Author |
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andrewecd
5 Posts |
Posted - 03/21/2013 : 02:35:16
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I am 49 male and on day 18. I was prescribed 14 days for face and had scabs etc falling off, but had some Efudex left so went for 17 days till tube empty. Must be mad, I know! Tightens up a lot after you stop and now crazy itching, burning etc. Nose and cheeks are cracked and on fire. I couldn't get any appointment as had concerns on day 14. Doctor was "too busy" (nice to hear that as a patient) so eventually spoke to her on the phone. She did say some people need to extend treatment, others considerably less, depends on many factors....Ok, so wouldn't it make sense to schedule another appointment at 10 or 14 days to check on my progress!!! She also said overuse of Efudex can damage our skin that is trying to heal if used too long. The 3 extra days I did would not be a problem, though. My only advice would be to make a few appointments before you start so the Derm can assess your situation/progress etc. They were always too busy once I had started! Wonder what the next week will bring..? |
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deruo
21 Posts |
Posted - 03/21/2013 : 10:04:35
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Andrewecd, I suspect you'll have a couple of days of tightening and peeling as the stuff continues to work for a period of time after you've stopped using it. Not to worry, I think a week from now you'll be much less red and the cracking and itching will resolve quite quickly. After a week I had a lovely red glow that was still pretty bad (who's kidding who!) but it was a GREAT deal better.
Good advice about pre-booking appointments. |
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andrewecd
5 Posts |
Posted - 03/21/2013 : 16:20:19
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Thanks Deruo. Yes, still tightening. Was peeling before i stopped the cream, but more bits still to come I imagine. The tightness and stinging make my eyes water a lot. I would make a great Halloween zombie. |
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andrewecd
5 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2013 : 08:21:20
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Still summer-ish in Sydney and always seem to have the sun in my face when driving to work and on the way home. I think the sun is playing games with my solar nuked face? If I have to do it again it will be in winter. Itching and soreness is better than yesterday. Still shedding skin and now waiting for cheeks to explode..!! Iam on day 20 now and 3 days off Efudex Anyone else currently Efudexing? |
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dolfan
39 Posts |
Posted - 03/23/2013 : 07:09:57
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My chest is completely healed, but does not look any different than before I used it. I'm not sold on efudex as a cure, but more as a wake up call as to what my future holds for me. It is going to take 10 tubes to treat all of my areas. LOL |
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DannyB
1 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2013 : 17:20:00
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I used efudex as prescribed for a month and never got a reaction. |
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andrewecd
5 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2013 : 17:32:51
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Danny, from what I understand that is good as you have no abnormal cells to react? |
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JackRussell
18 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2013 : 07:58:20
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Danny - I would be highly suspect if no reaction whatsoever was seen after one month. Either the product was defective or it wasn't being applied properly. It has to be applied twice a day to clean dry skin. For an area the size of the face you will use a tube in not much more than 2 weeks. You cannot apply anything to the face for at least 2 hours after applying it. It is vertually impossible not to get a reaction after 30 days. Inevitably, over that amount of time, the Effudex would effect some normal cells. Effudex is carpet bombing and some good cells get called up in the campaigne. |
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Sutiro
5 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2013 : 18:52:27
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I'd like to do one more post to sum up my experience. It may provide some feedback for those considering the treatment. I completed a 21 day, two applications per day regime on my forehead in February. Fourteen days later a two square inch scab peeled off leaving a smooth pink patch of skin. This patch is still evident three months later. I then commenced another regime on a larger area on the top of my head with the efudix cream I had left. I had enough for two applications per day for ten days and then once per day for three days more, then let it heal. The skin reacted within two days with lots of neon lights appearing. The whole process was completed in three weeks and the result was excellent. Ten sunspots were completely removed, no blemishes and the skin left smooth. I'm of the opinion that for me the 21day, twice a day regime was overkill and it burnt the skin more than was necessary. I am an obvious fan of efudix and am pleased to be able to have control of the condition into the future. I hope this has been of help to someone and thank you to those who provided me with feedback when I needed it.
