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Alexis Fecteau
12 Posts |
 Posted - 05/02/2011 : 19:19:59
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For those growing the spurge, I would recommend misting them every day if indoors, or just putting outside at night. I did a control experiment with one plant indoors and one out and the outdoor one did substantially better and grew much larger. The only difference was that I moved one of them outdoors 3 days sooner, it stayed stronger, grew larger, and flourished. All did well after putting them outside, but the one that went out first was by far the largest and healthiest.
Alexis Fecteau |
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Brigid
68 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2011 : 23:29:51
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This is PS for giants, judging by the leaves, Irene! LOL I've got at least 10 babies growing in one pot from where the seeds dropped, all pointed in the same direction. 3 that also planted themselves in another pot and a couple that dropped down from the mother plants in the old pots. The plant neonate ward. For anyone growing them for the first time, about 1/2 of mine survived, so plant more than you need. And yes, they really like cool weather, the outdoors, or if indoors in summer heat, an air conditioner.
I started round 4 of treating my face today. One cut leaf yielded a HUGE amount of sap today, and the stinging began for real after 1/2 an hour. (Usually takes much longer.) Maybe b/c the areas from round 3 are still pretty tender and pink. Talking and smiling are challenging for now, but that passes. Fingers crossed.
Treated my leg about 3 weeks ago, 5 consecutive days. Probably a bcc, but it wasn't biopsied. It's still very red with one small darker red spot within the larger red area. Does anyone know what that means?
quote:
Originally posted by Irene
Latest batch I am growing: I just threw a bunch of seeds in a 6" diameter pot with indoor potting soil and watered well. Put them near the window with a northern exposure (it's the only window I have that provides enough light). Now 6 weeks later they are 6 - 8 inches tall.
I think they like to grow in larger pots rather than in small containers and in clumps/bunches (supporting each other) rather than alone, and they like to stay fairly wet. In other words, don't let them dry out between waterings, don't make them sit in too much sun (although I had several volunteer plants last year that looked quite happy outside, in the spaces between patio stones in the full sun.)
I've got plenty of seeds for those who need them.
Irene
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Grace
5 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2011 : 20:28:49
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Thanks for the awesome picture of your PS Irene! I hope mine gets that big! It's about the same size pot and I am misting as recommended on this thread. Only been a few days since I first saw the sprouts and they are about 3" high so far.
Drumming fingers on desk waiting, waiting....lol. |
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Irene
18 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2011 : 20:42:10
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Just for the record Grace, I never mist my Petty Spurge plants.
Just lots of light and good air circulation and not much direct sunlight on them.
I do add a little liquid fertilizer for house plants now and again.
Irene
quote:
Originally posted by Grace
Thanks for the awesome picture of your PS Irene! I hope mine gets that big! It's about the same size pot and I am misting as recommended on this thread. Only been a few days since I first saw the sprouts and they are about 3" high so far.
Drumming fingers on desk waiting, waiting....lol.
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Edited by - Irene on 05/05/2011 20:47:38 |
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ruby
13 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 10:38:34
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I did a second round with the petty spurge and there was more to treat.
Because I'm finding I'm sensitive to the tiny drop of sap, I'm diluting it now so that I don't have as much of a reaction.
By the way, If there's anyone in the Northern AZ or Las Vegas area ( 2 hours away) who needs Petty Spurge to use right away, I have a couple extra plants that I can pass along. |
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Brigid
68 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 14:21:20
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I can relate to treating an increasingly large area. I've thought about diluting the sap, too. I'd read that it's stronger in spring, and this seems true for one of my plants. (Some cut leaves are yielding a drop the size of 4 normal drops.) I've resisted the urge to dilute the sap, since some previous posters have said not to, but it may work for you. Would you post to the listserv a month after you've finished your treatment and let us know how the diluted sap worked? (Although, I'm pretty sure we shouldn't generalize from one person's experience to another, since there are different kinds of BCCs, and we all have different immune systems, diets, etc.) Still, if it works for you, I'd really like to know: with so many areas to treat, I'd love to dilute the sap.
Happy Mother's Day to all.
quote:
Originally posted by ruby
I did a second round with the petty spurge and there was more to treat.
Because I'm finding I'm sensitive to the tiny drop of sap, I'm diluting it now so that I don't have as much of a reaction.
