| Author |
 Topic  |
|
deruo
21 Posts |
 Posted - 07/12/2013 : 10:31:54
|
Picato sounds very interesting Cheeno. If you hadn't mentioned it here I never would have spent an hour reading about it this am instead of working! ;-) I'd jump at the chance to do in 3 days what took 21-30 with Efudex. It would seem to be a walk in the park comparibly speaking. I have a followup with my Dr in November for my 6 month check-up so maybe I'll ask her about it.
Fiona, I think anyone that has done a treatment of Efudex is a hero. Believe me there were days where I was ready to give up, especially towards the end. I skipped a treatment and then felt guilty and worried whether skipping that one would mean having to do it all over again. That inspired me to continue. Now that it's a distant memory, I'd only hesitate a little to do it again. |
 |
|
|
Nutty
1 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2013 : 02:38:13
|
| I have almost finished 4 weeks x twice a day of Efudix treatment.3 days to go! Reading everyone's comments has really helped, I was told very little about the treatment except that the skin had to get very red and sore for the cream to work. I only had a few patches, but the cream has picked up lots of places that I didn't realise I had. I have had to carry on working - I teach, but the kids have been very good, although I haven't given them all the details. My face is very sore now, but I'm looking forward to Wednesday when I can stop. Can anyone suggest some cream to help the recovering process? How long should my skin take to get back to normal? Thanks to everyone who has posted their experiences, it has really helped. |
|
|
|
deruo
21 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2013 : 11:25:10
|
quote:
Originally posted by Nutty
Can anyone suggest some cream to help the recovering process? How long should my skin take to get back to normal?
Nutty, I found that anything cream-based hurt too much for the first few days after treatment ended. I only used a product called Aquaphor (which is much like Vaseline or petroleum jelly) for a few days to relieve the tightness. After that, I applied nothing except sunscreen (if I was going outside). You will probably find that the first few days after treatment ends to be the worst as the Efudex continues to do its stuff. Then, the intense redness, flaking and pain subsides quite quickly. You'll probably be amazed at what a difference a week makes. Mind you you'll probably be various shades of pink for several months, and I found that the patchy pink patches would intensify after washing or applying sunscreen/moisturizer to my face, for about an hour or so. I think it was about 4 months before I think my skin was back to normal. Most of my friends thought it was back to normal well before that.
As far as cream to help the recovery process, I don't think that is necessary, though your Dr. may have other ideas, depending how raw and oozing you are by day 30.
Hang in there, those last few days are difficult! |
|
|
|
jamesd
7 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2013 : 11:56:02
|
| after cancer is dead try a poltice of flaxseed meal mixed with hotwater to form a paste cover with steril dressing wash and change daily cancer will fall out when ready 7 to 10 days we use a mixture of 10 drops iodine, 10 drops carbolic acid, one quarter teaspoon copper sulfate ground super fine to 3.5 ounce jar vaseline. hardley ever leaves a scar, be careful, getting hard to find good iodine, carbolic acid the best antiseptic ever, almost impossible |
Edited by - jamesd on 07/14/2013 12:01:54 |
|
|
|
FionaKirk
4 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2013 : 00:03:08
|
Good Afternoon to fellow Efudix survivors :)). I am now at day 15 it seems forever ago that I started and forever to go to get to day 21. I have thank goodness not turned red to 100% of my face but a good 85%. It is truly amazing to see the size of cancer in my face and the depth it seems to be. I had a fantastic response fairly quickly to the large areas of cancer but only in the last 3 days many smaller ones so maybe they were deeper, I'm not sure? But I do have another appointment at the Cancer Clinique in two days to see if they are going to extent treatment another week... I sooooo hope not! In way of relief the Doctor at the Cancer Clinique told me to wash my face with QV it is a cream and cleanser but has no chemicals perfumes etc. it is an incredible relief does stings a tad at first but gives a little relief before having to apply efudix again. They said to use QV cream once I finish too to help with putting moisture back into the skin as it heals. She also said no matter how tempting it is do not rub or peel skin off, do not rub under water to get it off just let it fall off naturally and you will have less burning and tenderness. Anyway that's just some of my experience.
