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bspratt
USA
58 Posts |
 Posted - 10/04/2018 : 17:36:22
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https://www.mdedge.com/edermatologynews/article/109517/actinic-keratosis/adding-calcipotriene-5-fu-dramatically-reduced-aks#
Researching Efudex; considering using after 2 more Mohs surgeries. Besides implementing healthy eating and supplements, I am thinking the Efudex process may prevent more procedures in the future. The article above (you can google several others) outlines using a synthetic form of Vitamin D in combo with Efudex to both shorten the cycle of use and to be much more effective. My doctor told me about this and it looks promising. Anyone have experience with this combo?
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Edited by - bspratt on 01/05/2019 20:50:41 |
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bspratt
USA
58 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2018 : 17:38:48
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| Actually meant to put this under the Efudex thread. Tried to delete but you must have admin priv to do so. Please move for me if you agree thanks - Bill |
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bspratt
USA
58 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2019 : 20:45:11
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Okay, started the 7 day protocol that the doctor gave me after getting the tube of Fluorouracil (Efudex) 5% with the synth Vitamin D mixed in on Christmas day. He said apply twice daily and "push" through to the 7th day. You don't need to gob it on just a thin film. He also said probably would not see anything the first 3 days (didn't) then splotchy red patches along with almost pimple/acne type dots showing up. My pictures run in sequence from the 5th, 6th, 7th x2, 9th, 10th day (yesterday) When you make it to the last day you will be Thankful its over - just days 5,6,7 it gets a little uncomfortable applying. 30 min of slight burning sensation.
After reading several user experiences I think my skin reaction was fairly mild/medium to most. But a good solid reaction just the same. My older brother complained of severe itching; mine has been manageable. The sensation was a bad sunburn (dry and tight) starting on the 8th day and began putting on Silver Sulfadiazine cream 1% 2 or 3 times daily which I had left over from Mohs surgery to heal open wounds. I checked w/doctor first and he agreed. Also used A&D skin ointment a couple of times (good) and coconut oil which always feels good on skin.
Timed the whole thing around the holidays so work would be minimally impacted. Only a couple of work days I felt like I stood out but noticed the silver cream would tame the look for maybe 3 hours. The main thing is the relief the cream gave allowed me to focus on work and not even think about it. Skin has been peeling for a couple of days, small pieces and I'm guessing about another 2 or 3 days for most of the peeling to finish. There are all kinds of possible side effects like any drug but I continued to work out in the gym and have not experienced anything other than some itching. Love the idea that this is a preventative treatment that hopefully will reduce the number of cuts my Derm will perform in the new year and beyond. Will be going for a full body check in Feb, not anticipating anything significant very thankful! Blessings - Bill
I also applied to the back of my neck and hands but those places had no reaction. So, if you don't get a reaction you have no pre cancers underneath. I will probably try on some other areas if I see the need - before seeing the doctor. Happy New Year!
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Edited by - bspratt on 01/05/2019 20:47:56 |
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anivoc
668 Posts |
Posted - 01/06/2019 : 11:27:56
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Hey Bruce...I could merge this with the Efudex thread but really I think this is better left as is as it is different, important advance in treatment / using efudex and could get lost in the efudex thread...
Very cool that somehow they came up with this combo and did some studies with it...
There's was a 4 day treatment you went 7 but I've heard of 2 week series with just efudex....I used efudex in the 90's but not properly then one Derm told me there were questions of if it might actually cause future cancers and based on that hearsay info I walked away from using it...In trying to find anything that indicated what that Derm said was accurate I did not find any supporting data...so...
Good on you and I hope it helps! I may try it after I am done with my radiation...Ugh! I have not posted anything in my Anivoc goes to City of Hope thread but when I wrap this part of my crazy journey up I'll detail it there.....
All the best my friend! |
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bspratt
USA
58 Posts |
Posted - 01/06/2019 : 15:21:05
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| Yes, my brother did the 4 day treatment and I saw pics that looked similar to mine only he said the itching was way more intense; not sure if this was the factor or not. I trust my doctor fully - and pushed the 7 days as he recommended. I have also heard of 21 days of just using efudex, thankful for the shorter cycle. Nice to know there does exist a preventative measure (topical) in addition to the common sense measures like avoiding long periods of direct sunlight, hats, clothing - I would add clean eating, antioxidants and keeping the immunity system as strong as possible. Prayers for you that your treatment will end soon and you (we) can focus on preventative measures - Bill |
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Efudex and calcipotriene combo w/pics