By the way, If there's anyone in the Northern AZ or Las Vegas area ( 2 hours away) who needs Petty Spurge to use right away, I have a couple extra plants that I can pass along.
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SoFl
79 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 08:38:47
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quote:
Originally posted by Brigid
This is PS for giants, judging by the leaves, Irene! LOL I've got at least 10 babies growing in one pot from where the seeds dropped, all pointed in the same direction. 3 that also planted themselves in another pot and a couple that dropped down from the mother plants in the old pots. The plant neonate ward. For anyone growing them for the first time, about 1/2 of mine survived, so plant more than you need. And yes, they really like cool weather, the outdoors, or if indoors in summer heat, an air conditioner.
I started round 4 of treating my face today. One cut leaf yielded a HUGE amount of sap today, and the stinging began for real after 1/2 an hour. (Usually takes much longer.) Maybe b/c the areas from round 3 are still pretty tender and pink. Talking and smiling are challenging for now, but that passes. Fingers crossed.
Treated my leg about 3 weeks ago, 5 consecutive days. Probably a bcc, but it wasn't biopsied. It's still very red with one small darker red spot within the larger red area. Does anyone know what that means?
quote:
Originally posted by Irene
Latest batch I am growing: I just threw a bunch of seeds in a 6" diameter pot with indoor potting soil and watered well. Put them near the window with a northern exposure (it's the only window I have that provides enough light). Now 6 weeks later they are 6 - 8 inches tall.
I think they like to grow in larger pots rather than in small containers and in clumps/bunches (supporting each other) rather than alone, and they like to stay fairly wet. In other words, don't let them dry out between waterings, don't make them sit in too much sun (although I had several volunteer plants last year that looked quite happy outside, in the spaces between patio stones in the full sun.)
I've got plenty of seeds for those who need them.
Irene
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This is a great looking plant. Do you mind describing the type of soil, and any amendments or fertilizers you used?
Also, regarding diluting the sap, I have found that on most of the things I've treated on myself (well over 30 successful treatments to date now) I definitely don't want to dilute the sap. The only problem whatsoever I've had with this treatment is that a couple of spots required re treatment. After I started treating a little more thoroughly however, I haven't needed to re treat.
I have found PS to be extremely predictable. The only thing about it for me is that is has different levels of activity on different parts of the body. My legs are the least sensitive to it, for example.
Anyway, I use the sap full strength always now. There is a variability in the strength due to individual plants and time of harvest as well. I haven't totally pinned that down. The good news for people having difficulty growing them is that I have found that plants which have had to struggle tend to have the most potent sap.
A big healthy leafy plant like the one in your pic will make a lot of sap, but maybe not quite as strong as one struggling to survive.
Also, they always die so you have to use it or lose it.
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SoFl
79 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 08:45:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Grace
Thanks for the awesome picture of your PS Irene! I hope mine gets that big! It's about the same size pot and I am misting as recommended on this thread. Only been a few days since I first saw the sprouts and they are about 3" high so far.
Drumming fingers on desk waiting, waiting....lol.
The problem you are going to have in south florida is getting them past that 3 inch high stage. There is something about cold weather which jumps them over that dwarf stage and into full blown maturity.
The only time I have been able to do that in south florida is starting them in nov, dec, jan (dec best), and leaving them outdoors on cold nights.
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SoFl
79 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 08:54:01
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quote:
Originally posted by ruby
I am wondering how long the plants need to grow before they produce sap? I planted my Petty Spurge seeds in October and they are now about 4-5" tall (got the seeds from Beautanicals). But I just crushed some leaves and don't see any sap yet.
How long might I have to wait for that?
please read earlier in the forum. Leaf crushing is not the way to go. If you take a pair of sharp scissors (the sharper the better) and snip off one leaf at it's stem, one drop of sap will come out of the stem. That's what you want. I quickly hold out a flat blade stainless dental tool and let the drop of sap fall onto that. Sometimes after a few more seconds you'll get a little bit more. |
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Grace2Go
64 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 13:13:10
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quote:
Originally posted by SoFl
quote:
Originally posted by Grace
Thanks for the awesome picture of your PS Irene! I hope mine gets that big! It's about the same size pot and I am misting as recommended on this thread. Only been a few days since I first saw the sprouts and they are about 3" high so far.