Oh and a big thank you to Deruo who has been a wonderful help through all of this xoxo |
|
|
|
andrewecd
5 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2013 : 19:38:05
|
| Fiona. Not long to go, good luck. It is well worth the journey in the end. You will get many comments on how great your skin looks when all over. I was told to use the QV cream also. It worked very well. I continue to use it after shaving. |
|
|
|
drboyd
1 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2013 : 00:33:54
|
Sorry to jump in at the tail end (or maybe not) of this thread, but I just finished my last day of efudex (21 days times 1/day) this morning. I plan to tell the doctor that it will be quicker, easier, and less painful to do this next time with a welding torch. 
My face looks roughly like I was dragged behind a cattle truck by my heels - and to make it worse, I've been in a large meeting for two days now (one more day to go) and I'm wearing a baseball cap pulled low over my bright red forehead - so I don't scare the nice  people. And of course, the cap just makes my forehead itch all the more.
Tomorrow morning, I plan to start with some antibiotic ointment and cortisone - hopefully my life will start to be ever-so-slightly less wretched as time passes.
Eeeewwwrf! That's what I say about efudex!
|
|
|
|
Matt
1 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2013 : 02:15:37
|
quote:
Originally posted by Cheeno
I have used Efudex several times but recently my doctor prescribed a new treatment - Picato. It effectively does in 3 days what Efudex does in 2 weeks. It can only be used on small areas at a time and is pretty new - I think developed in Australia but has been available in USA for several months; available in Australia only for a few months. I am very happy with the results and was only out of action for a week as opposed to several weeks with Efudex
G'day Cheeno,
I have been given the same advise by my Dermatologist as you did in regards to Efudix for treating AK on my forehead, a nine week program of applying it twice a day on Saturday and Sunday only. I think my dermatologist believed I worked a 5 day week when I actually do 21 days on 7 days off!. How did this regime work for you?, did it successfully clear the AK, BCC's?. How bad did your skin flare up?. Sorry for the questions, it's just I'm about to start my 21 day swing in the middle of nowhere and would like to know what to expect. My Derm said very little, didn't say anything about it being a chemo drug and just said I'd get a smaller reaction this way, nothing about how much smaller mind you!.
I've noticed your now going down the Picato route, I am tempted to look into this because I have been advised it is quicker and just as effective..
Matt
|
|
|
|
Cheeno
4 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2013 : 08:06:03
|
I didn't get as strong a reaction to the twice a week over several weeks Efudex treatment as I had hoped for. That's why my doctor tried Picato - I had a very good reaction to Picato and it was much quicker - very red and scabby for 4 - 5 days then cleared up very quickly. It is only for use on a small area at a time.
With the extended Efudex treatment I didn't really flare up badly at all - just some mild redness and at no time did I feel that I couldn't be seen in public. I found it tedious to continue for the extended time - 10 - 12 weeks |
|
|
|
zengrrl
1 Posts |
Posted - 09/27/2013 : 00:44:00
|
Hello All - in whatever time era you read this,
Thanks for this great forum of users, where we can learn so much more than from our practitioners! I'm Day 8 of 14 days 2x/d for Actinic Keratosis on my nose & a spot on my wrist. While I have 4 small bright red open spots + a reddened background matrix over the rest of my nose, I'm not having pain, only discomfort so far. The derm MD had recently excised a patch on my nose as a containment + biopsy tho, so that part of my nose was brand new skin anyway. It seems like the pain reaction may be related to severity of the skin problem & the amount of surface area involved. Some people here had to treat a lot more area than I'm doing.
In the previous 20 yrs of AK treatment with other derm MDs, my nose was "treated" with Vaseline, retinol, cut, frozen & most recently (before fu5) was Aldara, which made me grow a few "horns" as it reacted with hidden spots. The removals gave about 1-1.5 yrs clean & the Aldara gave me 2+ yrs the first x, but only about 6 mos the second x. So I chose fu5 out of the 3 options the current derm MD gave me - hoping that the bio-chemical approach seemed at least more effective than just removal & I hadn't tried fu5 yet.
