Skin Cancer Treatment
I’m finally through the Efudex-40 treatment for skin cancer. And I can describe the experience as being similar to rubbing battery acid on your face twice a day. It just burns and burns and burns. Then after two weeks of this seriously masochistic procedure, you stop applying it . My face was looking a lot like a pepperoni pizza from the reaction. UGLY! So large I would wear Elton John sized sunglasses to go to the grocery store. Ugly, but worth it to be skin cancer free.
Then pieces of skin started coming off. Small ones at first. Then larger, dark ones. All the strange unusual growths on my face became pieces of skin on my pillow in the morning.
A week of this and I’m starting to look halfway normal. Strange women haven’t yet come up to me to rub my face and coo “There’s something about an Efudex-40 man”. But all those little dark spots on my cheekbones and those little growths above my eyes are gone. And I’m feeling better—less cancer prone. Most of all, I’m slathering SPF 40 sun block on my face every morning as I’ve seen what 50-something years under a hot sun can do.
I’d advise all of you to do the same. The sun may feel like your friend, but he leaves parasites in your skin that can multiply and tenacle like an alien being. Cancer isn’t good, it can eat you alive. Skin cancer isn’t much better. Get a check up today. Don’t delay.
October 7th, 2005 at 9:50 pm
I am also doing the efudex-40 treatment. My face is flush with dark reddish-purple blotches. Do these just go away as the bad cells are destroyed or will the eventually scab up and fall off. Also, did you put on any ointment or other product to help your face heal after your 2 weeks of efudex applications was over. Thank you for your insight here’s wishing us both a cancer free complexion.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:38 pm
Hi Chris,
When I was in the middle or towards the end of the Efudex-40 treatment, it seemed like my face closely resembled a pepperoni pizza. I looked horrible. Large black marks pocked my face and the rest was red and pocked—like I had stared into an atomic bomb explosion from 5 miles away.
But once you stop applying the cream, skin starts shedding on your pillow for about seven days. You have to resist the urge to pick at the dying skin even though it’s hanging off your face like a piece of bacon. For me, most came off in the shower when I washed my face.
Now, a whole 10 days later people say I look 10 years younger. (Maybe they’re just trying to make me feel better.) All the dark spots that were on my face before the treatment are now gone and it is smooth as a baby’s butt. My wife even says that the wrinkles have dissapeared.
I haven’t been back to the skin doctor yet for another biopsy for the original skin cancer, but I’ve been applying “Olay Complete” since it is an all day moisture lotion with a sun block and vitamins. I’ll get the skin doc’s input on this and post it in a few days for you if you’re interested.
October 9th, 2005 at 6:35 am
Please pass along whatever info you can. I was pleased to be able to chat with somebody who has experienced the same thing as myself. It has been a very trying last week for me. I’m outgoing by nature but have found myself avoiding everybody. Makes me appreciate my “above average” looks. Thanks again for your help and good luck efudex man.
October 11th, 2005 at 3:24 am
Bill and Chris:
I am 2 weeks into the efudex program with one week to go. I think your comparison to putting battery acid on your face twice a day is, unfortunately, right on the mark. My face is swollen, my eyes are killing me, and I look like I have been beaten up by a gang of thugs. Initially, I thought “Oh no, this must be the allergic reaction.” However, after checking the net, I found out that this is exactly what was suppose to happen. Hum, possibly my doctor could have given me a little better idea of what to expect. Actually, I guess it was better that he didn’t. Best wishes to both of you. I use the Olay lotion with sunblock everyday as well.
October 11th, 2005 at 8:13 am
Hi Chris and Tom,
Yes, my doctor gave me a promotional sheet with the faces of three old guys on it with the “before” “during” and “after” shots. The face that I saw in the mirror during my treatment looked a whole lot worse than any of the promotional faces on the flyer.
Something I neglected to mention: After the 14 days, your skin kinds of cracks, everytime you smile or raise your eyebrows. Then the skin starts it’s process of falling off and eventually all the brown spots fall off or go down the drain of your shower. When I applied the Olay lotion with sunblock it hurt like hell. But it also hurt when the sun shone on that cracked, dried skin. The doc said any sunblock with an SPF rating of 30 or more was fine.
I just went back to the doctor today for another biopsy. More stiches. More big band aids on my head—but hopefully no more skin cancer!
October 18th, 2005 at 5:55 am
Thanks guys for your “headsup”. My situation is a little diferent…Dr. is treating a suspicisous area on my lower lip, an area treated by radiation 30 years ago. I’m just coming up on two weeks of 2 a day applications, big scab on the lip, hurts to open my mouth too far, can’t floss to well on that side, another week to go. What do you think I can expect after that and how long?
Mike
October 18th, 2005 at 7:07 am
Hi Mike,
I’m certainly not a doctor, but if your treatment was for applying Efudex-40 twice a day—it sounds like you have another week of pain to endure. After that it takes about two days for things to feel better. Your burning will be replaces by an urge to scratch at the scabs and dark spots. This is an urge you must resist! Let them come off naturally when the skin beneath is healed. Remember not to apply the Efudex-40 into open lesions.
I’ve also read that taking anti-inflamatory drugs (or even Ibuprofen) can enhance the effect of Efidex-40—as well as make you feel better.
October 20th, 2005 at 6:23 am
Bill,
Thnx a lot. I just got up from reading the disertation on fluorouacil(systemic) on Google and was quite concerned. Then I went on to the “topical” edition and felt better. My situation is somewhat different than the usual skin problems as my lip is involved therfore I can not avoid getting the stuff into my saliva. I do not have any overall feelings of weaknes or local pain so I don’t think I’ll try the Ibuprofen, but thnx anyway.
Mike
October 31st, 2005 at 7:03 pm
I have begun to apply EFUDEX-40 five days ago. At this point there seems to nothing happenning. I’m applying it on my entire bald spot and one spot on my face near my sideburns, nothing is happening except a dry feeling during the time between applications. I did have a cut on my top of my head from a bump, I did apply some onto it, will this become a problem?
Earl
October 31st, 2005 at 9:35 pm
Hi Earl,
Sometimes it may take up to 10 days of applying Efudex-40 twice a day before things begin to happen. You may wake up one morning and see a scary face in the mirror looking back at you, or you may see spots on your face getting progressively darker until they eventually create open sores. The literature tells you to avoid applying effudex-40 directly to open sores. I’d avoid applying it into your cut.
Every skin type reacts to Efudex-40 differently. Some react more violently than others. If you look at the pomotional flyers for Efudex-40 they try and show the reactions on different skin types.
But don’t worry, have faith, soon you will most likely experience the pain and shame of ugliness (at least for a few days). If not, consider yourself extremely lucky. At least you’ll be free of skin cancer.
November 1st, 2005 at 10:08 pm
Dear Chris and others:
My mother took Efudex some years ago and developed Parkinsons disease. There is a concern that there is a connection between the two. Have any of you heard of this?
November 2nd, 2005 at 7:44 am
Hi Bill,
I have just finished my 14th day. Is it okay to put a lotion on my face? My doctor told me to keep applying the Efudex-40 for a whole month. The last couple of days I have put lotion on my face about 8 hours after I apply the Efudex. I just can’t stand it, but do not want to negate the benefits of the Efudex and want to know if this is okay. Is there anything to help with the burning? It sounds like it will hurt for about a week after I stop the applications. Is that about right? It is sure nice to have someone to ask about what to expect. The doctor did not prepare me at all.
Kathy
November 4th, 2005 at 9:41 am
Velll Kathy, (Sounding like my old German Jewish Doctor).
I don’t know if you should apply lotion to your face while applying Effudex-40. I suspect that it probably would be OK —especially if you apply a light lotion such as Olay’s Complete with sunblock once a day—since it would moisturize as well as protect your skin from UV rays. But you would have to apply it at least an hour after applying the Effudex-40 in the morning.
The Effudex-40 has the active ingredient (flourouracil) inside of a cream that you rub on. The cream acts as a “carrier”. The problem is that the cream dries up on your skin right about the time that the side effects of the active ingredient of Effudex-40 kick in, hours later. That’s when your skin dries out.
After you stop with the Effudex-40 treatment you’ll feel better within two days. When you take a shower in the morning most of your dead skin will flake off when you wash. Then you can apply a lotion afterwards—having done your “shedding for the day”.
If you are going to be applying the Effudex-40 for a whole month I really feel bad for you. I’m hoping that your dosage is lighter than the 5% I was applying.
With your prescription there should be a thin sheet of paper insert that explains all the side effects of Effudex-40 and what not to expect.
I hope this helps.
November 8th, 2005 at 4:02 am
MY QUESTION : MY DOCTOR ORDED EFUDEX-40 FOR ME TO USE IT SURE BURNS A LOT . BUT MY QUESTION IS SHOULDN’T MY DOCTOR FIRST SENT A SAMPLE OR SCRAPING TO THE LAB FIRST BEFORE TELLING ME IT WAS SKN CANCER ?? SHE DID NOT HAVE IT TESTED AND I AM WORRIED . I DO LIVE IN THE HIGH DESTERT WHERE THE SUN IS HOT AND I HAVE WORKED IN THE SUN DOING MY YARD WORK .
PLEASE ANSWER MY QUESTION AND WILL THERE BE SCARING AFTER I HAVE USED THE EFUDEX-40 ???
November 8th, 2005 at 9:34 am
Hi Julia,
Yes, it seems as though your doctor should have biopsied the effected area before prescribing Effudex-40. At least to find out which type of skin cancer you have. Was there an area of concern that made your doctor prescribe this treatment? If so, your doctor may want to biopsy the area in question after treatment to make sure that you have the “all clear” and that any cancer is completely cleared up. Otherwise skin cancer can still exist—covered by normal-looking skin cells.