Cheers |
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Snitz
1 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2013 : 16:24:01
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Here in the UK, they don't tell you anything about what the treatment is going to be like. You get given a leaflet that shows the stages of the treatment, red skin, peeling etc, but no mention of the pain.
I did the treatment for 4 weeks and after day two, it started to burn. By day 7, I was in agony. I didn't bother with painkillers or cream to try and cool my skin down. I just persevered. I would look at the leaflet, showing the guy on week 3, with a smile and I would think.."Wait till I get hold of you, you lyin barsteward!"
After the 4 weeks were up, I looked like an extra out of 'Burning Inferno'
Local schools asked me to come do a talk on the 'Dangers of Masturbation'!
The local Red Cross group asked if I would come along on a Monday evening so their volunteers could practise on a burn victim!
When the the traffic lights up the road blew a fuse, the council asked if I would stand in as a STOP sign!
Two weeks later though and the skin sloughed off and I was left with skin that hadn't been that soft since I was in nappies.
It didn't get rid of it all though. I still get a few spots back on my nose and head.
Would I use it again?
Yes, it is still better than having lumps cut out of you..
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anivoc
668 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2013 : 21:55:21
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Snitz...funny stuff for a not so funny journey...
Cool that you can joke about it now..
Glad you healed up and thanks for sharing your experience
Tom |
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deruo
21 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2013 : 22:51:16
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quote: Originally posted by Snitz
Here in the UK, they don't tell you anything about what the treatment is going to be like. You get given a leaflet that shows the stages of the treatment, red skin, peeling etc, but no mention of the pain.
This seems to be fairly common in other countries too, Snitz. My Dr. told me I "may experience a little bit of reddening". An understatement if ever I heard one. I didn't even find out it was a topical chemotherapy drug until I got odd looks from the Pharmacist and decided to Google what it was I had just purchased, while in the parking lot sitting in the car.
Drs. need to realize that some patients want to know what to expect, especially when we start looking like napalm burn victims and can't get in to see the Dr. We'd like to know as much as we can beforehand. |
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FionaKirk
4 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2013 : 00:34:22
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Hi, I'm hoping there are still people on this forum.
I started my Efudix treatment 6 days ago. I was never told by my Cancer Specialist of the degree of this treatment nor that it was Chemotherapy. So to eliminate time off work I combined having my 4 wisdom teeth extracted on Monday (today is Saturday), I also started Efudix Monday night. I ended up with an infection in one extraction and an ear ache, so have been taking Codeine and amoxicillin. I am wondering if these medications would have stopped the Efudix working correctly as I have had very little reaction at all. Glad for no reaction as I read more and more about it, but also want my BCC's to go already having a 5cm tumor removed from my peck area. I am treating me whole face due to 4 BCC and several precancerous areas. Appreciate any help.
Fi |
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deruo
21 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2013 : 06:48:24
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FionaKirk, I seriously doubt that codeine and amoxicillin would have any effect on the Efudex/Efudix reaction. (In fact, the codeine may be handy to have in a few weeks! ;-) I seem to recall that it was about a week to 9 days before I started seeing any real reaction after applying 2x per day. You didn't mention but how many times per day are you applying and for how many weeks? |
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FionaKirk
4 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2013 : 11:19:10
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Thank you so much Deruo for your reply. It's so nice to know someone who has been there and is willing to be around and still answer questions. I wish you were sitting here with me holding my hand as I am quite scared about the whole thing. I will advise everyone not to have teeth extracted the same week you start this, but I guess I wouldn't have done that should I have known the full extent of what Efudix is. I will make sure I keep those codiene on hand then for a few weeks time. Thank you again from Canberra AU |
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deruo
21 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2013 : 18:48:23
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How are you doing FionaKirk? |
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FionaKirk
4 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2013 : 21:32:40
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Good Afternoon, I think I will call you my hero! You did 30 days? I am at day 11 and very red itchy and sore and can't believe I have 10 days to go. I am thankfully not at work but will be Monday week because my boss is a grump and time off always puts him out. Funny I am at a loss for words, not usual for me - I think being quiet in my mind helps....
