Comments on: Skin Cancer Treatment

By: DONNA JACOB

DONNA JACOB — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:11:42 +0000

Well, back to the drawing board. The cornstarch stopped working right after I posted this. Tried putting some more on, but it didn’t do any good. The burning and itching are starting up again.

By: DONNA JACOB

DONNA JACOB — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:48:17 +0000

I have been using Efudex 5% solution off and on for about 10 years whenever I noticed a suspicious spot. I finally ran out and asked my internist (not the doctor who gave me the original prescription) for a new prescription. She wrote it for the 5% cream instead of the solution, and I got the generic instead of the brand name. I’ve never had any bad reaction to it before and I have used the solution on my face, arms, shoulders, and legs. I used the generic cream on on my chest for about 10 days and then quit several days ago. I don’t know what’s different this time, but my chest has been burning and itching like crazy, and everything I tried to soothe it just made it worse. Even aloe burned. The only thing I had in the house that helped at all was a jar of Eucerin cream, so I’ve been using that and ice packs or wet cloths. I read about the Aquaphor, but I did not want leave the house to buy it because it is so hot and dry here right now that my skin feels like it’s on fire every time I go outside. I could not sleep last night and was miserable all day today, but I just tried the cornstarch that someone mentioned and it works. I look like the Pillsbury Doughboy and it made a mess in the bathroom, but this is the best I’ve felt since I stopped using the Efudex.

By: Jack D.

Jack D. — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:43:55 +0000

I have a question about which soap people use to wash all of the stuff we put on our faces to sooth the skin between Efudex treatments. I was using Ivory soap and then glycerine soap and they all burn like fire after washing and I have to run at breakneck speed to reapply the vaseline base whatever to stop the burning. so, I am wondering what people use to minimize that horrendous burning associated with washing your face. Thanks! Jack

By: Jack D.d

Jack D.d — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:00:23 +0000

I have just awoken in the middle of the night with the burnign keeping me from sleeping after applying Efudex. I started almost three weeks ago and was using it twice a day for almost two weeks and then only at night for the past 5 days. I had to get up and wash it off. After reading about the 14 day treatment, I have already surpassed that point and I am going to stop. I have been using 1% hydracortisone for over a week after I wash off the Efudex and also again during the afternoon and evening. I have tired to different types, one which is a cream base and another whicch is a petroleum base and the petroleum base one works much better at loosening the skin and making it a little more possible to eat and talk. I am grateful for this blog, as I have just found it in a desperation move to know what to do. It has been hell and I am a baby, I know, but I think three weeks is enough for me at this time. I have very thin skin and the doctor agreed that I should have used it only once a day and also that I should have done it on just parts of my face at a time instead of the entire face, which was agony. Good luck to all of my fellow sufferers out there! Jack

By: Bill

Bill — Sun, 18 May 2008 02:35:10 +0000

Hi Cindy,

Yes, after the Effudex treatment people actually told me that I looked younger. Now, whether they were feeling sorry for me, or whether they really meant it, I can’t tell.

I don’t really enjoy looking at myself in the mirror, but in photos taken of me after the treatment, I seem to look better. Maybe all the skin cancer was making my skin droop more.

I think you’ll look years younger, and skin cancer free.
—Bill

By: Cindy

Cindy — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:15:37 +0000

Bill, did you notice an improvement in your skin in terms of overall appearance? The reason I ask is that I have acne scars and quite red skin with large pores. I’m onto day 15 of treatment and feel like I’m noticing a difference but wonder if it’s all in my head. Thanks for your great blog.

By: Becky

Becky — Sun, 04 May 2008 16:57:48 +0000

Thanks for the encouragement, Bill. I really need it. Only two more days of this god-awful treatment. I guess I’m going to make it though I had some serious doubts. I was reading back on the posts and saw that many people recommend aquaphor. Can you only begin to use it after you’ve finished the efudex treatment? So many people mentioned it that I think I’m going to see if it’s available in the pharmacies here.

By: Lynn D

Lynn D — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:35:08 +0000

I am noticing that there seem to be different treatment lengths with Effudex. Most at twice a day applications for a minimum of 2 weeks or longer. Some people apply twice daily 2 days a week for a specified time. I’m curious to know how good the results are with the twice a day/2days a week program. I’ve done the more typical treatment and it is something I’d rather not have to go through again!

Any input or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

By: Bill

Bill — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:44:21 +0000

Hi Becky,

So you have six more days of hell to endure.

After that, miraculous things will begin happening to your face. It will begin to heal, and heal really fast. Your wrinkles will be gone. Your skin will be smooth and you’ll look years younger, and you’ll almost be thinking that the entire Effudex-40 treatment was worth the pain and suffering.

You’ll look beautiful for your dance presentation. The world will be a happy place, and, best of all, your face will be skin cancer-free!

Now buck up and enjoy the misery of these last few days.
—Bill

By: Becky

Becky — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:09:15 +0000

I was so happy to find this information on efudix. I am 52 and grew up in the Panama Canal Zone beneath a (vicious) tropical sun….lifeguarding, sailing, water skiing, horseback riding, going to the beach. I now live in tropical Costa Rica. My dermatologist prescribed 21 days of efudix to my entire face and on day 15 I am in hell The first few mornings when I checked my face out in the mirror I was pleased to see what little damage I had….just a red spot here and there. Now my entire face is red/purple/crusted/oozing and I still have six more days to go. It takes me 30 minutes to scrape together enough courage to put more efudix on top of this mess every evening. I am a Montessori teacher and I explained to the kids that this is what your face looks like if you don’t use sunscreen. All of them come to school every morning lathered in the stuff now!!

Now a question. After 21 days, my dermatologist wants me to wait a week and then go in to see her. Today is April 30th. On the 21st of May I am supposed to dance in a presentation. Will I be able to dance or should I just cancel now????
Becky