Drumming fingers on desk waiting, waiting....lol.
The problem you are going to have in south florida is getting them past that 3 inch high stage. There is something about cold weather which jumps them over that dwarf stage and into full blown maturity.
The only time I have been able to do that in south florida is starting them in nov, dec, jan (dec best), and leaving them outdoors on cold nights.
I live in the south and have had no luck growing the PS plants past about 3". I've thought about trying them indoors near an AC vent, but I don't think they'd get enough light. We have dark screens on the windows, which is great for helping keep the heat out in summer, but not good for letting enough in for plants. Not just the PS plants, but any plants requiring much sunlight.
In retrospect, I suppose it's just as well that the PS plants haven't worked out for me, since my BCC has spread up very close to my eye.
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ruby
13 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 13:55:19
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I will have to delay my testing since I will be away from my home for at least a month.
But on my next trial, I will report back.
I feel very cautious now about using full strength sap because I feel the effects in my eyes. I don't know how the sap is circulating in my system- if it gets in the bloodstream, but I feel an irritation in my eyes from full strength sap when I put a small drop on my arm.
Since we are all experimenting with this, for myself alone, I have decided I need to be careful.
On my last round of treatment, always getting the tiredness and some feeling of pricking irritation in my eyes, I also got a silent migraine, which was a disturbance in my visual field (I discovered what this was when I looked up the symptoms). I've never had this before in my life, so I didn't know if it was brought on by the petty spurge, but it was rather coincidental.
As much as I want to just push through with the regular treatment, I feel its better to err on the side of caution for myself. |
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Brigid
68 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 15:06:56
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SoFl,
Your advice welcome. You recommend bandaging with crushed leaves in water--right after applying full-strength sap or when sap has dried? Location just over upper lip and on nostrils makes bandages hard (talking and eating difficult). I also get a variety of different symptoms each time I treat. On round 4 now. So glad it's worked for you. Hopeful.
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Irene
18 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 15:19:56
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Have never heard of crushed leaves being effective! Just the sap - use it fresh. I only ever bandaged to hide the sore, not to treat. At home I'd take the bandages off.
Perhaps the very first day you might want to bandage to keep from touching the spot and spreading the sap.
I tried to stop the sap from touching the 'good' skin by putting polysporin around the spot before treating it - BAD CHOICE! The sap went into the polysporin and a much larger area got affected than need be.
Irene
quote:
Originally posted by Brigid
SoFl,
Your advice welcome. You recommend bandaging with crushed leaves in water--right after applying full-strength sap or when sap has dried? Location just over upper lip and on nostrils makes bandages hard (talking and eating difficult). I also get a variety of different symptoms each time I treat. On round 4 now. So glad it's worked for you. Hopeful.
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Edited by - Irene on 05/13/2011 15:27:17 |
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Grace
5 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 19:59:43
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Just checking in. My seeds are doing well. They have about 4-6 leaves on each plant but they are still little seedling guys. They get bigger everyday and are doing fine. I hope they get past the 3" mark. Question. How does the sap affect healthy skin nearby? I was under the impression that it didn't affect the healthy skin, only the cancer area.
Thanks for this forum! |
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Alexis Fecteau
12 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2011 : 21:45:54
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The sap will affect the healthy skin. Healthy skin will get slightly irritated, become pink, and should recover immediately upon completion of the treatment. I overdid the treatment on a spot and was concerned with the skin coming off a healthy area but it immediately recovered when I stopped the treatment, while killing all the cancerous cells.
My understanding of the process, or at least what I've read is that the spurge creates a buildup of hydrogen peroxide in the cells, while healthy cells are able to process and flush the peroxide, cancerous cells don't have the mechanism/enzyme/proteins to do so and therefore cause cell apoptosis or cell death.
Alexis Fecteau |
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Jul
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2011 : 19:40:02
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I have been following the posts and I am ready to try the PS on several spots, but have a few questions. I just realized my plant has already started seeding and I am wondering how long i will have until it dies and there is no more sap ( I live in South FL). I am concerned about starting treatment and running out of plant/sap. Also how much sap will I need to apply each time for a dime size surface area bcc? Also how often should I apply and should I cover or not cover the area with a band-aid or leaf and a band-aid? Also can you treat several spots at once or is it better to treat one at a time?