Fiona x
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Cheeno
4 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2013 : 06:33:35
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I have used Efudex several times but recently my doctor prescribed a new treatment - Picato. It effectively does in 3 days what Efudex does in 2 weeks. It can only be used on small areas at a time and is pretty new - I think developed in Australia but has been available in USA for several months; available in Australia only for a few months. I am very happy with the results and was only out of action for a week as opposed to several weeks with Efudex |
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deruo
21 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2013 : 10:31:54
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Picato sounds very interesting Cheeno. If you hadn't mentioned it here I never would have spent an hour reading about it this am instead of working! ;-) I'd jump at the chance to do in 3 days what took 21-30 with Efudex. It would seem to be a walk in the park comparibly speaking. I have a followup with my Dr in November for my 6 month check-up so maybe I'll ask her about it.
Fiona, I think anyone that has done a treatment of Efudex is a hero. Believe me there were days where I was ready to give up, especially towards the end. I skipped a treatment and then felt guilty and worried whether skipping that one would mean having to do it all over again. That inspired me to continue. Now that it's a distant memory, I'd only hesitate a little to do it again. |
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Nutty
1 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2013 : 02:38:13
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I have almost finished 4 weeks x twice a day of Efudix treatment.3 days to go! Reading everyone's comments has really helped, I was told very little about the treatment except that the skin had to get very red and sore for the cream to work. I only had a few patches, but the cream has picked up lots of places that I didn't realise I had. I have had to carry on working - I teach, but the kids have been very good, although I haven't given them all the details. My face is very sore now, but I'm looking forward to Wednesday when I can stop. Can anyone suggest some cream to help the recovering process? How long should my skin take to get back to normal? Thanks to everyone who has posted their experiences, it has really helped. |
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deruo
21 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2013 : 11:25:10
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quote: Originally posted by Nutty
Can anyone suggest some cream to help the recovering process? How long should my skin take to get back to normal?
Nutty, I found that anything cream-based hurt too much for the first few days after treatment ended. I only used a product called Aquaphor (which is much like Vaseline or petroleum jelly) for a few days to relieve the tightness. After that, I applied nothing except sunscreen (if I was going outside). You will probably find that the first few days after treatment ends to be the worst as the Efudex continues to do its stuff. Then, the intense redness, flaking and pain subsides quite quickly. You'll probably be amazed at what a difference a week makes. Mind you you'll probably be various shades of pink for several months, and I found that the patchy pink patches would intensify after washing or applying sunscreen/moisturizer to my face, for about an hour or so. I think it was about 4 months before I think my skin was back to normal. Most of my friends thought it was back to normal well before that.
As far as cream to help the recovery process, I don't think that is necessary, though your Dr. may have other ideas, depending how raw and oozing you are by day 30.
Hang in there, those last few days are difficult! |
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jamesd
7 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2013 : 11:56:02
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after cancer is dead try a poltice of flaxseed meal mixed with hotwater to form a paste cover with steril dressing wash and change daily cancer will fall out when ready 7 to 10 days we use a mixture of 10 drops iodine, 10 drops carbolic acid, one quarter teaspoon copper sulfate ground super fine to 3.5 ounce jar vaseline. hardley ever leaves a scar, be careful, getting hard to find good iodine, carbolic acid the best antiseptic ever, almost impossible |
Edited by - jamesd on 07/14/2013 12:01:54 |
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FionaKirk
4 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2013 : 00:03:08
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Good Afternoon to fellow Efudix survivors :)). I am now at day 15 it seems forever ago that I started and forever to go to get to day 21. I have thank goodness not turned red to 100% of my face but a good 85%. It is truly amazing to see the size of cancer in my face and the depth it seems to be. I had a fantastic response fairly quickly to the large areas of cancer but only in the last 3 days many smaller ones so maybe they were deeper, I'm not sure? But I do have another appointment at the Cancer Clinique in two days to see if they are going to extent treatment another week... I sooooo hope not! In way of relief the Doctor at the Cancer Clinique told me to wash my face with QV it is a cream and cleanser but has no chemicals perfumes etc. it is an incredible relief does stings a tad at first but gives a little relief before having to apply efudix again. They said to use QV cream once I finish too to help with putting moisture back into the skin as it heals. She also said no matter how tempting it is do not rub or peel skin off, do not rub under water to get it off just let it fall off naturally and you will have less burning and tenderness. Anyway that's just some of my experience.