Many strong spirits on the site & generous to spend time helping others going through this journey. The variability in regimes is confusing - hopefully rationally related to the specific Needs of the individual situation, but the MDs are not doing enough education with their patients to explain about the spectrum or regime. This site is so helpful to fill in that deficit! |
|
|
|
craigeppelstun
1 Posts |
Posted - 09/28/2013 : 21:32:19
|
I am 44 fair skinned australian builder male and have sun damaged skin.
I am on day 6 and of effedex and at this moment have no effects from the ointment |
|
|
|
Deb333
1 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2013 : 21:42:03
|
| Can anyone tell me what I can use for pain when I start efudex cream for my lips? |
|
|
|
Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2014 : 11:46:39
|
| Starting 14 day treatment 2X a day this coming Monday. After researching effects I'm quite concerned. My treatment of Efudex will be on bridge of nose and cheeks. The Dr. said to use Aquafor to ease discomfort. Anyone know if it's ok to use during treatment? |
Edited by - Jans109 on 01/02/2014 12:38:59 |
|
|
|
deruo
21 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2014 : 21:07:40
|
Jans109,
Yes, it is okay to use during treatment, but you should wait at least 2 or 3 hours after applying the Efudex before putting the Aquaphor on.
If you read through all the pages here, you'll get a difference of opinion on it's usage, but I don't think I started using it until week 3. You may not need to use it at all if you're only doing a 14 day treatment. If memory serves, I don't think I saw much of a reaction at all until day 7 or 8.
It really helped loosen up the tightness on my face (I did my entire face and scalp at once), during my 4th week of treatment, and the first few days after treatment finished. The important thing is to not apply it right away as you want the Efudex to sink into the skin to do its thing before applying anything on top of it that may reduce it's effectiveness. Don't put on too much as it can be difficult to wash off later, and your skin will be tender, so you don't want to wash it that vigorously.
Good luck with your treatment! |
|
|
|
JackRussell
18 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2014 : 06:53:21
|
| ....also Jans109, I found that patting a little cold water on my face throughout the day offered some relief. Your treatment though, will be as much psychological as physical. Pace yourself. In the end, I found it a healthy exercise in learning to appreciate what some other people have to live with as a permanent condition and to appreciate that I am fortunate. (PS - I had a little flaky skin on the bridge that Effudex cleared up. But now almost 7 years after it has returned. I wish I did 6 instead of 4&1/2 weeks.) |
|
|
|
Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2014 : 10:48:23
|
deruo,
Thanks for the reply! I'm so nervous about starting this treatment, but know I have no choice. I am so fortunate in only being prescribed the 14 day treatment, I hope! I would hate to have to start it all over again. I hope you are right and I won't need the Aquafor at all, but I am sceptical there. I'll keep you posted after I begin treatment. Again, thanks! |
|
|
|
Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2014 : 10:53:38
|
JackRussell,
Thanks for the reply and advice. I will use your suggestion of patting water on my face. I've also read about cold compresses. I agree that this will be as much psychological as physical. I've come to terms with it and now just want it to be done. And you are right, there are so many other people on this forum with much more severe problems. I am thankful for the small areas I have to treat.. I think one of the reasons my derm. only prescribed the 14 day treatment and on the small area is because I am a VERY senior lady! So he probably thinks I'll kick the bucket before I need more! I might fool him though! :) |
|
|
|
mmj
5 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2014 : 14:42:37
|
| 6 days left I have to work this weekend and I really need to wear foundation............I hope this doesn't mess up the work I have done |
|
|
|
Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2014 : 05:05:58
|
MMJ,
I am on day 5 of my 14 day treatment and so far I've had almost no reaction. Just a little redness in some spots. From what I have researched, I would advise against makeup. I know that's difficult, but I personally don't want to risk any problems that may cause. What reactions have you had? I'm staying inside fearing worse reactions from the sun. I am a 76 yr old woman and only treating the bridge of my nose and cheeks areas. I'm "on hold" waiting to discover what's in store from Efudex! |
|
|
|
mmj
5 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2014 : 03:36:57
|
well it showed through anyway after a couple hrs.....so today I will just face it...I work in a nursing home and don't want my residents to be upset for me,,,,,,when I first started I thought boy there isn't much here....BUT it it really worked in the middle of my face from forehead to chin and on my chest my Dr said to put on the bridge of my nose ...his nurse said do the whole face as it will not hurt good cells.....glad I did all at once..............I have been a sun lover all my life and I am now 67.....and still go to MX will just use sunscreen here on out
|
|
|
|
mmj
5 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2014 : 03:40:03
|
| also don't stop ....you have to make it up on the end....I am doing 21 days...done next wed.....it burns some and itches but I am told the end results are worth it.....get rid of those nasty cells |
|
|
|
dipendy
3 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2014 : 08:18:13
|
| Hello everyone. I have recently been prescribed efudex cream. I am concerned about using this on arms face chest and neck around my three ur old grand daughter. Does anyone know if it is safe to have on me with her around. Dr says ok as long as its dry but what if I sweat or she licks me (she likes to pretend she's a dog lol) any help would be appreciated. |
|
|
|
anivoc
668 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2014 : 09:34:27
|
quote:
Originally posted by dipendy
Hello everyone. I have recently been prescribed efudex cream. I am concerned about using this on arms face chest and neck around my three ur old grand daughter. Does anyone know if it is safe to have on me with her around. Dr says ok as long as its dry but what if I sweat or she licks me (she likes to pretend she's a dog lol) any help would be appreciated.