You need to stay out of the sun while using Effudex-40. Wear a hat, sunglasses and long sleeves.
Surprisingly, I found no scarring after Effudex-40 treatment. (I was worried also.) I looked like hell during the treatment. I had ulcerated sores oozing pus and it wasn’t pleasant at all. These all cleared up within days of my finishing the treatment. Think of this Effudex-40 treatment as a temporary trip to hell that will make your life better in the long run.
November 15th, 2005 at 6:58 am
Hello,
I was using the Efudex-40 5% and I went through torture. I only was able to use it for 10 days. I’ve noticed 10 days after I used it I’m developing brown spots all over my face. Is this normal? I never had them prior to treatment and everyday they seem to get worse almost like age spots. Have you heard of this and what can I do about it. I use moisture cream everyday. Thank you
November 15th, 2005 at 9:26 am
Hi Jackie,
Effudex-40 reacts to abnormal cells on your skin. Which is why perfectly normal looking skin cells will start to turn dark, or red, and your face will start to light up like a Christmas tree. You may think your skin is fine, but there may be pre-cancerous conditions lurking beneath your skin.
You really should apply the Effudex-40 for the full 14 days if that’s what your doctor recommended. The last few days really suck, but that’s when Effudex-40 really rids you of adnormal cells.
To answer your question, yes, those brown spots are the abnormal cells that the Effudex-40 is reacting with. It IS normal to have this type of reaction and normally you’ll look worse before those spots start to flake off. I almost took a few days from work to hide my face in the dark. I looked much uglier than usual.
About 1 week after you stop the treatment you’ll really look better. Your skin will be smooth and your friends will say you look 10 years younger. But first you must pay the price.
November 15th, 2005 at 9:39 am
My doctor prescribed Efudex 5% cream for topical use of my whole face for the treatment of actinic keratosis (guessed at the spelling). I have not started treatment yet. Found this web site to get some info from people who have used this product. I see that all of you refer to this as Effudex-40. Is that the same as Effudex 5% cream?
November 15th, 2005 at 9:01 pm
I am on my first day of applying Efdex-40 5%. I have to apply it to my chest for a full month. So far I feel no pain yet. I am kinda scared reading all this. My face is next. My doctor also prescribed a cream to pt on at night and which I started 1 week ago. Kinda reminds you of vaseline. Hope it helps with the pain. How did you stand the pain? By the way I am female.
November 16th, 2005 at 8:40 pm
Hi Martha & Terry,
The Efudex-40, 5% cream is most commonly prescribed for sun damaged skin, and basal cell skin cancer. Common application is twice a day for two weeks. My doctor required me to take it squamous cell skin cancer left over from a biopsy. Another biopsy four weeks later proved that the cancer was gone (whew!). So, despite the pain and the ugliness you’ll endure for two weeks, it’s worth the effort. It really does work, despite feeling like battery acid on your skin. Your face will look ugly after about 10 days, but you’ll start looking really good after 20. When the treatment is over, you’ll look years younger and forget all about the pain and ugliness you endured.
There are lesser strengths for people with sensitive skin. My guess is that they have to apply it for longer periods of time to have the same effect. I seem to remember my 80-year-old mom applying the 2-1/2% strength formula.
Applying the Efudex-40 at night was a little tricky as you have to remember to apply it before you go to bed, but allow enough time for it to soak into your face so it won’t end up on your pillow. It must be hard to apply a vaseline-like cream to your face before bed. Isn’t it greasy? Do you have to put plastic wrap over your pillow or just change the pillow case often?
November 16th, 2005 at 11:09 pm
First, my doctor wanted me to apply efudex to my upper chest. The nurse told me I could not handle treating both my face and chest at the same time. So I started with my upper chest first. She had me apply the greasy cream 2x daily for 7 days before I tried the efudex. (might soften the treatment) I continue to use the cream on my face. It really has helped alot. Before there were a couple of really dry patches which they are not sure might be pre cancer. They are trying to figure out what my be per cancer and what might be patches of dry skin or something else. They think I will have pain and lots of precancer cells on my upper chest. They did three different biopsy sites so far. Those results are not back yet.
November 18th, 2005 at 5:15 am
My doctor has recommended Efudex cream for the treatment of facial actinic keratosis. In searching the web I found that chemical peeling and Photodynamic Therapy were suggested as alternative treatments. In reading up on these two alternatives it appears that they are less painful and require a much shorter treatment time. I am curious to know if you or anyone else have investigated or used either of these treatments.
November 22nd, 2005 at 7:16 pm
Bill – Thanks for all the dialog around Efudex. I’m having a basil cell carcinoma sugically removed next week, followed by a treatment of Efudex on my face. Also, I’ve had a history of actinic keratosis. My question – We’re you able to shave during this period of treatment?
November 23rd, 2005 at 7:37 am
I am on my 8th day of efudex-40 (5%) cream on my arms from the top of my shoulders to my hands. I am miserable! There are literally hundreds of red bumps that burn & itch. I have been wetting cloths in ice water & wrapping around my arms. The inside of my elbow is the worst & I have to keep my arms straight. My chest, upper back and face are very irritated & bumpy, not red but I wonder every day if it will worsen. I was hoping that if the arms went well that I would then do my chest & face, but now I am very doubtful. The results will have to EXCELLENT for me to go through this again. My Dr. has recommended 3 weeks & I am hoping I can make it!
November 23rd, 2005 at 8:15 am
Hi Barbara,
The results will be excellent and you’ll look years younger. For me the peal of ugliness arrived around the 12th day. Keep the faith.
You can do it! Just don’t look in the mirror.
November 23rd, 2005 at 8:20 am
Hi Jon,
Yes I was able to shave—very carefully.
November 25th, 2005 at 7:34 am
HI BILL,
DO YOU KNOW IF IT’S “NORMAL” TO FEEL BAD AND EXTREMELY TIRED DURING THE EFUDEX 40 5% TREATMENT? I HAVE ALL THE LOVELY SKIN REACTIONS, BUT I FEEL REALLY BAD. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS A FORM OF CHEMOTHERAPY ALBEIT TOPICAL. BUT DOES ONE HAVE THE SIDE EFFECTS SIMILAR TO CHEMO? THANKS!
November 25th, 2005 at 11:16 pm
Hi Mona,
I would speak to your doctor if you are feeling extra tired and you feel it is related to the Effudex-40 5% cream. I no longer have the little informational sheet that comes with the perscription. If you do, check the small print for side effects. I don’t remember seeing anything about “feeling fatigue” printed on the sheet (but my memory isn’t the greatest).
I didn’t feel physically bad when applying Effudex-40, but I did want to stay in bed to hide my face. My skin itched and burned. I did take Ibuprofen for the pain. But I did not feel exhausted. I was so busy trying to forget my ugliness that I didn’t have a chance to feel tired.
I would call your doctor, and ask him for an opinion. At least for your own peace of mind.
November 26th, 2005 at 8:42 pm
Day 12 of Efudex-40 treatment for sun damage on my forehead and temples from lots of golf as a kid. Thanksgiving day was day 10 of treatment for me and it was the first day little red spots got really nasty looking to the point that you feel housebound. Afraid people near you will think you are sporting chicken pox or measles. Pretty depressing situation, but only 2 more days till recheck…hang in there, it does hurt, but it beats the alternatives. I was told that the Dr. would give me something to “bring it down” on my next visit. Does anyone know what he might prescribe to do this?
November 26th, 2005 at 9:50 pm
I stopped using the efudex on the 10th day (my Dr prescribed 3 wks). I could not take the pain any more. I was only using it on my arms, but my face & chest had a bad, itchy rash & was swollen. The burn & itch was so constant, never any let up and I had not had more than 3 hrs/night sleep in over 6 days. I was exhausted, constant nervous twitching and truly felt that I was slowly going mad. I called my Dr on the 11th day & told him I could not take it any more. He prescribed OTC benadryl for the itching, suggested that I was having an “adverse reaction” with the rash and suggested that I may could try again with using the efudex only twice/weekly. I told him I would never put this on again. This morning (12th day) I woke up w/my eyes nearly swollen shut and my face more swollen (But I did sleep for almost 6 hours!). As the others have described, my skin is now drying out & itchy.
I would suggest to anyone considering Efudex treament that you corner your Dr very specifically on ALL SIDE EFFECTS. My Dr never once mentioned the pain – he was mainly concerned w/my appearance. He also never suggested any medication for the pain. I think my face & chest rash should have been seen by my Dr immediately and that is my fault. I was trying to be brave & did not recognize the adverse reaction.
I also suggest that a family member be completely knowledgeable about the effects because the tortured person is not capable of objective reasoning & as I did, will not recognize an adverse condition.
I truly admire any person who can stand 3 wks of this.
November 27th, 2005 at 4:28 pm
Thanks, Bill and others, for all of your information and insight! Here is a brief account of my experience: I am a fifty-nine-year-old profoundly bald male who is on his 23rd day of his relationship with Efudex. Before I began, I shaved my fringe of hair to make sure I would treat areas with hidden skin damage. After about seven days, my forehead was “blooming” with bright red and brown splotches. After about ten days, sure enough, some new spots had appeared under my old hair line, so I’m glad I was treating the hidden areas. Your “battery acid” analogy isn’t far from the mark, although I prefer to think of it as a really, really bad sunburn that doesn’t go away soon. The top of my bald pate and the back of my neck required almost three weeks of treatment before reacting. Perhaps that is because those spots of solar (actinic) keratosis are older and crustier. Sun damaged areas on the tops of my ears, nose and arms were late to react too.