Oh and a big thank you to Deruo who has been a wonderful help through all of this xoxo |
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andrewecd
5 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2013 : 19:38:05
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Fiona. Not long to go, good luck. It is well worth the journey in the end. You will get many comments on how great your skin looks when all over. I was told to use the QV cream also. It worked very well. I continue to use it after shaving. |
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drboyd
1 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2013 : 00:33:54
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Sorry to jump in at the tail end (or maybe not) of this thread, but I just finished my last day of efudex (21 days times 1/day) this morning. I plan to tell the doctor that it will be quicker, easier, and less painful to do this next time with a welding torch.
My face looks roughly like I was dragged behind a cattle truck by my heels - and to make it worse, I've been in a large meeting for two days now (one more day to go) and I'm wearing a baseball cap pulled low over my bright red forehead - so I don't scare the nice people. And of course, the cap just makes my forehead itch all the more.
Tomorrow morning, I plan to start with some antibiotic ointment and cortisone - hopefully my life will start to be ever-so-slightly less wretched as time passes.
Eeeewwwrf! That's what I say about efudex!
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Matt
1 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2013 : 02:15:37
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quote: Originally posted by Cheeno
I have used Efudex several times but recently my doctor prescribed a new treatment - Picato. It effectively does in 3 days what Efudex does in 2 weeks. It can only be used on small areas at a time and is pretty new - I think developed in Australia but has been available in USA for several months; available in Australia only for a few months. I am very happy with the results and was only out of action for a week as opposed to several weeks with Efudex
G'day Cheeno,
I have been given the same advise by my Dermatologist as you did in regards to Efudix for treating AK on my forehead, a nine week program of applying it twice a day on Saturday and Sunday only. I think my dermatologist believed I worked a 5 day week when I actually do 21 days on 7 days off!. How did this regime work for you?, did it successfully clear the AK, BCC's?. How bad did your skin flare up?. Sorry for the questions, it's just I'm about to start my 21 day swing in the middle of nowhere and would like to know what to expect. My Derm said very little, didn't say anything about it being a chemo drug and just said I'd get a smaller reaction this way, nothing about how much smaller mind you!. I've noticed your now going down the Picato route, I am tempted to look into this because I have been advised it is quicker and just as effective..
Matt
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Cheeno
4 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2013 : 08:06:03
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I didn't get as strong a reaction to the twice a week over several weeks Efudex treatment as I had hoped for. That's why my doctor tried Picato - I had a very good reaction to Picato and it was much quicker - very red and scabby for 4 - 5 days then cleared up very quickly. It is only for use on a small area at a time. With the extended Efudex treatment I didn't really flare up badly at all - just some mild redness and at no time did I feel that I couldn't be seen in public. I found it tedious to continue for the extended time - 10 - 12 weeks |
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zengrrl
1 Posts |
Posted - 09/27/2013 : 00:44:00
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Hello All - in whatever time era you read this,
Thanks for this great forum of users, where we can learn so much more than from our practitioners! I'm Day 8 of 14 days 2x/d for Actinic Keratosis on my nose & a spot on my wrist. While I have 4 small bright red open spots + a reddened background matrix over the rest of my nose, I'm not having pain, only discomfort so far. The derm MD had recently excised a patch on my nose as a containment + biopsy tho, so that part of my nose was brand new skin anyway. It seems like the pain reaction may be related to severity of the skin problem & the amount of surface area involved. Some people here had to treat a lot more area than I'm doing.
