We always want to look our best at weddings. Gwen and I took two slow July weeks off to have some “work” done. Wedding photographer, Jeff Colling, jokingly accused us of hiding away for plastic surgery. We think he was joking. 

We both had hand surgery and with minimal vanity, thought we would avoid the awkwardness of clients visualizing us wearing bandages at their weddings. 

GWEN’S HANDS

Gwen went in for the first of her two carpel tunnel surgeries scheduled this summer. She  was the first to suggest taking time off to heal before meeting couples or performing weddings. 

The surgery was uneventful, Gwen has been a great patient and in a matter of weeks we will repeat the whole thing. She won’t scare anyone with Frankenstein hands.

PHIL’S HANDS

I have used SPF 15 or better every day since 1980. My fair skin has always been susceptible to Arizona’s beautiful weather, so I visit a dermatologist annually.

In spite of years of slathering sunscreen on my face and back of my neck, the doctor found some suspicious cells.  The tops of my ears, the bridge of my nose and one cheek had abnormal cells that could be destroyed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen, or cryosurgery. It burns the skin, leaves a blister for ten days, but it could prevent skin cancer. Was so glad Gwen needed two weeks off so she would be the only one seeing my spotted head.

Suddenly, the doctor’s visit took a turn. He said, “Put out your hands,” and pointed out nine spots of abnormal tissue on the backs of my hands. Not only would my head be “out of service,” but my hands were going to look bad as well. I never thought about protecting my hands.

WEDDING VENDOR HANDS

I use this blog to get wedding vendors’ attention about the Arizona Sun. We all know to apply sunscreen on our heads. But don’t forget to protect your hands. And remember, when you wash your hands they are unprotected and need sunscreen applied again.

With face furrowing, expanding forehead and uncomfortable waistline in place, I could use a lot of work. But from now on, I am going to protect my hands outdoors, and hope you do too!