If you are going to have Mohs surgery on your face ( I have had both sides of my nose done and both 4 layers deep ) make SURE you have a Dr who knows what he is doing. Mine were done so well you can't even tell. Others I have seen are not do good. I remember being told the biopsy was positive (after 2 years of spraying and having a dumb dermatologist)then going to 4 plastic surgeons who all told me they were going to cut my face and do what is called a flap and pull skin over - well, that would leave a perm scar and all I did was cry and say there HAD to be another way. Well, I found a Dr who did do what everyone else did and I stayed with him over 20 years JUST for skin cancers. Unfortuantely he no longer is in practice and I am trying out a new guy, after checking his credentials.
I now have a presp for efudex - does ANYONE know where you can find it cheaper than $300 a tube in the US?
bobw - My first 40g tube lasted me about 3 weeks. I'm putting it on my scalp, forehead, rest of face, and a small spot on my shoulder, twice a day. I think thats quite a bit of skin! I'm not sure if we're allowed to direct to other websites here but here goes: efudexed.blogspot.com . It's a blog I started, like others, in hopes of helping patients get an idea of what to expect. You can see my mug in all its' glory there. If the link gets removed, PM me and I'll send it to you that way. It takes a couple of days to get the hang of it, the consistency in my first tube was much thicker than my second (which has a longer expiration date). I'm doing it to give everything a very thin layer. I didn't think my first tube was going to last until day 15 but I managed to squeeze enough out until day 21 or so.
My second tube expiration date is January 2013 and the consistency of the product is almost like a lotion. Goes on very easily.
Those prices in Mexico, although cheaper than the US, seem more expensive than Canada. My 40g tube at Costco here in Canada was just under 40.00 Canadian. There are a number of online pharmacies where you can buy "Canadian" drugs cheaper, and have them delivered to you in the US. You need a prescription but certainly cheaper than buying through US based pharmacies. For example, I found 1 online site where a 40g tube of Efudex was $79.00.
Charging $300.00 a tube for this stuff is criminal.
bobw - I should add that I've been shaving most days, or every second day, including my head. Usage increases somewhat dramatically if there's less smooth skin to work with.
That blog is awesome...thanks. I can't believe you are able to shave with a razor. I usually do, but during this I will be buying an electric (I also shave my head). So when you apply, you rub it in or just cover the surface and let it absorb on it's own?
I use a triple bladed razor (not every day during this though) because on top of it all, I'm moving and can't find the electric ;-) I read somewhere... I can't remember where... that shaving cream works well as a cleanser in a pinch. I tried Noxema, which usually works extremely well for shaving, but found it stings as well. Granted, its still not pleasant but as someone has already offered me money on the street, thinking I was homeless/down on my luck, I'd like to look as presentable as possible! LOL. I rub the surface with Efudex, much like I would with sunscreen, (using much, much less though) and rub it in so that I can't see any white streak marks. I started using latex gloves but found them to be a hindrance. I use my fingers and make sure to wash them thoroughly afterwards.
I am on day 6 following 17 days of Efudex on my face. I had no noticeable lesions or BCC, Like all, I had a tough experience with the pain and ugliness. My biggest concern now is whether the redness will ever clear up. I know that may seem irrational, but you know..... My whole face is still about as red as ever although the pain is virtually gone. I use OTC steroid cream followed by Aquaphor. Does anyone know how long it might take for the redness to clear up?
Unfortunately, it takes a long time. I still have a pink area on my face from a treatment I ended in October. The pink has faded quite a bit and I expect in another month it will be undetectable. I use a liquid concealor on the area that blends to my skin tone and am happy with the results.
Hi again FlatladyB. I can't let your post go by! Efudex at $350 a tube? In Australia it cost me about $15 with a doctor's prescription. The active ingredient of Efudex (Fluorouracil) is one of the oldest chemotherapy drugs and was patented in the 50's so any patents have long expired surely. The US health system really needs a shake up if Efudex at $350 is an outcome!
Hi again FlatladyB. I can't let your post go by! Efudex at $350 a tube? In Australia it cost me about $15 with a doctor's prescription. The active ingredient of Efudex (Fluorouracil) is one of the oldest chemotherapy drugs and was patented in the 50's so any patents have long expired surely. The US health system really needs a shake up if Efudex at $350 is an outcome!