My doctor recommended a four-week program and I am determined to complete it in hopes of not having to go through this again in three to five years. The good news is that I looked and felt my worst at about two weeks into the treatment. About a week after spots “bloom” most seem to begin healing and are less sensitive, even though I am still applying Effudex to catch the “late bloomers” in the same areas. My forehead now only has a couple of active spots and I suspect they’ll be gone by the end of the week. I apply my second daily dose just before bedtime and at about two AM each morning skin irritation usually awakens me. I have been able to find relief by gently washing or showering and then applying moisturizer. I apply the lotion to small areas at a time because sometimes it burns incredibly, although Keri lotion seems to sting less than others I’ve tried.
Good luck to all!
November 28th, 2005 at 12:02 pm
Thank you all for the comments I have been reading. I have three days left on a three-week prescription. I apply Efudex-40 (5%) every night for three weeks. My face looks pretty ugly. The skin just above my eyebrows is red and sore. My eyelids on both eyes, top and bottom lids are red swollen, and itch. My eyes water, which causes additional chapping at the corners. Believe it or not, chapstick does help.
My nose, especially the crease next to my nose down to my lips is red and raw. My lips are tight, cracked and sore. Three more days. Yippee.
I’m hoping it will be worth it.
November 29th, 2005 at 8:17 am
Hi Gary & Dave,
Thanks for your great responses. We can all learn from them as we graduate through the Effudex-40 class of pain to emerge cancer-free, and with skin as smooth as a baby’s butt.
Speaking for us graduates, solar (actinic) keratosis will hopefully be a distant memory for us, as we’ll protect our skin with SPF 100 sunscreen in order to avoid future sun damage—and avoid enduring this “treatment” again.
Now please ‘Scuze me while I srteak naked through the imaginary graduation field exposing my new skin to the unfortunate world.
—Bill
November 29th, 2005 at 8:47 am
Just three more days of Efudex-40 for me. (I hope) My Dr. did prescribe Lidocaine 3% Cream. I can only be used 4 times per day. I burns whe you first put it on, but does offer mild relief for about an hour.
I’m an elementary school principal, and I get all kinds of reactions from the children. Som just say, “Oh,” and skip away. Others just stare. A few have said, “Don’t worry, we still think you are the best principal.”
I sometimes wonder if I am reliving all the accumulated pain of all the sun burns I had a kid.
Just a side not, I grew up in Southern Nevada, and we lived in the sun. I also lived near high voltage power lines, 80 miles from the Nevada test site where nuclear bombs were tested, my house was painted with lead-based paint, we didn’t even have seat belts in our cars, Probably had asbestoes in the house and in our school. We smelled the fumes from Stauffer Chemical plant in town, too. I probably live near radon, and I eat far too many greasy foods, and not enough fruit. What a sad case. But, I do get outside every day and do some work. I like to take walks, and climb in the hills and mountains. I keep asking my wife if my ears glow in the dark, and she says, “No, but I think I can light you up and melt your socks.” Is’ still a good life. Best to all.
November 29th, 2005 at 10:10 am
Hi Dave,
Great post!
I grew up in the surf town of San Diego where Nuclear Torpedo Operation Wigwam made the rain radioactive and us kids playing in it had to come in for a shower. Nuclear bombs weren’t tested here too often, but we expected them to be dropping on us during the early 60’s. Most of my neighbors had fallout shelters. My dad was too cheap to build one. He told us the neigbors would let us in, or we’d threaten to die on top of their air vent.
As kids we worked so hard to get a tan. We spent 12 hours a day at the beach, frolicking in the surf, and sleeping in the sun.
Now I’m just trying to get my old skin back.
I’ll try asking my wife about my ears glowing. I hope I get the same response you get. Heck, it’s worth a try.
—Bill
November 30th, 2005 at 1:24 am
My 2 week treatment was for possibly cancerous spots and definately for pre-cancerous spots. I am at day two of the recovery from treatment. My Dr. was pleased yesterday by how I looked. I was not smart enough to ask him if there was any face cream or something I could use to ease my painful face. So far so good, at 69 years of age I could care less about looking younger I just would like to return to what was considered “normal”. I’m afraid my occasional skin cancers which have been surgically removed were cause by summers working on a farm without a shirt and often no hat. I’m paying for what seemed to be a good idea over 50 years ago.
November 30th, 2005 at 5:47 am
I’ve been using Efudex-40 for two weeks today. I’m so glad I found this cite. I’ve never felt soooo ugly in my life. All your coments have helped. I work with the public in the beauty business and have been trying to cover some of the unsightly (sores) with make up. I’ve been concerned that I’m compromising the effectivness of the cream. Today I have felt that I cant take another day of this. I am scheduled to color my hair in a week and am afraid I will be turned away when my colorist sees the condition of my raw red hairline. I need encouragement!
November 30th, 2005 at 7:42 am
Give it a rest folks, I appreciate the comments from the initial writer of this site, but this is my 4th go-round with efudex. It is not all that bad and if you have been a sun worshiper most of your life this is the price we pay. I have been in the medical field for years and worked in a dermatologists office for several. This is one of the best treatments available for actinic keratosis lesions and it is much better to eradicate them than to wait for them to become a true cancer. It will most likely require treatments every couple of years as this type of damage is a cumulative thing and there will be additional lesions in your future. This treatment is recommended for use in the fall or winter months when most of us are out of the sun and/or our sun exposure is much less. Our moms were right “you’ll be sorry that you are trying to get a tan with all that white skin” Mom is always right. The pain is more of an irritant than true pain, if bleeding occure, stop treating that area for a few days then re-start perhaps just once daily. This usually only occurs near the nose or corners of the mouth. Buck up. And iin respect for the writer, he isn’t a doctor, give him a break and don’t expect him to answer questions you need to ask your MD
November 30th, 2005 at 9:46 pm
I highly recommend this website – http://www.skincancerinfo.com/
I saw my Dr (7 of them!) on Nov 28th. I have had a “severe reaction” to the efudex. Desonide (face) and triamcinolone (chest & arms) was prescribed. I am so much better today!
My concern is that after 2 contacts w/my Dr, they did not ask to see me (I went on my own w/out an appt on Nov 28). Please be sure you are having “normal” response – not an adverse reaction.
Now I am very concerned about having the treatment for half the time. On the above mentioned website, Dr. Paul J. Weber has concerns about undertreatment and the effects on other organs in the body.
It is all so very complex.
December 1st, 2005 at 6:35 am
I had a skin cancer spot cut out of my temple about a year ago that was not a pleasant experience. It healed well in time, but left a mild, noticable scar. Now my doctor wants me to go through a month of Efudex treatment for AKs on my forehead, temples, cheeks and nose. From what I’ve read from others on this site who have gone through this treatment, sometimes for only 2 weeks, this will be practically unbearable. However, the thought of more cancers and surgeries is more frightening. I saw one site that mention using a hydrocortizone-based creme during treatment that lessened the redness and itching. Has anyone used this method with success? Also, what is the best pain reliever to take for the burning?
December 1st, 2005 at 9:47 am
Hey … this is a great website to go through to see what’s next! I am a high school teacher that elected to start the treatment on November 13th. I warned my students in my Health and PE classes that I was soon to be a “Work In Progrees!” They are amazed, as am I, by how I look!
My background takes me to many rounds played on a golf course, a lifeguard, a sun-worshipper and now an active outdoor teacher and coach. I’ve always worn hats and had hair over my ears, but rarely used sunscreen. (What an idiot, I say, every time I look in the mirror!)
As I apply the 5% cream every morning and night from scalp to chest and from ear to ear, all the people watching my progress see that my forehead, sides of my face, and my neck are virtually untouched. But the middle of my face can be compared to a human reptile from a Star Trek show crossed with the lion from the Wizard of OZ. All I can say is “Wow”.
I had one discolored spot on my nose by my eye when I was referred to a specialist. Upon further palpatations, my specialist prescibed me with this cream. It really does work. I too didn’t think that it was working at first, but 5-6 days into the applications, my true colors came forward!
I’ve been turning a darker color each day as my skin starts to crust over. I’ve got 10 days to go (out of 30) and I will finish. Hopefully the results will be worth the agony of the applications, the itching, the cracking, and the looks.
I also have used chapstick only in the creases of my nose and eyes. It does give temporary comfort. I’ve also found that keeping yourself busy moving also helps. I work out aerobically with my PE Fitness class and on my own… the sweat feels great on my face! I thought it would sting, but it doesn’t!
This damage was caused from our past practices in the sun. Look at this as an opportunity to educate those around us that will listen! Don’t be ashamed of our looks, it takes courage and stamina to keep up this treatment. You all should be proud of yourselves! Hang in there to all that are reading this.
Sorry about the long lengthy comment. I’ll keep in touch. Chow.
December 1st, 2005 at 10:00 am
Hi Chuck, Mary Lou, Suzanne, Barbara and Ken,
Thanks for contributing to this blog on skin cancer and Effudex-40. Sounds like we’ve all experienced the same pain. (That burning, itching feeling.)
Please stop in at http://www.boomer-books.com/ and find a book that provides you with solutions on any other problems that may be happening in your life at this time. (Shameless plug for the bookstore.)
Is there anything you can do to ease the pain? Codeine works well, if you have some. But it has side effects—such as constipation and addiction. Otherwise take 3 – 4 Ibuprofen and—as Suzanne suggests in her informative and understanding post—“buck up”. The weeks pass by quickly (as you look back on the experience). Yes, you look ugly for a few days, but later you’ll look good, and your skin cancer will be under control.
And yes, I’m certainly not a doctor, but with your contributions of knowledge, and experiences, I’ve sure learned a lot more of the effects of Effudex-40 than I ever found out from my doctor. Hopefully we’ve formed a collective knowledge base that can help others.