Thank you so much |
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Irene
18 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2011 : 20:33:36
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Pretty much all of this has been covered several times in the forum - just re-read the earlier posts and you will get the benefit of getting answers from quite a few people - all of us have similar, yet different experiences.
I for example don't think you should use anything but fresh sap. I don't cover a treated area as my skin just heals better when it gets lots of air.
My plants continued to grow and flower and throw seeds (Litterally!) through the house for months - so as long as you continue to water it, don't worry about it dying all of a sudden. Not a bad idea to throw a few new seeds in a new pot to always have some nice young plants on hand.
You only need a tiny droplet of sap to treat an area - the size of a match stick head would treat 3 - 4 such large spots as you describe.
Some people experience extreme fatigue when treating themselves with Petty Spurge - hence treating just one spot, or two little spots at a time might be best. For your very first time, I'd never treat more than one tiny spot as you don't know the extend of the reaction you will get.
One thing for sure, I have never read a post of anyone having severe problems with the treatments. Do be very careful around your eyes with the stuff though - reports are that one can go blind if the sap gets into your eye(s), and the sap is quite mobile on the skin. So no eye treatment, no lids, nothing close to the eyes!
Irene
quote:
Originally posted by Jul
I have been following the posts and I am ready to try the PS on several spots, but have a few questions. I just realized my plant has already started seeding and I am wondering how long i will have until it dies and there is no more sap ( I live in South FL). I am concerned about starting treatment and running out of plant/sap. Also how much sap will I need to apply each time for a dime size surface area bcc? Also how often should I apply and should I cover or not cover the area with a band-aid or leaf and a band-aid? Also can you treat several spots at once or is it better to treat one at a time?
Thank you so much
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Jul
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2011 : 10:18:06
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Thank you for your help Irene. I started treatment on a dime size spot on my ear just above the ear lobe. I followed the advice of SoFL and treated with sap then covered with the leaf and a bandage. I did this before bed. The spot began itching almost immediately. In the middle of the night the area was very painful and throbbing and I could not sleep so i removed the leaf and just covered with a clean bandage. This morning I applied new sap and leaf and covered again with bandage. I will see how it goes. I would rather use the leaf during the day and not at night so I can sleep. I will definetely treat only one spot at a time because they are mostly all on my face and all my spots are large and I am concerned that they might spread to other areas nearby.
One more question. When the PS spreads and reveals more cancer in areas around the original do you continue to put PS on just the original spot or do you use it on the new spots as well?
Julia |
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Irene
18 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2011 : 10:34:44
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Others have reported spontaneous healing of spots near the treated sites. Usually small spots though.
Personally, other than the first spot that was surgically removed, I have only had very small spots and have treated them one or two at a time. I've always let them heal after just two applications three days apart. Some reduced in size rather than disappearing, and I have not retreated those yet. Rather keeping an eye on them to see if they grow at all.
So far there is little change, so I won't treat them until I don't have to work for a week or so.
Sorry I can't answer all your questions...
Irene
quote:
Originally posted by Jul
Thank you for your help Irene. I started treatment on a dime size spot on my ear just above the ear lobe. I followed the advice of SoFL and treated with sap then covered with the leaf and a bandage. I did this before bed. The spot began itching almost immediately. In the middle of the night the area was very painful and throbbing and I could not sleep so i removed the leaf and just covered with a clean bandage. This morning I applied new sap and leaf and covered again with bandage. I will see how it goes. I would rather use the leaf during the day and not at night so I can sleep. I will definetely treat only one spot at a time because they are mostly all on my face and all my spots are large and I am concerned that they might spread to other areas nearby.
One more question. When the PS spreads and reveals more cancer in areas around the original do you continue to put PS on just the original spot or do you use it on the new spots as well?
Julia
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Grace
5 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2011 : 15:42:24
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Thanks for the information and answers everyone! I will be starting (when my plants get there) with a confirmed by biopsy SCC in the center of my chest but I am worried about the bcc on my left nostril. I think I will wait on the face until I have treated elsewhere on my body and get comfortable with the PS treatments. Have to say this forum got rid of all of my anger and fear caused by "Dr. Hackers" I have been to.