I have a question about the cost of efudex. Has anyone found a reputable less expensive place to order it? The price here is $350 a tube with no insurance. The generic is still $250. My Dr. says some of his patients found it for $150. I will have to go hunting once I decide to do it. Not ready yet and its too hot in Fla.
Also, do you use one tube, or more?
I bought a tube of Efudex in Tiajuana, Mex. for $15
If you have a prescription then go on the internet and order it from Canada. We do that here in the US and save a ton, but unfortunately the gov has really tightened down on that; The big pharmaceuticals, I guess, weren't raping us enough already. I would tell you to order it from India but doing that is a serious crap shoot that's not worth the gamble. - Oh, and as I said in all my earlier posts; go a full 30 days minimum. Everyone here is acting like spoiled babies - wah wah, and give up after 3 or fewer weeks. You apply a really thin coat, twice a day for 30 days. You can rinse the face immediately before applying but leave it alone after application. Don't put any bandages, creams, petroleum jelly or makeup over it. And after, don't put anything on it like these idiots here are talking about. Leave it the H alone. These guys are complaining about being pink a month after they fininsh applying it. I just left mine alone and was >75% ok by day 30. One thing I have noticed is someone in my office did it for only 20 days and he now has kind of lumpy sking 30 days later. You see, he didn't go the distance (at least 30 days) and he has left partially damaged skin cells beneath the surface. He wah wah wah the whole time he was doing it. He stopped too early and now is getting what he deserves, even though I told him before he started to go 30 at least and go the distance. What a bunch of cry babies. Suck it up! We're talking 30 days that might just save your life and save you from a horrible death. Plus it's the greatest skin rejuvination ever.
If you have a prescription then go on the internet and order it from Canada. We do that here in the US and save a ton, but unfortunately the gov has really tightened down on that; The big pharmaceuticals, I guess, weren't raping us enough already. I would tell you to order it from India but doing that is a serious crap shoot that's not worth the gamble. - Oh, and as I said in all my earlier posts; go a full 30 days minimum. Everyone here is acting like spoiled babies - wah wah, and give up after 3 or fewer weeks. You apply a really thin coat, twice a day for 30 days. You can rinse the face immediately before applying but leave it alone after application. Don't put any bandages, creams, petroleum jelly or makeup over it. And after, don't put anything on it like these idiots here are talking about. Leave it the H alone. These guys are complaining about being pink a month after they fininsh applying it. I just left mine alone and was >75% ok by day 30. One thing I have noticed is someone in my office did it for only 20 days and he now has kind of lumpy sking 30 days later. You see, he didn't go the distance (at least 30 days) and he has left partially damaged skin cells beneath the surface. He wah wah wah the whole time he was doing it. He stopped too early and now is getting what he deserves, even though I told him before he started to go 30 at least and go the distance. What a bunch of cry babies. Suck it up! We're talking 30 days that might just save your life and save you from a horrible death. Plus it's the greatest skin rejuvination ever.
I have at times used efudex for less than 14 days at the advice of the doctor, both times it has left me with red dots (damaged looking skin) as though the job hadn't been completed. Has anyone had this and then gone back and re-treated for a longer period and had the red dots disappear?
You have to use it for at least 3 weeks. It takes about 2 months for all the red to go away.
quote:Originally posted by BigD
I have at times used efudex for less than 14 days at the advice of the doctor, both times it has left me with red dots (damaged looking skin) as though the job hadn't been completed. Has anyone had this and then gone back and re-treated for a longer period and had the red dots disappear?
This link is a lengthy photo journal of a female's journey through the 4 week Efudex treatment:
www.hybriddesign.net/efudex
Everyone is different. I didn't really look any different afterwards, but I knew that it zapped all the precancerous lesions which is all that was important to me. I did have some scarring though, my fault, it was from where I picked at a scab.
I was just prescribed Efudex today (Jan 19) by my Derm. He recommended a similar treatment plan to the one your physician had prescribed you (mine is 2 days/week for a total of 9 weeks).
I am curious if your treatment has had sustained successful results of elimnating the AK's. If seems most people are taking this daily for shorter periods (2 - 6 weeks).