December 2nd, 2005 at 3:12 am
Cool, we all got to hear from Suzanne the Conqueror. What are we to give a rest? We are all sharing individual responses to treatment. I have found it very helpful to find out that my physical reactions are very similar to others. Perhaps, Suzanne and some of the other, more enlighted and stronger folks in the medical field could do a better job of educating patients.
December 2nd, 2005 at 3:59 am
I used Effudex-40 for two weeks as directed by my Doctor. I did not like it, but if he told me to do another 2 weeks I would. Some wise guy once said if you do not have a choice, you do not have problem, you do what you have to do.
My last face treatment was on Monday morning, my face still hurts as it heals. I get some relief from a vasiline skin care cream, but mostly it will just take time. I do wonder for how long I’ll be scary to little children.
What is strange is that my scalp (almost the whole top of my head due to baldness) is not as red as my face nor is it painful. Perhaps it is because I usually wore a hat when working on the farm, and that a hat was a required part of my uniform during my 31 years in the Navy.
December 2nd, 2005 at 9:01 am
Hi Chuck,
I too noticed that some parts of my face lit up like a Christmas tree while other parts remained unscathed. Effudex-40 is suppose to react to abnormal skin cells and leave the “undamaged” skin alone. Sometimes we really don’t know how abnormal our skin is until we apply Effudex-40. Then after about 10 days of applying it—we find out when we erupt in colors and sores.
December 4th, 2005 at 1:30 am
This is really strange. I just finished my treatment. My doctor only had me on Effudex-40 for from five to seven days. I treated my head and face. I have spots ranging from a few millimeters wide to three centemeters but no blistering. It seems from reading the comments from others the time for treatment is from two to four weeks. I guess my question needs to be asked to my doctor but do you have any thoughts?
Jim
December 4th, 2005 at 2:19 am
Just finished 2.5 weeks of Efudex 40….I wrote on day 12 that my red spots had become pretty scary looking and I hated to see people as I didn’t want to explain why I looked as I did. To that point it was uncomfortable for sure, but not what I would call real painful. From Day 12 till day 16 it got a lot more painful as red spots became purple and crusty blotches. Today was my first day using triamcinolone cream to calm down the mess that was my face. Does anyone know how long it takes to begin looking normal again? I read that Bill experienced skin dropping off in the shower…my Dr. said that really shouldn’t happen. Will all these red/purple spots dry up or scab over or do they just fade?
December 4th, 2005 at 9:28 am
My last treatment was on monday morning. The most seriously damaged skin turned dark (purple) and then has been flaking off. If I exercised the skin on my face by smiling it was painful. By now (Saturday night) my face is still bright red, most of the purple spots are gone, and stretching the skin is less painful. I don’t see the years younger and baby bottom smooth happening, but may be a fuction of age. Progress is being made but it will some time before I can stop explaining “What happened to your face?”. I’m not changing my routine, and if some one asks I’ll tell them. My hope is that in a week the redness will have receeded.
December 7th, 2005 at 3:50 am
I just finished my treatment. I went for just over three weeks. Each week was a new phase in which more would happen or new areas would pop up! I look terrible … the middle third of my face is red and purple. Most of the affected area is starting to scab up. I’m assuming this will all fall off with time. I saw a doc today and she was amazed at the damage the Efudex exposed. I am putting on Oil of Olay to keep my skin moist now. I am a little swollen and have a hard time smiling and eating because of the tightness, but the lotion definately helps. Its been one day healing – face color is turning to blotchy purple scabs and it is very dry – probably due to the outer layers being dead skin. Hopefully each day progress will be made. I am amazed that the sides of my face and forehead and neck have not been touched! How long will it take to have normal skin again?
December 7th, 2005 at 5:13 am
I started applying Efudex-40 to my lips on Monday November 21. I got through Thanksgiving day (4 days into treatment) just fine – 6 days into treatment I was very uncomfortable. On day 9 I saw my Dr. and was granted reprieve from any more applications. My lower lip has continued to oooze, sting and bleed – upper lip was never as sore or painful. I am hoping that by Friday 12/9/05 I will be back to “normal” and will be able to have food that can actually touch my lips – like a big burger!
I have been using Aquaphor Healing Ointment (similar to Vaseline) liberally throughout the day and when I wake at night. So far my lips have not cracked – which I was dreading.
Hang in there folks, it hurts – but “this too shall pass.” Your descriptions give me hope that just a few more days and I’ll be much better.
December 7th, 2005 at 8:53 am
Hi Dawn,
It took me around 5 days after I stopped the treatment for my old skin to flake off and my new baby-butt skin to be born.
December 7th, 2005 at 11:29 am
Bill and other bloggers – Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us. This has been very helpful.
I am in day 12 of a prescribed 14 day treatment with Efudex-40 on my face. My Dr. prescribed 14 days for what he saw as “pre-cancerous lesions”; no actual cancer found yet..
I have had several liquid hydrogen treatments (burn offs) over the years, and he said this Efudex treatment would be more effective, since now that I am 50 he sees a lot more potential for skin cancer in my future (based on his recent exam of me). I guess this is what I get for all that construction work I did outside without a shirt growing up in Albuquerque in 100+ degree conditions each summer. Although this is a pain in the butt I am glad for it, especially if it eliminates skin cancer (and surgeries) in my future.
So far things on my face look pretty ugly too, especially today. It gets worse each day.. lots of redness and spots that could have been cancer eventaully.. I am totally surpirsed at the degree of redenss and spots I had.. since I couldn’t really see them. I will give a big “thank you” to my Kaiser Doc when I see him.
2 more days.. and I stop. Does anyone know how long it takes to get back to “normal”? I’d like to eventually be able to date again, streak naked, or get my socks to melt.. LOL.
December 8th, 2005 at 5:19 am
It has been 9 days since my last treatment. My face is now more pink than bright red. There are some spots where the old skin is sluffing off. I exercise my face to stretch the sore areas and then treat it with a vasiline type treatment. It seems to help. I think the “baby butt” effect becomes less effective with age. I’m 69 and my new skin is smoother but all the old familiar wrinkles have not been eliminated.
December 8th, 2005 at 6:06 am
I’m now on day two of healing. I see no change in color or texture of the skin. My skin looks and feels like a crocodile … pretty gross. The shower feels awesome as it allows my skin to stretch and breathe. When my skin is dry, it feels like I have a clay mask on all the time. I can’t wait to have my smooth skin back, even if it is a tad bit wrinkled! Thanks for all your comments. It really does help to hear others’ experiences.
December 9th, 2005 at 4:52 am
Day 3 of healing … and the shedding is starting. It will be slow as some areas seem to be very deep, but progress is starting to be made! I’m having a hard time to let nature run .. it would be so tempting to pick and pull at my dead skin, but I know I can’t! I actually feel better today also. The last four days have been awful – like I was drugged or something! My face is still many-toned in colors of brown, red, pink and normal skin, but I feel good physically.
Chuck, I exercised my face as you did and that felt great! It hurt at first, but it gave me more mobility to open my mouth more. Thanks to all for your comments.
Patrick, tomorrow you are done! You are right that each day the face gets worse. At two weeks, my face was also a mess. I went just over three weeks and was told to quit. If you face is anything like mine – all the spots will turn to dead scaly skin. Good luck and thanks for sharing!
December 9th, 2005 at 10:00 pm
I am done now with the 14 day treatment.. Yipee! Sounds like it will be a few days before I get over the pomegranate look.. My 9 year old daughter was scared to look at me last night. I will be so glad when this is over.
I noticed that the during the last few days of the treatment I was gettibng very tired.. and was sleeping a lot. Did anyone else have a similar experience? I was wondering if it was because of the chemo drugs getting into my system, a natural response to the infection that the medicine is causing.. or perhaps just depression from the psychological effects.
December 10th, 2005 at 9:50 am
Patrick,
I also had an experience like you. After 23 days I was told to quit the medication. That day from noon on and for the next two days, I barely got out of bed. I figured that it had to be something with the medication. I had also had terrible nights of sleep towards the end of my treatment due to my face hurting or itching something terrible. This is day four of healing and I’m getting back to normal! Finally got the Christmas decos up and shoveled some snow. I had to take the last four days off from school teaching in order to recuperate. I’m glad I did. The body needs time to heal – let it. Good luck to you.
December 10th, 2005 at 11:16 pm
Several writers have expressed their amazement that areas of skin they thought had sun damage did not react to Efudex 40. In my experience, even though some skin reacted as early as day five, some of my most damaged areas, including the top of my bald head were really slow to react. It wasn’t until day 19 that it began to bloom. My arms began developing spots around day 22. I’m at day 36 now and have long since quit applying Efudex to my neck, face, and forehead because they reacted dramatically and early. I’m continuing a few more days with applications to my profoundly bald head, the area within my hair fringe, and my arms because they are still developing. The good news is that I am now able to sleep more than two hours at a time without having to apply moisturizer to the healing areas.
December 11th, 2005 at 12:00 am
Just diagnosed with Squamous call skin cancer in situ. Doctor gave me 2 choices of treatment: “aggressiive freezing with liquid nitrogen” ....or cream (Efudex-40) which he said would be less painful than freezing, but would take longer. I am wondering if anyone else here used the cream for squamous cell. The literature with it says for actinic keratosis and basel cell. No mention of squamous cell….
I was used to redness of nose because I have had rosacea for thirty years.
Now wonder why my former dermatologist hadn’t treated the keratosis….I saw him once a year, having had a few basel cell skin cancers removed over the years.
Anyone there offered the choice of freezing? I’m tempted to switch to that…take more pain all at once, but the healing would be done sooner… Opinions??
