› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Question to other runners here
- This topic has 6 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 8 months ago by
Dwright.
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- August 2, 2019 at 4:32 pm
Greetings all,I’m rounding out my first two months living and incorporating melanoma into my life: amelanotic (pink/rose colored) superficial spreading/cutaneous mel on left upper back, .09 mm depth; WLE and SLNB of two nodes which came back negative, placing me at Stage 1b. Scheduled for follow up with a melanoma specialist here in NYC starting in September for full body mapping, etc (as I also have dysplastic nevi syndrome, hundred of small dark moles), as well as derm appointments. I feel supported and prepared to face this with a good medical team.
I feel very fortunate that despite this challenging diagnosis, my physical health is otherwise good (tumor found during regular derm appointment, they were pretty sure it was going to be a seborrheic keratosis, but just wanted to biopsy to make certain….). Part of what makes me feel great is running (marathoner, half marathoner, 10Ks, 5Ks, and everything in between etc.), and I’ll be honest that I’ve been pretty hesitant to get out there during the daylight hours, as I’m learning more about UV A radiation/exposure. I’m an extremely sweaty athlete salt stains down all of my clothes for pretty much every endurance event), and my go to is usually a tank top/singlet and running shorts. Covering my body with sunscreen doesn’t seem to be an option for me as I’m sure i’d sweat it off within 10-15 minutes, and wearning long sleeved pants and shirts right now in the humidity of summer isn’t an option (I’m actually pretty excited for fall, winter and early spring time running, because I can cover up easily and take those nice mid day weekend runs with full covered with tights, sleeves, hat, sunglasses and just facial sunscreen). My question is, for those of you who run a lot (or a little), have you given up runs after sunrise and before sunset in fear of unnecessary UVA exposure? I have a typical work week schedule, so the harsh mid day hours are not really an exercise option for me, except on the weekends. But I usually love running before work after the sun has risen and the city is quiet, to start the day.
At first I read that dealing with melanoma was just to avoid future sunburns. But now learning more about the role of UVA radiation while the sun is up, and the need to be vigilant. I’ve already faced a week on the beach in sunny southern California sporting UPF shirts, rashguards, wide brimmed hat, big beach umbrella, 50 SPF sunscreen, swimming after 5pm, etc, and managed the week with my family just fine with no changes in skin color, which felt like success, and I still had lots of fun boogie boarding, surfing, and taking in the ocean breeze. I’m just throwing this in there, because I feel like I’ve learned a few good things in these two months, but still have a lot more to think about and adapt to.
Many thanks in advance, and happy Friday to us all.
Derek
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- August 2, 2019 at 5:07 pm
I was diagnosed as Stage IIIB in 2003. Advanced to Stage IV with brain and lung mets in 2010. Participated in Phase I trial of nivolumab (Opdivo) for 2 1/2 years. Last dose in June 2013. Lucky to remain NED for melanoma ever since. Have run my entire life. Have not stopped due to pregnancy or melanoma. Sometimes running has been put on hold due to surgeries etc, but I get myself back out there. Sometimes I’m slow, some times I’m faster. Sometimes the distance is short. Sometimes it is long. But, I get her done. I try to run at off peak sun times. I wear hats, sunglasses, protective clothing, and sunscreen. I mix and match the aforementioned based on the weather and such. I would much prefer to run less covered with clothing, but what ‘cha gonna do? I prefer to be me and LIVE my life as long as I have it. Running isn’t for everyone, but it has always been a part of my life, and so I shall continue as long as I can. I travel and hike a good bit as well. When there’s a will there’s a way! I’m sure you can work out a combo of timing, cover, and sunscreen that will work for you! I wish you my best. celeste -
- August 2, 2019 at 6:58 pm
In summer I try to finish bicycling or running before 9 AM. When bicycling I wear clothing covering my arms and legs. When running I wear shorts, a short sleeve shirt and a hat. I do not wear sunscreen early in the morning. If I am going to bicycle all morning, I put sunscreen on my face and wear a cloth sun protector under my helmet. In July I ran two 5 K races and two 10 K races. In 2016 I thought I would never run again; even walking was painful. After ipi + nivo immunotherapy I was able to run.-
- August 5, 2019 at 3:01 pm
I’ve had to miss out on some of my favorite July races this year due to healing scars, but excited to get back at it later this month. Wonderful that you were able to return to full exercise after your treatments. And good to know that those precautions work for you. I had a nice pre-sunrise run this morning (when the temps were the lowest), and felt great to be back on the pavement.
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- August 3, 2019 at 1:25 am
After being diagnosed stage 1a in July 2007, I was not as diligent, nor educated and cautious as you. By the time April 2013 rolled around, and I unexpectedly went down with a seizure (brain mets… welcome to stage iv), I went into my first craniotomy with a deep rich farmers tan. **yikes** THESE DAYS… I try my very best to get out by 6 am and be finished by 8 or 9. I’ve always got sunscreen on to start, and carry a travel pack (Zealios makes some great ones) in my pocket for re-application every 90 minutes. When I run or ride, I use “sun sleeves” that are spf 50, or a long sleeve jersey with sunscreen underneath. If you get hot with the spf sleeves, you can get them wet. It’s actually really nice! Now that I’ve kicked up the run training for an upcoming 1/2 marathon, I have found that I’m developing a sliiiiiight tan line on my legs (always have on sleeves and a hat), because I can’t stand running in leggings. At my last dermatology appointment, I pointed out the farmers line coming in. My derm asked if I was running as early in the day as possible (yes, and with the special bonus of thick fog in our area!) and if I was wearing spf 45-50. I am. He said it’s not ideal, but the reason for my color coming in is better than the alternative of being “pasty white on the couch”. Sooooooo…. he and I both know to be extra diligent with skin checks (I check everytime I apply sunscreen), because there is NO CHANCE this caged squirrel is going to be able to remain indoors. Keep up the exercise and do your very best to take precautions… but don’t be overly paranoid to the point that you’re no longer living! :-p-
- August 5, 2019 at 3:08 pm
Caged animal…that’s exactly what I felt like pretty much the entire month of July as I was healing from my upper back WLE. I’d go to the gym and sit on the recumbent bike and just wish I were outside hittng the pavement. Alas. I went for a pre-sunrise run this morning which felt great (plus it was the coolest part of the day). I’ll look into the SPF sleeves, thanks for the advice. Eagerly anticipating my first appointment with my melanoma specialist in early September where I can put out all of these questions and concerns out on the table. Like you, I worry about the backlash of NOT exercising and maintaining high activity levels due to fear of being outside. For the time being I’ve just tried to do stuff at the gym working up a steady sweat (but nothing compares to an hour long run to really get your mind in the zone). Cheers to you, your story, and your fight. Thanks for the inspiration.
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Tagged: cutaneous melanoma
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