I am hopeful that the longer term/more infrequent application has the same positive results without the negative side-effects.
Thanks in advance for your, and anyone else's, experience following a similar treatment plan to the one I outlined.
quote:Originally posted by Cheeno
I am currently using Efudex and am very happy with the results BUT my doctor has a different approach. I am using it twice a day but for only two days a week and will continue for several weeks. I have finished a 7 week session, had a 2 week break to see how it's gone and am now back on another 7 - 8 week session. I certainly have a reaction and the areas become red but have had no major, severe reaction so have been able to continue going out etc. Perhaps my initial problem wasn't as severe as others but I have been having various other treatments for several years with good results but the problem areas kept returning after a few years.My doctor has said he doesn't need to subject me to the intense severe treatment - he believes he'll get the same results by treating over a longer period. He is highly respected in his field. Like all forum posts this is my personal experience that is working for me and may not be appropriate for others but I have posted this to show that there is another way to use this treatment. I am very happy with the results but who knows what will be happening next year!
Just in case anyone is interested in my post of 3 November I treated a spot on my ear that had been frozen twice at some expense but kept coming back. Twice a day for three weeks and now all gone. Well done Efudex
My first experience with efudix was about eight years ago. It was suggested to me by a dermatologist to heal up irritating dry skin patches along my hair line. It was suggested that I spread it liberally along the affected area once a day. Did this, the pain was terrible so after eight days I gave it away. Subsequently the redness went and with it the irritating dry skin. Just recently the same symptoms turned up again. My Gp suggested a couple of cream treatments which were not sucsessful. Then went to a skin clinic, it was suggested that I give the efudix another go. I have now been on it for 8 days and will now stop. One major difference this time is that I am only tackling a couple of spots at a time twice a day. I only use a small amount on a cotton bud. Yes is is still painful but not nearly as bad as the first time I used it. I am a 78 year old male in remmission from Lymphoma, so quite honestly I am not overly fussed about the end result using efudix. I would suggest that in this day and age there is no need to suffer the pain that efudix can bring on. (ask your Doc for a strong pain killer, I use oxynorm) There are many different skin types among us. Be sure that you get the right advice according to you skin type.
Hawksworth, is your Doctor easy to see? I'd call or see him to see if he can tell you if you are having an allergic reaction or not. Given that it's just your face that is swollen, I suspect its not. My ears had very little reaction. Just one spot on one of them. My chin swelled up and was VERY painful. I also had oozing, but it took two weeks for that to happen to me. Everyone is a little different. Believe me, I know how much it hurts - it's still fresh in my mind and you wonder how you'll make it another day - let alone two weeks.
Remember that for each application you miss, the Docs generally want to see another DAY as "make-up".
Have you tried applying Aquaphor to "loosen" up the tightness? It really helps!
I shaved all through my treatment. You may prefer an electric shaver. I used a triple blade disposable. I wouldn't have used anything less. I made sure my beard was VERY wet and used a gel. Noxema, which I usually use, was out of the question as it stung too much. It took a while and my chin was very slow going as it was inflamed and sore. But it had the added benefit of sloughing off dead skin as well. My beard is quite thick and it would have been difficult to get the cream down to the skin in a few days, and I would have had to use a LOT more of it.
Pics, in case you're interested at: efudexed.blogspot.com
Hi Ken and thank you very much for your reply. I found following the experiences of others with photos to be very helpful when I went through it, thus the reason for my blog.
I am a huge advocate of Aquaphor for itching and tightness/pain relief. Well, you still get the itching, but it's not as bad. A moist itching, if you will. It really helps so I wouldn't wait before using it. Just make sure you wait several hours after the Efudex application before using it. If you're like me, you'll wonder why you waited so long to use it! ;-) And if you have access to a Dr and or Staff, don't be afraid to use them! Thats what they're there for. I got a referral to a new dermo and that appointment isn't until May! The Canadian "free" health care system at work.
Hang in there. We know it's very tough, but its got to be done and much better than doing nothing. We're here if you need us!
Keep at it Ken, sounds like you have a bad case but remember the alternative is likely to have been worse (eg regular ineffective freezes and lots of expensive surgery). I found shaving in the shower was tolerable with a triple blade and before I put the Efudex on but I have a light beard. In some of my research I noted that the treatment is exacerbated by sun exposure but that there is some evidence to suggest that sun exposure also makes Efudex more effective. I kept out of the sun though!
