Stevie F.

“As much as possible” is how Stevie describes time spent outside in the fresh air and sun. Growing up in a Southern California beach community, Stevie, who is fair skinned and freckled, spent her growing up years bodysurfing, swimming, riding rafts, throwing a frisbee, playing beach volleyball and sunbathing on the sand.

Family vacations were surf trips to Mexico and Hawaii, and later, Costa Rica. Today she is an avid tennis player, on the court multiple days a week.

What’s your sun story?

I’ve always loved the sun and the water, but I didn’t always have sun protection at the top of my outdoors agenda. I grew up in the 60's, 70's at the beach and in the water for my entire childhood. We used minimal sunscreen back then.

How did you learn you had skin cancer?

At another medical practice, I was treated for Actinic Keratosis (AK) [a common pre-cancer triggered by chronic exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays]. It was during this time that doctors discovered and removed my first Squamous Cell Carcinoma - a diagnosis that didn’t surprise me. At the time, my doctors basically threw their hands in the air and said they can’t help me if I continue to be outdoors.

I switched doctors and sought care at Dermatology Associates, where a very proactive approach included Flourouracil [a topical chemotherapy treatment]. I had multiple excisions and electrodessication & curettage procedures to remove squamous and basal cell cancers on my legs, and Photodynamic Therapy to remove Actinic Keratoses on my face.

How did these diagnoses change you?

I still play in the sun, but I seek shade more than I used to -- and I’ve changed the way I dress and protect my skin, which is very fair. I cover my legs as much as possible and I always wear a hat in the sun, and also yoga pants and a large-brimmed baseball cap. It makes me a little warmer but it doesn’t impact my tennis game. If I’m going to be outdoors for an extended period of time I wear long sleeves -- and I’ve become a diligent believer in sunscreen. I apply it when I’m on the court and every time I get in or out of the water.

I get frustrated when I talk with fellow tennis players about the sun’s dangerous. . “[They] judge me for wearing long pants when it’s hot and I explain why and they still don’t seem to get it. I try to be an example for others.”