December 11th, 2005 at 1:09 am
Hi Marilyn,
I have used Effudex-40 for Squamous cell cancer in situ. It worked well, and helped me avoid the MOE treatment (cut a little, inspect it, cut a little more) that my primary doctor was requesting.
I remember reading the literature on Effudex-40 and wondering why my dermatologist was requesting I use Effudex-40, when the literature with the cream only mentioned it being effective against basal cell cancer.
I have had the aggressive freezing at my yearly “physical” for the last three years. So far it has never done much. But the Effudex-40 actually worked. They biopsied the squamous cell area after the treatment and it was cleared by the lab. It may make you ugly for a few weeks but well worth it in the long run.
December 11th, 2005 at 8:32 pm
How long does it take for the new pink skin under the flakes to look normal again? It has been one week since my last treatment and most dead skin has flaked off. A few deeper areas are still there, but making progress.
December 11th, 2005 at 10:55 pm
Hi Bob,
Good question. It seems like it took 10 to 14 days after I stopped applying Effudex-40 for my skin to start looking new and completely smooth. As you mentioned, some areas had scabs that took longer to flake off. Also, I had to resist the urge to pick at them.
People kept telling me if I itched or picked at the scabs that I would develop scars on my face. I’m not sure if this is true, but I’m ugly enough, so I tried to play it safe and resist the picking or scratching at my face.
You are almost there. Soon your friends will start telling you that you look younger, and strange women will start smiling at you from street corners. But most of all, your face will be cancer-free.
December 12th, 2005 at 10:11 pm
Bill,
I am 12 days past my last treatment. I’m looking much better, no strange women smiling, yet, but I keep waiting. Even though my face has cleared up considerably, for the last several days I have been getting spots that look and feel like a welt. They are red, and itchy, but don’t get a head on them at all. After a couple of days it will go away, and another will appear somewhere else on my face. Is it just the lingering effects of the Efudex? Did you experience this at all?
December 12th, 2005 at 10:29 pm
Dear Bill,
Thanks for the info re squamous cell…plus the fact that you have done both treatments, freezing and cream. I had changed my mind again, and was going to ask for the freeze. But now, three days into cream treatment think I may stick with that, considering your experience..
Another BIG (for me) Question. Did anyone out there have lymphedema (swelling) at the location of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ? That’s what fired me up to see the dermatologist, although it wasn’t a regularly scheduled appointment. My concern is that the literature on the condition (also called Bowen’s disease) says that if in shallow layer of skin, is easily cured, but that if it involved the lymphatic system, can be invasive. And that’s not good…..Anyone have any experience with that?
December 12th, 2005 at 10:47 pm
Hi Marilyn,
Very good question—and I hope someone else writes in also.
I had a slight swelling around the area of the Squamous cancer. I also has a swollen gland under my arm on the other side of my body—which freaked me out. My doctor said that the swollen gland was most likely unrelated since it was on the other side of my body from my skin cancer. But the swelling of what seemed like numb skin under the “pimple” alerted me that this facial “pimple” was different than the other junk on my face.
I am not a doctor, but normally the doctor will biopsy the area if he feels it is cancerous—to make sure it is cancer, and to tell if it is “in situ” or “evasive”. Then from the info received from the biopsy lab, the doctor will either determine a plan of action and recommend you to a dematologist to do a MOE treatment, another biopsy, or Effudex-40 therapy. After this treatment is complete they biopsy once more to make sure that every speck of cancer is gone.
December 13th, 2005 at 8:24 am
I just finished the 14 day treatment with Efudex-40. My skin is itchy, dry and it is hard to open my mouth wide enough to eat a sandwich. Today was the 15th day and it was terrible. Much pain and discomfort. I have been taking Advil and that seems to aleviate the pain. I started taking my picture on the 13th day of treatment and will continue to take photos each day until I am back to normal. I’m 76 so I’m not expecting miracles but my Dr. said that for the first 14 days I would hate him but after that I would love him. Lets hope so.
December 14th, 2005 at 7:15 pm
Pat and all… I am on my 8th day of healing after 24 days of efudex on my entire face and neck. I was also miserable – hang in there. It will get better as each day goes by. My facial scabs are still peeling and I’m still reddish-pink, but I feel and look better each day. I started to feel a lot better about 5 days after healing. I feel great now – no itching or burning. While going through the treatment, this website was a huge source of relief. I’m a high school health teacher and the students not only saw me going through this process but we just happened to be on the topic of stress. I mentioned this website to all of them as a source of support for me. Hang in there – better days are coming! Thanks to Bill for the initial start!
December 14th, 2005 at 8:00 pm
Dear Bill, Thank you all for the info. I’m on thefourth day of treatment. In view of my diagnosis from dermatologist;s biopsy on my nose, my ophthalmologist, who is treating me for bloepheritis, said we must biopsy a spot between my left eye and bridge of my nose (same side as the cancer.) Because of the proximity to the eye, he said the biopsy must be done by a specialist. Fortunately there is a top specialist here, who is a plastic surgeon AND ophthalmologist. Does only surgery in and around the eyes. He took me in that very afternoon and biopsied. He said he hopes it is nothing serious, and unrelated to the Squamous cell on my nose. I said, “what’s the worst scenario?” Worst would be surgery required which would be repaired with skin grafting….Hope I don’t have to cross that bridge.
Another question for any or all:
Were you told to cover the area with a bandage? Or leace it uncovered?
I’m to use the efudex-40 cream on an area about 1/2” square on my nose, only’, once a day at night. Dr. said to cover it with a bandaid, take if off in the morning…
Wondering, really, if when it gets to looking really horrible and raw, if I could bandage it to go out in public. (Only four days into treatment it doens’t look like anything is happening…)
December 14th, 2005 at 8:02 pm
Dear Bill, Thank you all for the info. I’m on thefourth day of treatment. In view of my diagnosis from dermatologist;s biopsy on my nose, my ophthalmologist, who is treating me for bloepheritis, said we must biopsy a spot between my left eye and bridge of my nose (same side as the cancer.) Because of the proximity to the eye, he said the biopsy must be done by a specialist. Fortunately there is a top specialist here, who is a plastic surgeon AND ophthalmologist. Does only surgery in and around the eyes. He took me in that very afternoon and biopsied. He said he hopes it is nothing serious, and unrelated to the Squamous cell on my nose. I said, “what’s the worst scenario?” Worst would be surgery required which would be repaired with skin grafting….Hope I don’t have to cross that bridge.
Another question for any or all:
Were you told to cover the area with a bandage? Or leace it uncovered?
I’m to use the efudex-40 cream on an area about 1/2” square on my nose, only’, once a day at night. Dr. said to cover it with a bandaid, take if off in the morning…
Wondering, really, if when it gets to looking really horrible and raw, if I could bandage it to go out in public. (Only four days into treatment it doens’t look like anything is happening…)
December 15th, 2005 at 8:09 am
Pat … I reread your website and I misunderstood you maybe. My experience was that I didn’t get relief until I stopped completely with the medication. Once I stopped and started healing, I then felt good again. I guess some people might find some relief while still using Efudex, but in my case, I didn’t. It is miserable being on the stuff, but it will be worth every day that you can use it. Good Luck.
December 15th, 2005 at 8:38 am
Hi Marilyn,
On both the first and second biopsies I wore a band aid. Just to avoid getting the stiches caught in my pillow when I slept, and to avoid looking like frankenstein. I left my Effudex-40 treated skin open to the sun and wind since it was most of my face.
I would imagine that it would be fine to wear a band aid over it if you don’t want to show off your ugliness for others to gawk at. I would have felt better wrapped like the mummy than the way I looked on day 14 of treatment. I don’t think that a bandage will hinder or enhance the effects of Effudex-40. (But then again, I ain’t a doctor.)
And like Dawn, I felt no relief until around 3 days after I stopped the treatment and started to flake skin.
December 16th, 2005 at 2:55 am
I stopped applying Efudex-40 on Sunday, Dec 11. The pain and discomfort seems to be getting worse each day. Often I will rub ice or cans of cold pop on my face in an attempt to relieve the pain. When that doesn’t work I will rub my face with my hands to relieve the pain. I’m encouraged by the comments that things will start to improve, so far that hasn’t happened. I’ve tried dry skin cream but that stings and doesn’t seem to have any lasting results.
Thanks for the encouraging words.
Pat
December 17th, 2005 at 1:34 am
Two weeks today since stopping 3 weeks of Efudex 40 treatments….Feeling pretty normal and non freaklike in appearance for the first time since day 6 of applying the goop. Most of the scaly dry skin has flaked off and with the exception of being a little pink and blotchy, feeling really good and incredibly relieved that I have better skin than I did two months ago from a sun damaged standpoint. The pinkness of the new skin that covers 50% of my face is fading each day and I think I will be back to normal by Christmas. YeeHa
Hang in there, the treatment really really sucks, but I think it beats the alternative by a long margin. Very glad it’s over.
December 21st, 2005 at 6:05 am
My face has nearly recovered from the Efudex 40 treatment. I too tried to keep from picking at my face. I did flex my face even if it hurt and then I would apply Vaseline Deep Moisture Creamy on my face liberally. I did this several times a day when I was not going to be out of the house. I believe it softened the red areas and made the recovery better. I have noticed that the most smooth skin I have is on the bald portion of the top of my head. The face is as unremarkable as it ever was. But at 69 who cares. This site certainly helped me determine that once again I was not unique and others were familiar with the problems I had and had some suggestions on how to deal with the treatment. Thanks.
December 22nd, 2005 at 4:51 am
Twelve days into two week treatment and I could light Santa’s sleigh! The beak is bright red and angry looking. No wonder.
Not what I’d call pain, either , for which I’m grateful.
Still no word on the biopsy by my eye, but I pretend to be patient.