A few weeks ago I went to my dermatologist and he gave me a clean bill of health on my face which is the only area I have used Efudex. It has taken a long time (a few years applying it to several different areas) but so worth the end result. I don't expect to ever have the need to re-order the product again.
I was just prescribed Efudex today (Jan 19) by my Derm. He recommended a similar treatment plan to the one your physician had prescribed you (mine is 2 days/week for a total of 9 weeks).
I am curious if your treatment has had sustained successful results of elimnating the AK's. If seems most people are taking this daily for shorter periods (2 - 6 weeks).
I am hopeful that the longer term/more infrequent application has the same positive results without the negative side-effects.
Thanks in advance for your, and anyone else's, experience following a similar treatment plan to the one I outlined.
quote:Originally posted by Cheeno
I am currently using Efudex and am very happy with the results BUT my doctor has a different approach. I am using it twice a day but for only two days a week and will continue for several weeks. I have finished a 7 week session, had a 2 week break to see how it's gone and am now back on another 7 - 8 week session. I certainly have a reaction and the areas become red but have had no major, severe reaction so have been able to continue going out etc. Perhaps my initial problem wasn't as severe as others but I have been having various other treatments for several years with good results but the problem areas kept returning after a few years.My doctor has said he doesn't need to subject me to the intense severe treatment - he believes he'll get the same results by treating over a longer period. He is highly respected in his field. Like all forum posts this is my personal experience that is working for me and may not be appropriate for others but I have posted this to show that there is another way to use this treatment. I am very happy with the results but who knows what will be happening next year!
Just noticed your question. I have been back to my doctor and I am to repeat the procedure for another 8 weeks - twice a day, two days a week - to a couple of areas. I'm happy with most of the results but there are a couple of patches that need more treatment. When he looked at my face he was very happy with what he could see. Because I am going to Greece for 2 months in May and June I will not start the treatment until after that - in my Winter months. He is happy to leave it til then. I have no problems repeating - certainly did not find it too uncomfortable or unattractive
Just noticed your question. I completed my second treatment of twice a day, two days a week for approximately 8 - 9 weeks and am pretty happy with the results. My doctor is very happy! I do need to repeat the treatment on the bridge of my nose - scaly area that hasnt cleared and another patch that is a new area - but will wait until my Winter time as I find I became very sensitive to sun and heat. I certainly did not have any negative side affects but at times wonder whether it would be better to just get it over and done with in a 3 week session - not sure on that though as the descriptions here from others sound pretty awful.Good luck. I'll be interested inhearing how you go
quote:Originally posted by cmurf
Hello Cheeno, I hope you still view this thread.
I was just prescribed Efudex today (Jan 19) by my Derm. He recommended a similar treatment plan to the one your physician had prescribed you (mine is 2 days/week for a total of 9 weeks).
I am curious if your treatment has had sustained successful results of elimnating the AK's. If seems most people are taking this daily for shorter periods (2 - 6 weeks).
I am hopeful that the longer term/more infrequent application has the same positive results without the negative side-effects.
Thanks in advance for your, and anyone else's, experience following a similar treatment plan to the one I outlined.
quote:Originally posted by Cheeno
I am currently using Efudex and am very happy with the results BUT my doctor has a different approach. I am using it twice a day but for only two days a week and will continue for several weeks. I have finished a 7 week session, had a 2 week break to see how it's gone and am now back on another 7 - 8 week session. I certainly have a reaction and the areas become red but have had no major, severe reaction so have been able to continue going out etc. Perhaps my initial problem wasn't as severe as others but I have been having various other treatments for several years with good results but the problem areas kept returning after a few years.My doctor has said he doesn't need to subject me to the intense severe treatment - he believes he'll get the same results by treating over a longer period. He is highly respected in his field. Like all forum posts this is my personal experience that is working for me and may not be appropriate for others but I have posted this to show that there is another way to use this treatment. I am very happy with the results but who knows what will be happening next year!