Hi Dipendy...I moved this into the Efudex forum...
Efudex is VERY powerful stuff with lots of side effects on adults. I would be VERY careful around a child with it... I recommend you going back to your doctor and reminding him that you have a 3 year old...get his recomendation...and also his opinion ( if he has one) on picato gel.
Picato Gel is a new FDA approved cream that is very effective without near the toxicity of Efudex...
Good luck |
Edited by - anivoc on 01/11/2014 09:35:54 |
|
|
|
Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2014 : 11:08:13
|
dipendy,
I believe you are correct in being concerned about a 3 yr old around this stuff. I am only treating my nose and cheek areas and am concerned about touching after applying (before it's dry)and somehow getting it in my eyes or nostrils. I have rhinitis and have a constant runny nose. This is toxic stuff and pretty scary! I am on day 6 and still waiting for reactions. But you're having heavy duty treatment. Good luck!! I hope it all goes well with you. Keep us all informed! |
|
|
|
dipendy
3 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2014 : 04:44:46
|
| Thank you both for the info. That was the first question I asked my Dr. Is about it being around my grandchild and he said ily would b safe as long as its dry. I wasn't convinced as u said since its so rough on adults. I'm so appreciative for the responses. Best of luck for you all. |
|
|
|
Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2014 : 06:59:56
|
On my 8th day of treatment and have some red spots now although not much discomfort yet. My main treatment is on my nose. Having rhinitis I use a lot of Kleenex. A couple times I have inadvertently wiped some medication off before it's completely dry. Can someone tell me if I should reapply or not?
Having a hard time trying to figure how to "post" rather than "reply". Duh |
|
|
|
Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2014 : 04:43:11
|
| Finished 14 day of 2x a day treatment yesterday. Now I wait to see what happens next. Very little discomfort so far. Have spots on bridge of nose and one cheek. No visible reaction on other cheek so far. I feel so fortunate in comparison to others here on this forum, but will continue to report back for those that are receiving the 14 day treatment. Over and out. |
|
|
|
mmj
5 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2014 : 14:33:25
|
quote:
Originally posted by Jans109
Finished 14 day of 2x a day treatment yesterday. Now I wait to see what happens next. Very little discomfort so far. Have spots on bridge of nose and one cheek. No visible reaction on other cheek so far. I feel so fortunate in comparison to others here on this forum, but will continue to report back for those that are receiving the 14 day treatment. Over and out.