It helps to know others are doing this1 thanks, all. M
I’m hunkered down at my place in Palm Springs. Left Ventura for the duration and hoping not to run into anyone I know. Merry Christmas, or whatever.
December 22nd, 2005 at 11:14 am
My doctor recommended Efudex several years ago, but I stuck with the yearly ritual of freezing off the AK’s and hoping none would develop into cancer. The pictures of the efudex patients looked a little too scary for me at the time. Two SCC’s this fall that were surgically removed convinced me that it was time to bite the bullet and do something about it. My dermatologist gave me two options – Aldara cream or Efudex. She said that Aldara would be a milder treatment, but would require 4 months, while Efudex would be more intense but would last only two weeks with another two weeks of recovery time. I am now halfway into the Efudex 5% treatment phase, and my face is starting to light up nicely. It feels very similar to a bad sunburn, but looks much worse. I am a high school teacher on Christmas break, and am hoping to finish the treatment and at least be partially healed before school starts back in January. I’ve enjoyed reading about your experiences, and many of them sound very similar to what I’ve experienced so far. Good luck to all of us, and thanks for your stories.
December 25th, 2005 at 6:42 pm
Bill and all,
Thank you for this site and your comments. I sit here early super early am awoken from my face telling me to itch it. I’m 4 weeks on a 9 to 12 week treatment and miserable. My Efudex treatment is also for squamous cell and BCC on my face and neck.
Marilyn.. Your were asking about freezing compared to Efudex, it’s funny but I have perfect circles ringed in redness from prior freezing treatments. When I saw those I was all little curious to the effectiveness of freezing getting everything.
I too was amazed, including my doctor from the amount of additional cancerous spots that showed up, forehead and down both side of my face and neck. Imagine driving or riding in your car and the area of your face and neck exposed, that’s me.
Bill, your site has given me hope as to what is going on with my face and neck. I didn’t receive any initial information from the doctor other than “It will become irritated” well no kidding!
I guess my question from anyone is; My face is already peeling and I’m still applying Efudex all over my face and neck, or do I just keep going until everything goes away? Is peeling a sign I need to stop applying this “battery acid”
Keep the faith. Best of luck to all in your treatments.
December 25th, 2005 at 10:29 pm
Merry Christmas. I’m kind of surprised that today, three days after the last of fourtenn days’ treatment, my poor nose looks worse than it did the last day of t reatment. Last Thursday my nose was simply red. Today is is red, with scabby spots and flakey places, and swollen. Not sure I would have made reservations to join family and in-laws in Carmel if I’d known I’d look like this…If I put a bandage over it, so as not to look so unsightly, it itches beyond reason.
When I called the dermatologist’s office Friday afternoon, he and his nurse had left for the holiday. However, the receptionist asked one of the other docttor’s nurse if I could use anything on it. She said to get some over-the-counter anti-itch ointment and dab some of that on. I havenb’t done that, but wonder if anyone else used such a product.?
December 25th, 2005 at 11:44 pm
Hi Jeff,
I’d call your doctor to make sure he wanted you to apply the Effudex-40 for 9 to 12 weeks. The normal treatment with the 5% cream is only 14 to 21 days.
A call to your doctor to double check the treatment time might save you a lot of pain.
However, if he starts laughing in a strange, sadistic manner, you may want to stop the treatment ASAP!
December 26th, 2005 at 1:31 am
Wow..I have been reading all of your comments and I’m just finished with the 14 th day of Efudex for AK’s…my face looks and feels disgusting, appears as “acne” like spots with red ,brown and crusted areas and general red areas on both cheeks and under my jaw. I applied to these areas and will follow up on nose and forehead later. Question…do these areas start to heal shortly after cessation of use of Efudex?
Thanks,
Richard
December 26th, 2005 at 5:49 am
Merry Christmas from Central Texas!
Tom had asked in an earlier post about photo-dynamic therapy for AK’s. I had this treatment in July. It was fairly simple – the doctor applies a chemical solution (Levulan Kerastick) to your face and about an hour later your face is zapped with a pulsed laser. It’s a little painful (like someone popping your face with a rubber band), but it’s quick and the recovery time is short (4-5 days). It cleared up a number of the visible AK’s, but not all. A couple of months later, my doctor biopsied one of the spots that wasn’t cleared and it was squamous cell carcinoma. A full body check and 3 surgeries later, I’m now 10 days into the efudex treatment, and if all the redness on my face is any indication, the photodynamic therapy was not effective for me. By the way Jeff, I agree with Bill that 9-12 weeks of efudex treatment seems excessive – is that twice a day with the 5%?
December 26th, 2005 at 8:09 am
I’m going to call Tuesday and ask him to clearify this. Directions was twice a day and wash it off before bed. I couldn’t imagine 9 weeks on this stuff.
December 28th, 2005 at 10:57 pm
Hi Bill – Just wanted to thank you for your blog and the time you have devoted to this miserable issue. It has really helped to hear your comments and those of others. Today is Day 14 of a 21-day course for me, and I am no different than anyone else. Just miserable.
But, again, your blog has helped tremendously. I warily ventured out this morning to pick up some of the Olay cream and some Polysporin for when the healing can begin.
Ironically the best advice is the simplest – just don’t look in the mirror! I considered smashing every mirror in my house, but just don’t need any more bad luck at this point in my life.
Efudex is enough bad luck to last me for a while.
Best wishes to everyone here – and thanks again, Bill.
January 3rd, 2006 at 2:06 am
Thank God… done putting this stuff on my face.. Now to get through the healing phase.
Ok this may sound strange, but the other night my face was dry and iching like crazy. My daughter in-law had me try this stuff called butt butter that she uses on my grand son for diaper rash. This stuff works great. It’s all natural and does a grerat job keeping the skin from drying out. Don’t laugh to hard.
Keep the faith.
Jeff
January 4th, 2006 at 11:13 pm
I finished with the efudex treatment about five weeks ago. My face is looking very clear. After a hot shower or a workout, the areas that reacted the most are red, and I still have a little discoloration around my eyes, but otherwise looking good. I did have for a few weeks after the treatment, some red, pimple-like bumps on my face. They would appear, and be a little sore, and then go away. I would then get a couple more in new places.
For those of you going through the treatment, hang in there. It gets better.
By the way, great idea with the butt butter. Do avoid putting anything on your face (creams or lotions) that have any perfumes in them. I found out the hard way.
Keep up the good work, Bill.
January 6th, 2006 at 4:57 am
Just wanted to say- Thanks for all in posting your experience’s using the bid “E.” I am to start at the end of this month..actually kind-of sucks reading the listings, cause I am going into it feeling pretty freaking scared, after most of what I read..Guess I need to suck it up, right!! I may actually start asap if I can get an appointment, just get the process over.
Thanks again, all. I’m sure I will be posting very soon with simular stories… By the way, did anyone take time from work, or how did your co-workers respond to you…
Thank you-
Todd
January 7th, 2006 at 12:29 am
Todd – I started applying the 5% efudex the week before Christmas break (I’m a high school teacher). I was at the peak of the bad effects right at Christmas, so I skipped the traditional family gatherings – I had told everyone ahead of time so they were pretty understanding – it’s now 8 days since I stopped the treatment, and I’m getting ready to go back to school Monday. (I did take 4 days off this week) Skin is still reddish, splotchy, and peeling, but not uncomfortable and not nearly as scary as it was just a few days ago. My wife and daughter observed the whole process, and they didn’t seem to be too frightened by the changes – I wouldn’t have wanted to work during the last few days of treatment and the week after just due to the discomfort, but I would think adult co-workers should be OK with you once you explain what’s going on. Good luck to you – I think you’ll be happy with the results once you’re done.
January 8th, 2006 at 12:53 am
I was prescribed Efudex to be used on arms 2x day for 4 weeks. I went thru the same treatment about 5 years ago. After 6 days I had the normal reaction of redness, etc. I was itching so much that I quit! Then I started getting pink spots on my chest and back. Could there be a connection? Never again will I use the stuff. And no way, no how would I ever put it on my face. I have had basal cell removed from nose and cheek. To prevent getting more cancers on face, I use Tretinoin (Retin-A) every night. Had trouble getting insurance to cover it because they said the med was for “cosmetic” purposes. Doc convinced him otherwise.
January 8th, 2006 at 11:33 pm
Oh, my word…just reading the blogs about what to expect while on a 2 week 2x/day regime of 5% Efudex. I actually asked my Dr. for a Rx of this medication. I just started yesterday. I must be insane.
I’ve been keeping an eye on about 4 areas of my face for a couple of years now. These 4 spots ( 2 on my cheekbones, 1 either side and 2 spots touching the margin of upper lip- on either side of the shade of my nose) are just different in texture, indented a bit and flaky with skin regularly.
I’m 40y, however, have had many contemporaries with pre-CA misdiagnosed as “dry, irritated, sensitive skin.” One in particular has been treated with a steroid cream and moisturizer to “just watch” for about the last 3 years. She just had a melon-baller remove a chunk out of her chest. Really want to avoid that by not putting this off and I wanted to advocate for myself, since there is a strong family history.
Had a friend who had a reaction like Barbara’s, where face swelled up, eyes swollen shut and staph infection in every lesion. She actually got systemically septic…yet doesn’t regret the results, now. How does that happen? Eyes swelling shut and everything? Are they putting it too close to the eyes? My eyes stung a little bit last night…not sure if if I’m just super conscious of it. Should I wipe or wash off the cream before bed? Will I lose the residual effect or is the medicine already absorbed? I consulted with 2 dermatologists. One says to not wipe off, other says it should be OK. Anyone know out there?