Hi Hawksworth. Glad to hear the swelling is subsiding. The best bit is that after a month or so from stopping Efudex you'll look ten years younger as your wrinkles will be hugely reduced (although mine are slowly returning!) Cheers
So glad to have found this site. I was feeling very alone until now. I'm 43, white, blonde hair, fair skin. Went to the doc about a spot on my nose that kept bleeding. She very casually prescribed Efudex. She said she has used it herself and she was much fairer than me. I'm now on Day 15 and I'm pretty scary looking. I'm using the 5% and told to use it once a day for 2-4 weeks. The doc didn't say when to stop. I figure I'll go as long as I can stand it by what you are all saying on here. My doc didn't even suggest a follow up visit. I am doing my whole face even though my nose was the issue. Interesting enough, my nose isn't all that red/scabby. It's my chin and cheek bone area that is terrible. And, my chin area is my hardest hit wrinkle area so I'm wondering if it's a coincidence that that is the part that Efudex is hitting the hardest. I wore sunscreen my whole life, but I guess I didn't do a great job covering up or something. It's pretty sore especially to eat b/c of the cracking around my mouth. While I don't like the pain, the isolation is the hardest for me. I won't go out looking like this, but I'm so lonely. Glad my husband and kids are great, but I miss being able to go out and about. My doc never said I had any cancers of any kind so I think I voluntarily put myself into this position. I'm hoping for a face cancerous free in the future and I'm hoping for fewer wrinkles. I appreciate everyone's comments b/c this is a big, scary deal, in my opinion.
I'm 43, white, blonde hair, fair skin. Went to the doc about a spot on my nose that kept bleeding. She very casually prescribed Efudex. I'm now on Day 15 and I'm pretty scary looking. I'm using the 5% and told to use it once a day for 2-4 weeks. The doc didn't say when to stop. My doc didn't even suggest a follow up visit. I am doing my whole face even though my nose was the issue. Interesting enough, my nose isn't all that red/scabby. It's my chin and cheek bone area that is terrible. And, my chin area is my hardest hit wrinkle area so I'm wondering if it's a coincidence that that is the part that Efudex is hitting the hardest. It's pretty sore especially to eat b/c of the cracking around my mouth. While I don't like the pain, the isolation is the hardest for me. I won't go out looking like this, but I'm so lonely. Glad my husband and kids are great, but I miss being able to go out and about. My doc never said I had any cancers of any kind so I think I voluntarily put myself into this position.
Hi 3coolcats, seems you are putting yourself through hell. It seems that those of us with fair complexions have trouble with using efudex. My own experience was that when I got to the same situation as you describe I stopped using efudex until my face looked normal again. About 6 months later I started again but only in one small spot at a time applying efudex once a day every second day for two weeks . Then I would apply to another small area for the same period. Hope this is of some help.
Hello 3coolcats, sorry for the late reply... your situation sounds much like mine. Another fair-skinned person here.
My chin was the worst area on my face and I didn't think it would be affected at all. The tops of my ears, which I figured would be horrific, had no reaction aside from a very small spot on one. I've rarely sported a moustache during my lifetime, but the outline of where it would be was virtually unaffected, but my chin and jawline?... ouch! Have you tried putting Aquaphor on the cracked skin around the corners of your mouth? It really makes a world of difference in pain levels when you're trying to eat.
I thought I'd add an update as I had my first followup yesterday since I did my treatment last fall. The Dr. said I hit "a home run" as he can't see any spots that need further attention at this time, so it would appear that all the pain, sleepless nights and isolation are worth it. I know its hard to think this way when you're going through it! I now follow up with him in 4 months. I also offered the intern that saw me first yesterday the following: "if you ever prescribe this stuff to a patient, PLEASE offer them something stronger than Tylenol, and prescribe them something to help them sleep. Until you go through it yourself, you can't imagine the discomfort" I showed him some photos and all he said was "wow".
Sorry for the double post before. The site was giving me trouble and I though it was b/c I was over the text limit.
I've now made it to 3 weeks. Aiming to complete the entire 4 weeks. Unless you are not bothered by people's stares, I don't now how anyone can go out in public looking like this. I dropped my daughter off at the post office to do an errand for me and just sitting in the car brought me stares. Also, I had a friend who told me that I was over-reacting about my face and told me it was probably not as bad as I think. So, I sent her a picture. Her reply was, "OMG". Nice, huh?