|
|
|
|
mmj
5 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2014 : 14:47:29
|
I just finished my Efudex 5 days ago...it is peeling and at night I bleed a bit but it is clearing up I am glad I did it....it wasn't the most fun I have had but the outcome will be worth it....I did the 21 days 2x daily for 1 week and then 1x daily for 2 weeks..................I did get a lot of reaction ...I WILL USE SUNSCREEN it seems to be clearing rather quickly
update.......I have been off efudex 10 days .....and my skin is a little redden in areas but it is healed......I AM VERY glad I went through this...... |
Edited by - mmj on 01/25/2014 15:18:13 |
|
|
|
dipendy
3 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2014 : 06:30:25
|
| Thanks for the help. I am just getting the efudex due to the expense. I also have decided to only great areas I can cover for the safety of my grandchild. This will be day one so anyone with side effect warnings or tips are appreciated. I will also keep my bed and bath locked to prevent my lil one from being around this medicatuon. I have to say I'm scared but seeing everyone on here strength does help much love and thanks to you all |
|
|
|
Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2014 : 09:53:15
|
| At day 27 after 14 day 2X daily treatment. Finished treatment and waited for the worse. Other than looking kind of "bad", with redness, peeling and some crusting, plus a bit of itchiness and some pain, I feel I have been really lucky. Of course, my doctor hasn't looked at my face yet. He didn't want to see me again until March! (sound familiar?) So I await his verdict. I started using makeup again a couple days ago and almost feel my normal self, even with a little peeling, etc. I will not be a happy camper if I have to start from scratch! |
|
|
|
Longdrop
18 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2014 : 17:13:26
|
I have posted on this site before about my experience with Efudex as a full face treatment and as a targeted treatment. Thought I would add one more! I went to the GP with a red spot on my leg and he referred me to the plastic surgeon who confirmed the BCC and booked me in for surgery ($650). I suggested I try Efudex again and he supported this option but expressed doubt as he felt the BCC was too deep. I tried it anyway, twice a day for three weeks and the spot seemed to reduce. Anyway, six months later, I went in for the surgery and while on the table mentioned the Efudex treatment. The surgeon took a closer look at the blemish and confirmed it was clearing up with no sign of infiltrations and gave me my $650 back. This stuff is seriously good and I recommend anyone try it before surgery or any more invasive treatments - for BCC's at least. Just in passing I should mention I also had a BCC on the other leg some years previously which I ended up with a week of pain, a skin graft and a bill for several thousand dollars - that was the dermatologist who suggested I try Efudex!
And thanks too for this excellent resource, whoever you are who set it up! |
|
|
|
ch2013
6 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2014 : 17:00:23
|
| So glad I found this forum! Doctor prescribed Efudex for my hands and forearms, and suggested I do some research first before starting it. Guess she didn't want to tell me about the side effects and pain. I'll keep reading the posts here. |
|
|
|
rick789
3 Posts |
Posted - 03/23/2014 : 05:04:05
|
| Has anybody used Effudex on their lip with success? If so what was the frequency of your application? I was told to use it twice weekly for 3 months, this was some time ago, but I didn't get the problem cleared up. I'm considering alternative options but not sure what yet. Thanks in advance for any advice or opinions. |
|
|
|
Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2014 : 10:40:17
|
| After going thru my initial 2X daily for 2 weeks on my nose and cheeks, I finally had my dermatologist visit. He said all pre-cancerous spots were taken care of but he still had to freeze a place on my nose. In addition he froze 10 spots on my forehead. They are all almost healed now. (my appt. was March 6th) I was surprised he didn't have me do the Efudex on my forehead, but I would by far rather have them frozen off if possible. However, most of the area where I had the Efudex treatment now looks great! So overall, I'm pleased. |
|
|
|
JackRussell
18 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2014 : 16:42:35
|
| Allergic Reaction !!! - What the heck? I did this 7 years ago; a 30 day twice a day stint that was very successful. Well get this. I start this time with just a little on the bridge of the nose, collar area and back of hands. I got the expected reaction and after 7 days was settling into the experience when the areas treated started to itch significantly. I went on for 14 days but decided to stop because it did not seem right. Well then on the night of day 17 while asleep an esophageal spasm starts to come on. I have had this only once before after exposure to some chemicals. I narrowly avoided it but then on the following 3 days my hands started to swell and itch like H, and I broke out in hives and lumps. By day 21 I was in the emergency room because my lips were starting to swell. I needed 100mg of IV prednisone. I was put on 60 mg per day. After 3 days I immediately started to taper off the meds and now at day 29 I am off. This was a stupid wild ride. How the heck do I do 30 days like text book and then 7 years later have this crazy reaction? Its as though somewhere in between I acquired that genetic condition in which you cannot use Efudex. Go figure. I am still not right as my body tries to find it's center. I feel a few more days and hopefully I'll be back to center. WOW!!! |