I’ll keep ya’ll posted on the progress. Really appreciate this site (while I still can.) I’ll be avoiding this awesome Colorado sunshine as much as I can. Hopefully, I’ll be able to ski with the kiddos next weekend.
January 9th, 2006 at 8:42 am
Hi Bernadette,
You’ve asked a really a good question. I tried to apply my nightly treatment around 30 minutes before hitting the pillow. Basically, it was what I did first, before changing into pajamas, or brushing my teeth.
The 30 minutes seem to be enough time for the Effudex-40 to penetrate my skin and the oily “carrier” to be absorbed. Be sure and keep it away from your eyes and don’t re-apply into lesions. But then, I’m not a doctor. I just followed what the product information sheet said.
January 9th, 2006 at 10:57 pm
I just started my 4-week Efudex treatment 2 days ago for AKs primarily around my forehead and temples, but also covering my cheeks, nose and ears. Had a cancer spot cut out of my temple 1 year ago and twice went thru liquid nitrogen blasts across my forehead. I’m a 48 year old fair-haired boy who spent too much time in the sun without protection and started noticing AKs around age 45 . I’ve enjoyed reading the experiences of others on this site and will periodically post my reactions to the medicine to help inform others who are undergoing treatment. I am also keeping a photo journal of my progress and may post them on the web afterwards. Based on what I’ve read, I expect the worst and pray for the best. It’s time we not only teach our kids about safe sex, but safe sun. Good luck everyone.
January 10th, 2006 at 8:58 pm
It is now 1 week since I discontinued using Efudex on both arms after 6 days 2x day. The itching has somewhat subsided but arms from wrist to just above elbow are covered with scabs and red skin. I continue to get something like hives on different places on body. I had taken Benadryl for itching and research on interenet has said that a bad reaction to it includes ithing and chills. I had/have both. They are, however, lessening. I think it will be at least another month before I am healed completely and then will still have residule red skin for some time.
I’m interested in what doc will say when I see him in a few weeks. Probably scold me for stopping. Derms should try this stuff themself!
January 10th, 2006 at 8:59 pm
P.S. I was a California sun lover for years. BTW has anyone else ever used retin-a to prevent skin cancer?
January 11th, 2006 at 9:29 am
In order to keep peace with my skin and not cause further irritation, I wear a white long sleeved shirt under everything I wear. This is quite a challenge. Today I bought 2 more long sleeved tshirts. On Sale at Wallys. At first I thought the men’s section would have long sleeved t shirts. No. BTW the reason for white is to avoid any kind of infection from dyes. That is my own reason not doctors . Doc would probably have not thought of it! Another BTW. I have taken pictures of my arms lest doc not believe what they looked like. Praise the Lord for digital cameras and many other things.
January 11th, 2006 at 8:18 pm
Day 9 of 14. Nice stuff, eh? I’ve done this two or three times before and did the longer but milder (somewhat) SolarRaze treatment last year. I’ve actually had some post treatment difficulties with Effudex in the past: skin infection and excema (sp?) So, this time I scheduled an appointment with my dermatologist for the day after I finish, so that she can tell me what I need to do to recover effectively from the treatment, rather than waiting a week to find out that I have complications….
Peggy, the photos are a good idea. I’ve found that if you can be someplace like home or a private area that’s warm enough, having no clothing on the treated skin causes the least irritation for me.
I’m curious about the photo dynamic and chem peel treatments above and will do a bit of research before seeing my doc next Tuesday. I have a couple of tips that many of you may already know, but I did not see posted above. There are a couple of makers of UV protective clothing, (Sun Precautions/Solumbra for example). This stuff, including hats, is near 100% sun block even when its wet, its lightweight and very functional, but rather expensive. As my dermatologist pointed out, though: “Its cheaper than sking cancer.) It is important to keep your UV exposure down particularly within months of Effudex or similar treatments. I guess for most of us, its important, in general.
Be strong my fellow combatants!
January 12th, 2006 at 9:38 pm
Hi,
I am Efudex 2Xdaily for two weeks to treat AK and this is day 12. I have five treatments left. I read this blog and almost didn’t start the treatment because I was so concerned about the pain threshold and the way I would look. But then I realised as a person who is in sales, travels a lot and must look as good as possible, that January was the only month of the year that I could stay in my home office with no travel. I leave for South Africa 5 February to begin a long sales junket. So I started treatment 1 January.
I have had a rather different exprience from most, and I think I offer a good amount of ‘hope’ to those who are reading. I have had no pain. A little burning for appx 5 minutes after putting the cream on, and, since day 10 a little itching. But nothing severe. Nothing that stops me eating, sleeping or that is distracting. From day 9 I started to really ‘bloom’ with the red spots. I have a lot, and do look rather unsavory, but not a total monster. With a hat and sunglasses, I can go to the grocery store with minimal staring. But, for me, no pain, no serious itching, no nasty moments.
Now I have my fingers crossed that when I complete the treatment on Saturday night, my skin will heal enough by 5 February (21 days) for me to look ‘normalish.’ I’ll post again in two weeks and let you know my healing time/condition.
Has anyone begun wearing sunscreen a week or so after treatment to no ill effect?
Has it been anyone’s exprience that it is better to keep the skin moisturized or dry for faster healing after coming off the treatment?
Has anyone found a good make-up to use on the face in case I am not looking OK by 5 Feb?
Any answers greatly appreciated.
And a tip for men and women with medium or longer hair – buy a plastic headband and push your hair back before you put the cream on, and leave it in your hair for an hour or two. It keeps your hair from sticking to your greasy face, and therefore, keeps your fingers off your face.
Lastly, maybe you will be one of the ‘lucky ones’ like me and have minimal reactions to the treatment except for getting ugly for a while!
Do the treatment!
Good luck, and thanks for the blog!
January 13th, 2006 at 3:40 am
Mr. “Efudex” Bill:
Man, say what you will but this stuff REALLY does work!
47+ years of the Coastal Carolina sun (24/7….. LOL),
and I sure did need it based onthe number of unseen Basils, etc. that
are now in full bloom!
I am 3 days into “recovery”
(finished the 2x day for 14 days 3 days ago).
It obviuosly still works full strenght for a few days even
after you stop applying it.
Question: In these “difficult” days post treatment (it is a mess!),
!
would you think that NOT shaving might be better
than actually “shaving carefully” ?
It is almost as if the shaving (razor burn) just brings about more discomfort?
You thoughts?
(ie: to shave or not to shave…that is the question).
THANKS and take care fellow sun lovers!
Mike
January 13th, 2006 at 6:44 am
Just finished day 5 of 28 with Efudex 5% cream applied 2x/day across my upper face area. I now have mildly noticeable discoloration across my forehead and temples with lots of pink spots and brownish specks starting to appear. Nothing too nasty yet, just irritated looking, but I suspect things are just starting to kick in. No itching, but the spots are sensitive to touch and my skin feels a little tight. I try real hard to keep it away from my eyes, so no problem with swelling. Also keeping a photo log for a future episode of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. Will post a progress report in a few days. Good luck everyone!
January 13th, 2006 at 9:12 am
Hi Mike,
57 years in the Southern California sun and I know what you mean about sun damage. Yes the Effudex-40 still works for up to a week after you apply it. It really is amazing stuff on Basal Cell skin cancer. I had some Effudex-40 left in the tube that I applied to my arms weeks after my “facial” treatment. Wow! I found spots on my arm that reacted like quite amazingly.
Mike, if I could get away without shaving, I would definately use this period of time to sample how gray your beard has turned at 47, especially if it helps foster healing of your skin and prevents (ugh!) razor burn.
—Effudex Bill
January 13th, 2006 at 8:51 pm
It has now been 2 weeks since I stopped using Efudex on both arms for only 6 days of what was supposed to be 2 weeks. I guess I just might be quite sensitive to the stuff to have it act so fast. Is that possible? The scabs have mostly fallen off, but the skin is bright pink. I know that will fade. Time to take a few more pictures for the derm. On a scale of 1-10, itching is about a 3. Still there, but bearable (bareable?). I suppose just using it on a spot here and there is not as bad as spreading it on large areas.
January 13th, 2006 at 10:44 pm
Day 13 of 18 days,and many,many red spots have appeared. I only have a few purplish/brown spots. Discomfort is minimal,except for some initial burning upon application,lasting maybe 2-3 minutes. My question is do more “active” spots tend to appear the later into treatment one goes? Also,do the “red” spots that don’t “crust” up go away shortly after treatment stops?..Thanks for the site,Bill.
January 14th, 2006 at 12:38 am
I am now on day 17 of 28 at 2x per day and this really is torture! Thanks so much for all of the information and inspiration. I was just curious…does anybody know why some dermatologists prescribe a 14 day regimen and others (mine!!) prescribe the very LONG 28 day regimen? I keep thinking that it has gotten as bad as it’s going to get and then I wake up the next day to an even scarier face in the mirror than the day before. I know this is worth it, but I can’t wait for it to be over.
January 14th, 2006 at 1:22 am
Greetings fellow Efudexers!
My years of rock climbing during my teens and twenties, and then five years later working as a deckhand on an 87 foot trawler, have qualified me to join this cheery group.
My dermatologist would like me to experience four joyous weeks of the 5% Efudex-40 cream, twice daily. During my first week of treatment, I had to check the expiration date on the box to see if it was still good, because nothing seemed to be happening. The only information I had at the time was the literature that came from the pharmacist, and the dermatologist’s brochure (the one with the alarming red photos of something resembling a grumpy man’s face).
Now, eleven days into the treatment, I have found your site. Misery loves company
It is somehow very soothing to read all of your accounts of your rites of passage into the baby-faced world of post-Efudex treatment. I now know what is waiting for me on the other side.