I'm really hoping that once I stop this medicine next Wednesday, that there will be a remarkable recovery. My husband sent me flowers so that was really sweet. This is definitely not an easy road. It hasn't interfered with my sleeping too much (and I'm a light sleeper), but it has affected it somewhat. I wake up b/c my face is either burning or laying on the scabbing just hurts, but I change position and it seems to help.
It's very hard not to pick at the scabs. I picked a tiny piece off b/c I could see it and it was driving me crazy. I'm sorry I did b/c it stings now.
Everytime I see my teenage neighbor lying in the sunshine wanting to tan, I want to run over to her and show her my zombie face. She might not lay there anymore. She's more fair than I am.
Deruo - Regarding your moustache, I think it's interesting that the hair protected your skin so well too. I have worn my forehead covered by hair my whole life and it doesn't have one speck of red! Hair helps! LOL And, I do agree on the Aquaphor. It's provides instant relief.
3coolcats, sorry I wasn't clear. I never had that much hair covering the moustache area because I never really liked them. That area was clear. But my scalp, which I figured would be really bad as I haven't had hair there for years either was also clear.
Re your neighbor. Go ahead and do it. I doubt it would make much of an impact. A friend of mine who is blond and fair saw first hand what I went through, and even with that and all the lecturing I've been doing on sunscreens and THAT racket, she still sits out in the sun baking herself with minimal protection. You can lead a horse to water....
I am scheduled for the Mohs procedure on my face in a couple weeks to remove SCC on my face. I have treated it twice with efudex and it has come back each time, worse than it was before. Any advice on having the Mohs procedure?
I suggest having a plastic surgeon lined up to perform any corrective surgery needed. I had mohs performed by dermatologist in the morning. When I returned to the plastic surgeon that afternoon, I was shocked to see a crater on my cheekbone area the size of a quarter. I had no idea the derm would have to take so much. The plastic surgeon filled in with surrounding tissue. The incision was cut to blend into my laugh lines so not to have that "nicked" out look. He did a wonderful job. It's been 11 years ago and you can barely see any scar even without makeup. Good luck to you!
Hi. I'm into my 11th day using Efudex and seeing more spots appear every day. I'm taking pictures and documenting my process daily so I can see results. PLEASE - can anyone tell me about experience with severe red skin around the mouth. I feel like I've burned a permanent fu manchu around my mouth (not attractive since I'm a female). I have quit putting the Efudex in this area, but it is so sore and cracking. I hope I haven't permanently done damage. Thanks for any info.
Hi. I'm into my 11th day using Efudex and seeing more spots appear every day. I'm taking pictures and documenting my process daily so I can see results. PLEASE - can anyone tell me about experience with severe red skin around the mouth. I feel like I've burned a permanent fu manchu around my mouth (not attractive since I'm a female). I have quit putting the Efudex in this area, but it is so sore and cracking. I hope I haven't permanently done damage. Thanks for any info.
PLEASE - can anyone tell me about experience with severe red skin around the mouth. I feel like I've burned a permanent fu manchu around my mouth (not attractive since I'm a female). I have quit putting the Efudex in this area, but it is so sore and cracking. I hope I haven't permanently done damage. Thanks for any info.
tmilliner, that is, unfortunately, normal. Please check with your Doctor because the severe red skin is evidence that the efudex is "killing" off bad cells. I would not stop treatment without a Doctors okay. If you skip a day, you'll probably have to add it on at the end. It's not particularly attractive on either sex, but if its red, it means theres a need for the cream to be put there. If you haven't already, please look into getting some Aquaphor (by Eucerin). It's greasy, but it really helps with the pain of cracked skin and loosens things up.
tmilliner - I'm on Day 21. That happened to me too. In fact, that is the hardest hit area on my face. Whether male or female, it's not particularly attractive. Definitely use the Aquaphor because it allows you to move your mouth without so much cracking.
Right now I'm battling a spot that got too close to my eye. I have to be more careful about not touching my face after I've applied the cream. Seems to me that everything itches more after the cream has been on for about an hour and I start scratching and touching my face. I don't want to start this process close to my eye.