In the previous 20 yrs of AK treatment with other derm MDs, my nose was "treated" with Vaseline, retinol, cut, frozen & most recently (before fu5) was Aldara, which made me grow a few "horns" as it reacted with hidden spots. The removals gave about 1-1.5 yrs clean & the Aldara gave me 2+ yrs the first x, but only about 6 mos the second x. So I chose fu5 out of the 3 options the current derm MD gave me - hoping that the bio-chemical approach seemed at least more effective than just removal & I hadn't tried fu5 yet.
Many strong spirits on the site & generous to spend time helping others going through this journey. The variability in regimes is confusing - hopefully rationally related to the specific Needs of the individual situation, but the MDs are not doing enough education with their patients to explain about the spectrum or regime. This site is so helpful to fill in that deficit! |
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craigeppelstun
1 Posts |
Posted - 09/28/2013 : 21:32:19
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I am 44 fair skinned australian builder male and have sun damaged skin. I am on day 6 and of effedex and at this moment have no effects from the ointment |
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Deb333
1 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2013 : 21:42:03
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Can anyone tell me what I can use for pain when I start efudex cream for my lips? |
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Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2014 : 11:46:39
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Starting 14 day treatment 2X a day this coming Monday. After researching effects I'm quite concerned. My treatment of Efudex will be on bridge of nose and cheeks. The Dr. said to use Aquafor to ease discomfort. Anyone know if it's ok to use during treatment? |
Edited by - Jans109 on 01/02/2014 12:38:59 |
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deruo
21 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2014 : 21:07:40
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Jans109, Yes, it is okay to use during treatment, but you should wait at least 2 or 3 hours after applying the Efudex before putting the Aquaphor on. If you read through all the pages here, you'll get a difference of opinion on it's usage, but I don't think I started using it until week 3. You may not need to use it at all if you're only doing a 14 day treatment. If memory serves, I don't think I saw much of a reaction at all until day 7 or 8.
It really helped loosen up the tightness on my face (I did my entire face and scalp at once), during my 4th week of treatment, and the first few days after treatment finished. The important thing is to not apply it right away as you want the Efudex to sink into the skin to do its thing before applying anything on top of it that may reduce it's effectiveness. Don't put on too much as it can be difficult to wash off later, and your skin will be tender, so you don't want to wash it that vigorously.
Good luck with your treatment! |
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JackRussell
18 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2014 : 06:53:21
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....also Jans109, I found that patting a little cold water on my face throughout the day offered some relief. Your treatment though, will be as much psychological as physical. Pace yourself. In the end, I found it a healthy exercise in learning to appreciate what some other people have to live with as a permanent condition and to appreciate that I am fortunate. (PS - I had a little flaky skin on the bridge that Effudex cleared up. But now almost 7 years after it has returned. I wish I did 6 instead of 4&1/2 weeks.) |
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Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2014 : 10:48:23
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deruo, Thanks for the reply! I'm so nervous about starting this treatment, but know I have no choice. I am so fortunate in only being prescribed the 14 day treatment, I hope! I would hate to have to start it all over again. I hope you are right and I won't need the Aquafor at all, but I am sceptical there. I'll keep you posted after I begin treatment. Again, thanks! |
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Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2014 : 10:53:38
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JackRussell, Thanks for the reply and advice. I will use your suggestion of patting water on my face. I've also read about cold compresses. I agree that this will be as much psychological as physical. I've come to terms with it and now just want it to be done. And you are right, there are so many other people on this forum with much more severe problems. I am thankful for the small areas I have to treat.. I think one of the reasons my derm. only prescribed the 14 day treatment and on the small area is because I am a VERY senior lady! So he probably thinks I'll kick the bucket before I need more! I might fool him though! :) |
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mmj
5 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2014 : 14:42:37
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6 days left I have to work this weekend and I really need to wear foundation............I hope this doesn't mess up the work I have done |
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Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2014 : 05:05:58