Needless to say, at eleven days, I am quite colorful and have a burning glow. The “blooms” began on about day seven. Last night a couple of spots began to blister. Each passing day of treatment gets more and more uncomfortable, with deep red splotches covering at least two thirds of the surface area of my face. At this rate, I expect my whole face to be a deep red within days. I can’t imagine how it will feel by the last day of treatment, seventeen days from now. Oh well, I guess it is building lots of character.
Yesterday, I shaved off about a week’s worth of facial hair stubble while in the shower. It makes it much easier to apply the cream now, and was well worth doing, although, it left my chin area feeling more chapped. I plan on shaving every few days during treatment.
I am considering taking Advil to ease some of the discomfort if the pain increases significantly. Has anyone found any reasons not to take pain meds during treatment?
Also, I am of Scotch-Irish heritage, am fair-skinned and have a touch of rosacia on my cheeks. Has anyone found that this treatment increases the symtoms of rosacia after they have finished the Efudex program?
Thanks again to all of you for your advice and encouragement. I’ll leave you with my cheer for the day: Efudex! Efudex! Raw! Raw! Raw!
—- Tom
Thanks for
January 14th, 2006 at 8:50 am
I did Efudex last spring. To escape the heat and sun of AZ we took a delightful trip up into snow country. Falling face first into a big drift brings untold relief from the agony all of you have described. I lasted the full two weeks, looked hideous, and would do it again. The trip really helped keep me distracted and I didn’t have to feel self conscious around strangers. I am convinced Efudex is a necessary evil for those of us with the skin that needs it.
January 14th, 2006 at 10:28 pm
Tom, Being a Master Chief in the Navy I have to shave every day. I just got in the shower, let warm (Not hot water) run over my face and then used a good sensitive skin tri blade razor. I agree it is easier to apply the product with a clean-shaven face. Use a good moisturizer after you get out. Just don’t shave at night because it will amplify the itching 10 fold when you go to bed. Experience speaking on that issue….
I have completed a 6-week process on applying the Efudex on my complete face but the Doc says there is 3 spots the he wants me to continue to apply the stuff for another 3 weeks. I guess 28 years of riding ships in the hot sun didn’t do this Scots-Irish Sailor any favors either.
My daughter in-law got be using this stuff called Boudreaux butt paste on my skin and I will tell you this stuff is great. As you all know as the skin scales up and dries out and this past keeps the skin from drying out. I put it on when I get home from work and leave it on all night. It has made the whole process bearable and it doesn’t burn either.
As I set here I some time wonder how many future skin cancer cases are on the horizon with all our young and even old service members that are in the Deserts on the middle east. It’s amazing how much you learn about how little normal clothing protects your skin.
Mark was talking about protective clothing being so expensive, which is true. The Navy Doc told my wife about this product from RIT dye call “Sun Guard”. That you can add to your wash water and increase you clothes to sps 30. Since a normal t-shirt is only sps 5 this sun guard will make it sps 30.
Keep the faith
Jeff
January 14th, 2006 at 10:29 pm
Hi everyone –
I posted a few weeks ago when I was in the middle of a three-week treatment. It was bad, as we all know, but I wanted to share my healing process with you.
On Day 21 (with lots of sores, scabs, etc.), I switched over to applying Polysporin (distinguished from Neosporin). I smeared it LIBERALLY all over the inflamed areas. I just used the cheap CVS brand Polysporin. I think there is an anesthetic in the ingredients that really took the sting out.
Again, I kept those areas heavily smeared in the stuff. I rubbed it in, then smeared another heavy layer over top of that. Within 90 minutes to two hours, the wounds have wept heavily, and there was drainage appearing on my face. So I wiped the Polysporin/pus mess off my face (gently) with a clean, cotton cloth, and then applied the Polysporin in the same method as before.
I kept the Polysporin on my face 24 hours per day. I never took it off. At night, I would follow the same process as above, and then apply very large bandages (don’t get the CVS/generic brand – they don’t stick) – but got “Band Aid Very Large Bandages” or something like that. And taped my face up, then went to bed.
When I awoke, there was a lot of discharge and dried Polysporin. Again, rinse the wounds, and repeat Polysporin application.
I went to work this past week, and just left a light application of Polysporin on the area – I did not cake it as heavily as when at home, for obvious reasons. But the minute I walked in the door from work, I caked the medicine on.
I read somewhere above that the redness can be visible up to 5 weeks after the treatment. I am now 2 weeks post-treatment and there is hardly any redness at all. And I had serious, bleeding wounds on both cheeks.
The redness that I do have, I cover up with a product made specially for burned skin. It is called “Dermablend.” It was recommended by my dermatologist. If you can’t find it on the net, I’m happy to post a link to it. (If that is allowed in this forum). I wore it over the affected area for the first time last night, and my date couldn’t see the redness.
So, that was my experience. CVS Polysporin on the affected area 24 hours/day. I hope this information is of some benefit to those that read this.
Best wishes,
Douglas
January 15th, 2006 at 2:17 am
Hello fellow Efudexers,
HELP
I’m in the 14th day of 30 in this treatment of once a night before going to bed, and I’m experiencing the red spots and dryness and all the rest that everyone is talking about here. The the treatment is on my face and although it looks pretty bad and hurts a little I’m experiencing something nobody has complained about here and I was wondering if there is anyone else suffering with it. I seemed to be having a hay fever type reaction in one sinus. It just happens to be on the side where my AK has developed although I apply the cream everywhere but under my eyes, nose and mouth areas. Constant itching on the roof of my mouth on that side, watery, ithcy eye(just one), nose and throat all day, AND NIGHT! Seems to be worse at night after I apply the cream. Could be coincedental because doesn’t everything seem to get worse at night. Well it’s driving me mad. I can’t sleep at night due to the constant ithing. I’m about to give up but don’t want to start it all over again. I should mention that I do suffer from seasonal allergies and we are in the middle of a very dry and windy spell so it could be stuff blowing around but normally that would effect both sinuses not just one side. Allergy medicines don’t seem to help much. I intend to see the doctor and get his thoughts but maybe someone can confirm my suspicions so I can have some ammo to back me up. The literature in the package has a vage statement about it causing nasel irritation. I’m wondering if that’s what they mean. One more question. I’m a side sleeper and I wonder if by putting it on an hour or two before bed the stuff has been absorbed already and I dont need to worry about the film left on my pillow case in the morning? In other words is’nt it just rubbing off onto the pillow case?
Anyway sorry for being so lengthy. I really apperciate all the comments and admire all of you folks that have stuck it out. I just hope I can as well. I know the alternative is no picnic either. Good luck to all. I’ll keep you posted on my discussion with the doctor.
One more thing. Thanks Bill for starting up this blog. I’ts been quite informative.
Jim
January 15th, 2006 at 3:23 am
Thanks Jim and Douglas,
Jim, I really had no idea that so many people would have similar stories to share about their adventures with Effudex-40. Many have posted great tips! Hopefully someone will be helped by a post here.
I think that the Effudex-50 absorbs into your skin after 40 minutes, so I woudn’t worry about most of it ending up on your pillow case. I used to have that same concern though.
Douglas, please post the link to the “Dermablend” product! Heck, there ain’t no rules here—except no spamming with unrelated stuff. Thanks for posting your adventures with the polysporin. If you know of a product that helped you and may help others with this treatment, PLEASE post your review here. We can all learn.
January 15th, 2006 at 4:03 am
Here is the official site –
http://www.dermablend.com/
Once you enter the site, you can click on Store Locator to find a store closest to you. I live in Washington, D.C. and found that a Hecht’s department store had it. If nothing pops up, then you can order online.
I usually do my shopping online, but one good reason to go into a store (if you are near one) is to have the cosmetic staff determine the exact shade and tone of your skin. They then will match it against the appropriate shade of Dermablend.
I am glad I went in, as the shade that I was tempted to order online (I know nothing about cosmetics or skin tones or anything like that) turned out to be too light. I went in about ten days after I had stopped the treatment and had the lady apply some Dermablend to the affected area. She applied the cover creme and then sealed it on (so you don’t accidentally wipe it off during the day) with a little powder.
I know that this sounds like it is verging into feminine cosmetic terrain and the males in the audience might shy away from this. Fair enough. But it beats the heck out of the alternative, and it really works. It covers the redness evenly, is OK to use on burned skin, and, most importantly, from the male point-of-view, it does not look like you are wearing makeup (which was my chief concern).
Hope that helps. Happy to provide any follow-up information that people might need.
Douglas
January 15th, 2006 at 4:47 am
Jim from Texas – call your doctor immediately as they may be able to prescribe something. I am not a physician, but from what the literature states it sounds like you are having a reaction.
I am on day 11 of my treatment for AK’s on my lower lip. They have been treating me for over a year. First with Aldara cream, which I had an adverse reaction and then cryosurgery.
When it came back this time, I was put on the Efudex 40 – 5% for 7 days. I didn’t notice any pain until day 8 (after I had seen the doctor), but days 8 and 9 were so bad that I could not go to work… I was way too ugly!
I called the doctor and they put me on prednisone, which is finally starting to work as I write this. But earlier in the day I had a lot of oozing and bleeding and it was quite painful. I was also concerned that it had worked a little too well as my lip is completely raw and seems to be melting away. I called again just to make sure it was a normal reaction and they phoned in a presciption for Vicoden.
It has at least taken the edge off of the pain. I too tried to be brave with my first few experiences with skin cancer, but my advice is to contact your doctor and see if he or she can offer you relief.
I am very glad to have found this site as everyone’s comments have been very helpful. After MOHs surgery on my chest a few years ago for a Basal Cell, I have had several treatents for AK’s. My next step is to begin a 14 day treatment on my face and chest, which I was afraid might be too aggressive. After reading your comments, I think it