Does anyone know how long the skin is photo sensitive after cream application course ends? A week? I mean, I WILL wear my sunscreen, but wondering when it's safe to go out into daylight? Thanks!
Thanks. I'll try the Aquaphor. I've tried vaseline and CeraVe and still having a hard time talking and eating because the skin keeps hardening again.
quote:Originally posted by 3coolcats
tmilliner - I'm on Day 21. That happened to me too. In fact, that is the hardest hit area on my face. Whether male or female, it's not particularly attractive. Definitely use the Aquaphor because it allows you to move your mouth without so much cracking.
Right now I'm battling a spot that got too close to my eye. I have to be more careful about not touching my face after I've applied the cream. Seems to me that everything itches more after the cream has been on for about an hour and I start scratching and touching my face. I don't want to start this process close to my eye.
I'm on day 19 today. I don't know if I can take another week of applying this stuff twice a day. My skin is raw and the pain in my forehead is unbelievable. Aquaphor helps, but you have to endure 2 hours of not having it on before you can apply it.
I finally found some Aquaphor here in Toronto (at Shoppers Drug Mart and apparently London Drugs in Canada also carries it.
My dermo told me to do 30 days on my forehead. But he also said that when I get blistering that I should quit - not necessarily wait until day 30. I've been doing Aquaphor and Tylenol but it's just not helping that much. I'm miserable and want to quit.
Getting an appointment with a dermatologist is almost impossible here. You either get one that tries to sell Botox or other treatments, or someone who is never available (like my guy) He only said he wanted to see me about 2 months after I finished treatment (Feb)
Any suggestions or hints on how to get through the next week to ten days?
The Aquaphor has helped a great deal. The doctor's office said I should try CeraVe, but I found it to not relieve the pain or tightness and the itching became unbearable. I had to wash it off immediately. I'm on my 3rd day of healing after two weeks of treatment. The worst patches of dried skin have sloughed off in the shower. Just thin layers of dried skin are still peeling and flaking. I have some itching, but not too bad.
I really feel for you and others having to go beyond two weeks. I got the cream too close to my eyes and although I've never had botox, I felt the soreness and pain and they became so stiff.
Take care. I will be watching for your updates.
quote:Originally posted by 3coolcats
tmilliner - I'm on Day 21. That happened to me too. In fact, that is the hardest hit area on my face. Whether male or female, it's not particularly attractive. Definitely use the Aquaphor because it allows you to move your mouth without so much cracking.
Right now I'm battling a spot that got too close to my eye. I have to be more careful about not touching my face after I've applied the cream. Seems to me that everything itches more after the cream has been on for about an hour and I start scratching and touching my face. I don't want to start this process close to my eye.
6 year melanoma survivor. Dr prescribed Fluorouracil for 2x's a day for 2 wks on my face. Same story everytime I went to the Dermo constant freezing off "bad" areas it was just getting to be too much and not always getting the whole area. So my new Dr said to do this. I'm on day 15, my first day w/o the cream. So far either I have a high tolerance for pain or I'm a very mild case but I haven't experienced real pain or sleepless nights. I'm uncomfortable and it's a pain in the rear but that is about it.
What I have felt is, since the first application, a tingle then I gradually started to feel a sunburn type pain that today is feeling it's worst and starting to burn like a bad sunburn. I also started to feel a mild itch, which sometimes feels like a hair on my face and sometimes like ants crawling under my skin. I never touched my face with the cream on and used a soft dry washcloth to tap my face and stop the itch. For me it isn't a scratch itch but touching it seems to stop it.
The first week my face pretty much stayed the same but you can't wear make up so it's strange walking around plain. I did get a sore on my right eyebrow that we knew was a bad area because that is where I didn't want a "white spot" on my eyebrow. Started to get a few little other sores but not many. The sores seem to be under my skin. And my face is puffy/swollen but not much.
The second week I was showing more signs of redness, sores, tiny under the skin red sores. By days 12-14 I was showing more hot areas manly at the sides of my nostrils, between my eyes and chin. My checks seem to be OK at the moment.
