I can't see any reason that you couldn't get out on the water again.

bljones · #4 12-30-2010

None of us gets out of here alive.
The good news is that it's 50/50. I'll take even odds any day. Hell, more than 50% of all marriages end in divorce, but if the right woman came along we'd all tie the knot, right? 90% of all sailboats are sold at a loss, but we still buy 'em and invest money in 'em, right?
You're not gonna spend the rest of your life inside your house are you? If you're not afraid to walk across a sunbaked parking lot at the mall, or sit outside at a ball game, why should sailing be any different? Cover up, wear a hat and GOOD sunglasses and sunblock, and live.

Iflyka200s · #5 12-30-2010

Sorry, trying to be positive, the Dr.'s have me more than a little spooked...

I guess that's what they do.

I'm optimistic and I will get out of my house I was thinking about what extra precautions folks were taking who have been through this sort of thing.

MJBrown · #6 12-30-2010

I have fair skin and more than my share of skin damage from my younger years. I visit the dermatologist every 6 mos and get bits and pieces burned or cut off my scalp. When on the boat 30 SPF sunscreen goes on right after my AM bathroom routine. I always wear a hat and quality sunglasses. The T shirt rarely comes off and when it does the sunscreen goes on ASAP. We also have a dodger and bimini with the connector panel on 99% of the time. It's what it takes to stay healthy and remain a sailor. A small price to pay and certainly no guarantee, but well worth the effort. Talk to your Dr and weigh the risk and see if a similiar routine might work for you. Good luck!

dnf777 · #7 12-30-2010

There very few absolutes in life. Everything is a trade-off.
I make it a rule NEVER to tell patients "you can't do this".
If you can't do the things you enjoy, what's the use?
You must be careful, use covers, hats, etc...but heck, its a personal decision.
Some would stay inside. Others would see a good reason to buy that boat they've always wanted and sail their heart out!

Best wishes for a full recovery, and many years of happy sailing.

dnf777 · #8 12-30-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJBrown

The T shirt rarely comes off and when it does the sunscreen goes on ASAP.

You are aware that UVA and UVB can penetrate light shirts? If you do, I apologize for being redundant. If you didn't, look into SPF clothing or wear sunscreen even with your tshirts.

Double for the kiddies.

mgmhead · #9 12-30-2010

Tim,

I too had MOHS surgery this year, a squamous cancer. Cut a piece of my lower lip off that was slightly larger than a pencil eraser. My surgeon knows I'm a sailor but never suggested I give it up.

Sure, he said the damage was due to sun damage but I wear a broad brim hat and sunscreen, my boat has both dodger and bimini, I take all reasonable precautions. I suspect the sun damage occured years ago from my military service and then 16-years in professional motorsports...I spent a lot of time in the sun then and while I wore a cover, I didn't use sunscreen. My bad! Young and dumb as it were.

It'd be sad if you gave up sailing as I don't think you should give up on what you enjoy in life. As stated earlier, none of us get out of here alive.

Wish you quick recovery and many years of family, friends and sailing.

DulceSuerna · #10 12-30-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnf777

You are aware that UVA and UVB can penetrate light shirts? If you do, I apologize for being redundant. If you didn't, look into SPF clothing or wear sunscreen even with your tshirts.

Double for the kiddies.

I did not realize this. I will be more concientous in regards to clothing I wear and purchase for sailing. We did just get matching Boonies (hats) that have a nice wide brim, with roll down neck/ear protector. Any ways Best wishes for your obstacle, live life to the fullest!