|
|
|
Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2014 : 07:53:59
|
quote:
Originally posted by JackRussell
Allergic Reaction !!! - What the heck? I did this 7 years ago; a 30 day twice a day stint that was very successful. Well get this. I start this time with just a little on the bridge of the nose, collar area and back of hands. I got the expected reaction and after 7 days was settling into the experience when the areas treated started to itch significantly. I went on for 14 days but decided to stop because it did not seem right. Well then on the night of day 17 while asleep an esophageal spasm starts to come on. I have had this only once before after exposure to some chemicals. I narrowly avoided it but then on the following 3 days my hands started to swell and itch like H, and I broke out in hives and lumps. By day 21 I was in the emergency room because my lips were starting to swell. I needed 100mg of IV prednisone. I was put on 60 mg per day. After 3 days I immediately started to taper off the meds and now at day 29 I am off. This was a stupid wild ride. How the heck do I do 30 days like text book and then 7 years later have this crazy reaction? Its as though somewhere in between I acquired that genetic condition in which you cannot use Efudex. Go figure. I am still not right as my body tries to find it's center. I feel a few more days and hopefully I'll be back to center. WOW!!!
|
|
|
|
Jans109
14 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2014 : 07:57:01
|
| The allergic reaction is really scary! I'm sorry you've had to go thru this and hope you're fully healed soon! I feel so fortunate in being finished with my treatment and just hope I don't have to look at another one in the future. This is forum is such a good outlet to us all! |
|
|
|
Colbres
1 Posts |
Posted - 04/01/2014 : 09:16:29
|
| I have been using Effudex on my lips. I am finished with my treatment but am wondering how I can go out into the world while I heal. I would run if I saw myself; I look contagious and HORRIBLE. Any suggestions? |
|
|
|
ch2013
6 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2014 : 08:59:04
|
| I finished a round of Efudex on my forearms and hands, and now am 10 days in on my upper chest and neck. My arms and hands still have red spots healing. I posted a blog about this journey will photos, and included some other resources in it too. Hope it's helpful to your journey. http://skincancerjournal.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
|
peterjm1003
11 Posts |
Posted - 04/30/2014 : 06:10:25
|
Just a quick post to see if anyone needs specific advice.
I noticed anivoc has already recommended picato as a much quicker alternative to efudix, with similar effects but over a much shorter time frame.
I would definitely endorse that thinking. It is generally much more expensive, but is based on an extract of petty spurge/Euphorbia peplus - see the posts on that thread.
Efudix (5-Fluorouracil) works by disrupting the cell replication cycle because it is an analogue of one of the base pairs in DNA. For rapidly dividing cells (ie cancers and pre-malignant cells like actinic keratoses), they are preferentially destroyed, but this then involves the body's immune system, causing localised inflammation - sometimes severe. Some people react very strongly and are in a whole world of pain. Efudix works but it can be nasty.
If you are using efudix, the following should be noted :
1. Avoid the sun - it is photosenstive and this reinforces the inflammatory response
2. Use a basic moisturiser if this does not irritate - this will not affect the action of the efudix.
3. Use twice a day initially until a reaction develops then cut back to once a day.
4. Use for 3 - 4 weeks for Actinic keratoses (field treatment), up to 8 weeks (spot treatment) for proven or suspected intraepidermal carcinomas
5. If the reaction gets too bad, stop or cut back to every second day. Consider repeat course after lesions have resolved
Thanks for reading
|
|
|
|
ch2013
6 Posts |
Posted - 04/30/2014 : 06:52:15
|
Thank you for the info! I do have specific questions you may be able to help with.
If I have one or more active SCCs show up in the course of this treatment, how do I know there aren't more lurking in other areas of my skin? My first round on my forearms and hands uncovered over 70 spots total -- still healing, so don't know yet if the cream killed everything. On day 13 of round two -- this time upper chest and neck, and I'm covered in spots/rash. If spots show up every place I use Effudex, what does that say about all the areas I am not using it?