I went out in public today wearing a hat because life makes me.I'm amazed at how many people out there know about this treatment and understand it. I feel proud that I can at 55 get rid of the damage I did as a kid in the 60's and 70's and seeing how dark a tan I could get... the darker the better. Baby Oil, iodine, Hershey's Cocoa Butter, Coppertone Tanning Lotion, and more. If you can take care of the problem, you should. I haven't heard one bad remark from anything I've read and I've read just about everything I could Google. Precautionary, no matter how your treatment goes, is always better than the end result. Why not fix something we knew nothing about years ago. I'm so glad I am. I'll let you know how it goes in the days to come! Kick Cancer One Cell at a Time!!! If you can see the pic (tried to load) this was after the last application on my 14th day.
Hello there. New to the forum. I did Efudex three years ago and hated it. But of course survived it and though the results were so much better than liq nitrogen. Partial face and chest. Became a supporter of this treatment encouraging others to go for it. The results are always worth the discomfort, social and physical. Just finished another 21 days on my lower lip. Four days later I am having problems with scabs. The scabs break and bleed so easily with eating, teeth cleaning, even talking! etc etc. Plus, I always have been a picker, a toucher - hate loose skin and scabs on my lips. So, this time I was looking to see if there was anything I could buy in my area of the world (France) to put on the lips. I'll head for lanolin oil, as a pharma friend advised. Just got to keep those scabs on the lips! It is not too bad. Enclosing a photo. This was taken before the cracking and bleeding. Also found that eating out of a dessert spoon (at home) was easier as less wet food touches the lip and you don't have to open so wide. All a bit basic but as this forum is about help, I'm putting in my cents-worth. If in doubt about this treatment, "Just do it!"
I have just been told I have to do efudex treatment on my face and chest. Trying to decide whether to my face in sections or go the whole hog and do it all at once. I'm afraid I'll start and then not finish. I work with the public so I'm concerned that burn victim chic not the greatest look. I know I have to, AK, BCC,SCC already, and I want avoid mohs. Any advice on how I should do it? Thanks!
Well hello another person from Florida. I haven't done my time with the efudex yet.. but I know I have to. I was told not to do it when its hot out - and since we are going in to the summer I would say wait till later this year. The heat apparently makes you suffer more plus the sun is stronger. What part of Florida are you in? Im in Port St Lucie just above West Palm Beach.
Floridagirl, this is just my 2 cents, but consult your Dr. to see if you can put it off until the heat of summer is over. Or if you can do a modified schedule of twice a day for 2 or 3 days a week for several months instead of the usual 2 times a day everyday for 3 weeks to a month. Or perhaps another treatment?
If not, bite the bullet, do it and stay out of the heat as much as possible. For me, the last week was the worst. As far as how much to do, I would suggest doing your face first, and then your chest. You're right, you may start and not finish if you break your face into sections. If you've had AK, BCC and SCC already you know the score.
I work with the public too, but to heck with them if it makes them feel uncomfortable - this is your life we're talking about. Look at it as an opportunity to educate others. I printed out things like "go ahead - ask.. I know you want to", and "still think suntans look healthy?" on mailing labels and wore them on my shirt/jacket.
Whatever you do, make sure your Doc gives you something for pain and to help you sleep.
Thanks! Live in Atlanta now, so I have decided to wait until December to go ahead with the treatment. Less hot/humid then so I'm thinking it will be easier in the cold. Have to admit scared to do this, and not looking forward to it one bit even though I know I really don't have a choice. Thanks for the advice on painkillers. They did not give me one so I will ask for that. The derm sort of acted like its no big deal. I do wonder if it's worse the more damage there is?
Floridagirl, ask your Dermo if he or she has ever done the treatment themselves. If they act like it's no big deal, I suspect the answer is no, they haven't. If you are putting it off until cooler weather, I'd suggest November. That way, the pain and itching are likely to be less during the xmas holiday period. I did 1 month and weeks 3 and 4 were the worst (and a few days of week 5). I also had tylenol 3's on hand that didn't help too much. I would have killed for a prescription for something to help me sleep as the itching really kicked in around midnight on most nights later on in the treatment.
Disclaimer: The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. While melanoma is the most dangerous type, keep in mind that any cancer and potentially some cancer treatments can cause injury or death. The various views expressed in these public forums should not be considered as medical advice. See your qualified health-care professional for medical attention, advice, diagnosis, and treatments.
Efudex
Posted - 11/21/2011 : 08:31:38