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MMJ, I am on day 5 of my 14 day treatment and so far I've had almost no reaction. Just a little redness in some spots. From what I have researched, I would advise against makeup. I know that's difficult, but I personally don't want to risk any problems that may cause. What reactions have you had? I'm staying inside fearing worse reactions from the sun. I am a 76 yr old woman and only treating the bridge of my nose and cheeks areas. I'm "on hold" waiting to discover what's in store from Efudex! |
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mmj
5 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2014 : 03:36:57
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well it showed through anyway after a couple hrs.....so today I will just face it...I work in a nursing home and don't want my residents to be upset for me,,,,,,when I first started I thought boy there isn't much here....BUT it it really worked in the middle of my face from forehead to chin and on my chest my Dr said to put on the bridge of my nose ...his nurse said do the whole face as it will not hurt good cells.....glad I did all at once..............I have been a sun lover all my life and I am now 67.....and still go to MX will just use sunscreen here on out
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mmj
5 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2014 : 03:40:03
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also don't stop ....you have to make it up on the end....I am doing 21 days...done next wed.....it burns some and itches but I am told the end results are worth it.....get rid of those nasty cells |
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dipendy
3 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2014 : 08:18:13
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Hello everyone. I have recently been prescribed efudex cream. I am concerned about using this on arms face chest and neck around my three ur old grand daughter. Does anyone know if it is safe to have on me with her around. Dr says ok as long as its dry but what if I sweat or she licks me (she likes to pretend she's a dog lol) any help would be appreciated. |
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anivoc
668 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2014 : 09:34:27
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quote: Originally posted by dipendy
Hello everyone. I have recently been prescribed efudex cream. I am concerned about using this on arms face chest and neck around my three ur old grand daughter. Does anyone know if it is safe to have on me with her around. Dr says ok as long as its dry but what if I sweat or she licks me (she likes to pretend she's a dog lol) any help would be appreciated.
Hi Dipendy...I moved this into the Efudex forum...
Efudex is VERY powerful stuff with lots of side effects on adults. I would be VERY careful around a child with it... I recommend you going back to your doctor and reminding him that you have a 3 year old...get his recomendation...and also his opinion ( if he has one) on picato gel.
Picato Gel is a new FDA approved cream that is very effective without near the toxicity of Efudex...
Good luck |
Edited by - anivoc on 01/11/2014 09:35:54 |
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Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2014 : 11:08:13
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dipendy, I believe you are correct in being concerned about a 3 yr old around this stuff. I am only treating my nose and cheek areas and am concerned about touching after applying (before it's dry)and somehow getting it in my eyes or nostrils. I have rhinitis and have a constant runny nose. This is toxic stuff and pretty scary! I am on day 6 and still waiting for reactions. But you're having heavy duty treatment. Good luck!! I hope it all goes well with you. Keep us all informed! |
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dipendy
3 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2014 : 04:44:46
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Thank you both for the info. That was the first question I asked my Dr. Is about it being around my grandchild and he said ily would b safe as long as its dry. I wasn't convinced as u said since its so rough on adults. I'm so appreciative for the responses. Best of luck for you all. |
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Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2014 : 06:59:56
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On my 8th day of treatment and have some red spots now although not much discomfort yet. My main treatment is on my nose. Having rhinitis I use a lot of Kleenex. A couple times I have inadvertently wiped some medication off before it's completely dry. Can someone tell me if I should reapply or not?
Having a hard time trying to figure how to "post" rather than "reply". Duh |
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Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2014 : 04:43:11
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Finished 14 day of 2x a day treatment yesterday. Now I wait to see what happens next. Very little discomfort so far. Have spots on bridge of nose and one cheek. No visible reaction on other cheek so far. I feel so fortunate in comparison to others here on this forum, but will continue to report back for those that are receiving the 14 day treatment. Over and out. |
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