I'm reading conflicting statements about the risk of SCC metastasizing. Some research says only 5-10% do, other research says more. And does that mean from the total population of diagnosed, or per patient, or the number of lesions or identified SCCs?
Thanks for your input. Attached image.![]()
Image Insert:
32.97 KB |
|
|
|
peterjm1003
11 Posts |
Posted - 04/30/2014 : 07:18:59
|
Hi,
the reactions I can see from the photos indicate superficial or pre-malignant change - in other words they don't look like invasive SCC. Even if invasive that doesn't meant metastatic. So my initial impression is - don't worry.
(Qualifier - see a local doctor or dermatologist to confirm - I live in Australia and not registered to practice in the US)
Reaction to efudix doesn't mean it is confirmed SCC, it just means atypical cell. Metastatic disease is quite rare, 5-10%??? I think someone pulled that number out of their butt. A lot of these lesions will never progress beyond superficial atypia or intra-epidermal (superficial - confined to the epidermis). Primarily be concerned about spots/lesions on the face or neck or rapidly changing lesions.
Just to emphasise - reaction to efudix is NOT a diagnosis of SCC. I would recommend re-treat in 12 months and note any changes.
Thanks for reading |
|
|
|
ch2013
6 Posts |
Posted - 04/30/2014 : 07:23:04
|
| Thank you! Thank you! |
|
|
|
sunni
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2014 : 01:20:10
|
| Lately I've read on a few derm sites and skin cancer blogs about a new protocol for BCC, efudex applied weekly for 8-9 months. This is supposed to kill cancer without inflammation or burning. How can this work if inflammation means the efudex is working? Has anyone known this protocol to be successful? |
|
|
|
WolfpackGirl
1 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2014 : 19:36:47
|
Hey everyone!
Thank you for your courage and taking the time to post all of your experiences with Efudex treatment.
I'm in my mid-30s and very fair-skinned, and I have had 9 instances of BCC and melanoma, requiring several surgeries (1 Mohs surgery). I have a lot of AK and a small BCC along my hairline and on my cheeks. My doctor suggested that we attack it all now with a 14-day course of Efudex.
When I was in the office recently for an excision, I asked if I should expect to miss any days of work, and the doctor kind of laughed at me. I don't think that this is a crazy question! I drive 50 miles to work each way and I'm concerned about trying to wear sunglasses in the blinding morning sun(my temples will be treated). I'm also worried that I won't be up to working if I'm in pain and I haven't slept very well. Infection is a slight concern given the open sores as well.
I like to think that I'm fairly tough (I've passed several kidney stones!), but I'm definitely concerned that this treatment will be worse than the doctor said. She basically made it sound like mosquito bites or a mild sunburn (as she handed me the brochures with scary pictures of Efudex treatment).
It was hard to try to schedule a block of time for treatment. I will start Efudex over Memorial Day weekend, as I have a big work deadline before that and a family reunion at the end of June that I have to travel to. I will try to post about my experience as I'm able to.
Again, thank you all for the time you've taken to share your thoughts and advice! |
|
|
|
ch2013
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2014 : 19:45:32
|
I did take some time off from public work mainly because of the appearance, and because I was noticeably tired while using Efudex. Also, my skin was very photosensitive, and sunscreen stung too much to apply, so I stayed indoors as much as possible, and wore protective clothing, gloves, hat, and sunglasses when I did go outdoors. I've been keeping a 'blog' with photos of my progress. It's helpful because sometimes I don't think my skin is improving (or worsening) and the photos help me see progress. http://skincancerjournal.blogspot.com/
Good luck with your treatment -- keep us posted when you start over Memorial Day. |
|
|
|
April
9 Posts |
Posted - 01/25/2015 : 21:46:38
|
Is this efudex usually a one time treatment? or does it have to be repeated? Also it appears it effects all the skin area - such as the face and if there is a issue under the skin that it destroys it, to prevent from having mohs, etc. and it also destroys small BCC that may be on top of the skin?
Am going to the Dr next week and think I have one popping up and would like to ask if I could use this cream in that area and see if there is a reaction, because of where it is, if a biopsy is done it may leave a scar on the cheek area.
|
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Efudex
