This and That and Talk - My Transplant

@dcwilkie, I want you to enjoy the sun and the gardening. Here is some me information from thr American Cancer Association-
How Do I Protect Myself from UV Rays –
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/uv-protection.html
@tsreever, @des46893, @gaylea1, @estrada53 -I want to share this article with you, too.

I do have tulips, but not the grand meadows like they have in the Holland, Michigan area. We go to their tulip festival most springs. The flowers are incredible, and it's only about a two hour drive for us.

I do have some shirts with the UV protecting fabric, but I find my husband's old dress shirts to be more comfortable in the garden!

Now that's good medicine!

@dcwilkie, Do you have tulips? In central Kentucky there are a lot of springtime tours to Michigan for the tulips! I've not had the opportunity to enjoy one of those tours yet.
I like to wear the UV protection fabrics that are quick dry moisture wicking when hiking and when I am in the yard. With or without a transplant, I commend you for the skin safety awareness.

I also wear a Tilly hat and moisturizer with SPF on my face. Usually have garden gloves protecting my hands.

As the new year approaches, I'm dreaming of my Michigan garden and all the beautiful blooms!

@dcwilkie, Welcome to Connect. I am happy that you have joined the conversation. In addition to the clothing for protection, I also use a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen or sunscreen moisturizer on my face and neck.

Dcwilkie, What brought you to this conversation related to sun protection in mid winter?

@estrada53 6 months post transplant I developed a small growth on my arm. I waited and waited but it grew and grew. I was finally referred to a dermatologist who confirmed a cancerous growth. I had never had anything like this before. I was sent to a plastic surgeon and the tumor was surgically removed successfully. They got it all and it hadn't spread. Now I will see the dermatologist every 6 months. I stay out of the sun but I still developed that tumor. Hopefully it was a one time thing.

Some clothing is specifically made to block UV rays. Look for clothing that has a UPF rating of 50 or more.

At my last posttx check up, one of my appointments was with a dermatologist. I was informed that transplant recipients have 60 to 240% higher chance of cancer. While I sometimes don't trust statistics!, this is about my health and future, so every precaution helps.

@dcwilkie Harmful rays can still penetrate long sleeved shirts. My husband is a kidney recipient, and I am always reminding him about sunscreen. I have had malignant myeloma so sunscreen is part of my daily regimen.
Ginger