Grace |
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Jul
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2011 : 12:06:07
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Thank you again Irene!
I applied the PS again yesterday for 24 hours and then applied again this morning. This morning was my 3rd application. I did not have much pain yesterday, but the pain today is intense (burning and throbbing). I think this may be because the ear is such a sensitive area? Also this morning the area was a bit bloody and fleshy, no pit had developed. I was wondering will a pit develop in an area with cartilage like the ear? If any one has done a treatment on the ear any info would be helpful. The hardest part is knowing how long to treat for, especially the first time using the PS and if no pit develops.
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Irene
18 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2011 : 12:57:08
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It always hurts the first day or so after treatment. Bear with it :)
I think the development of a pit depends on the size and edpth of the BCC.
I wish you success!
quote:
Originally posted by Jul
Thank you again Irene!
I applied the PS again yesterday for 24 hours and then applied again this morning. This morning was my 3rd application. I did not have much pain yesterday, but the pain today is intense (burning and throbbing). I think this may be because the ear is such a sensitive area? Also this morning the area was a bit bloody and fleshy, no pit had developed. I was wondering will a pit develop in an area with cartilage like the ear? If any one has done a treatment on the ear any info would be helpful. The hardest part is knowing how long to treat for, especially the first time using the PS and if no pit develops.
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Brigid
68 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2011 : 13:11:11
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For the burning pain, I've found homeopathic belladonna, 30C, helpful. Recommended to me by my homeopath. If you're not familiar with how to take homeopathic remedies, read up on google. It's not enough to follow instructions on the tube. Available at health food stores, no scrip necessary.
For areas that have spread, I definitely put it everywhere it has spread. When these areas are large, it poses a problem: how to not to overload my system w/ too much sap on the one hand and on the other not to dilute the sap. If not diluted, to cover the whole area would mean too many drops of sap for me to tolerate. I've arrived at a compromise---I don't dilute the sap, but decide which of a large area I'm going to treat, knowing that I can come back and do another part of the area later. Generally, but not always, the sap will spread on its own to inflame the whole area. For me, multiple treatments on the same spots and areas have been necessary. And I'm now looking into diet, enzymes and systemic remedies to stop the spread. Dan has written some useful information (long) on the skin cancer topical treatments section of this forum, I think. It's at the beginning of some section, anyway.
Hope this helps.
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Jul
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/18/2011 : 17:44:03
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Thank you for your insight! Pleases let us know if you find any diet or internal strategies that have been effective for you.
I have applied PS again today the 4th application and covered with the leaf and a bandage. I did not have any pain until about 6-7 hours after applying and covering. I have noticed on the previous applications that once I remove the bandage and leaf the pain slowly subsides. Is the pain a sign of something? Is it better to leave it covered and suffer through the pain or should I uncover and let the pain subside. Also, is the pain a sign that I should keep treating? I am still confused about how long to treat to make sure to get it all. I would prefer if possible not to not have to retreat because I have so many more spots to treat and this could go on for quite a while if I have to retreat them.
Thanks so much |
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waverider
76 Posts |
Posted - 05/18/2011 : 22:22:46
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| The question of how long to treat is one of the x-factors here. I did 5 days, once a day. Others have gone more than 10 days, I believe. Unfortunately, I think we are each of us an experiment of one, at this point. I would think that after 5 days, particularly if you've been adding the leaf and bandage, it might be a good time to let it heal up and see what you've got. There's really no downside in having to re-treat. The little leftover hot-spots I had after round 1 were smaller than a pinhead and were completely wiped out by the second round. The pain you are getting may be coming from the caustic nature of petty spurge. This caustic property has very little to do with its anti-cancer properties, which are a topical chemotherapy process rather than a "burning" away. Still, you do get some burning with this and it seems unavoidable. Once after crushing a lot of petty spurge leaves and foolishly not washing my hands, I inadvertently wiped an eye with one hand. I spend that afternoon flushing my burning eye with water. It was worse than getting jalapeno juice in your eye. So, yes, petty spurge is caustic. |
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Jul
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2011 : 12:56:39
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| I applied PS again yesterday (6th application )and covered with a leaf and bandage. Yesterday was the first time I was able to leave the bandage and leaf on for 24 hours. The pain/discomfort was much more tolerable yesterday. Yesterday morning and this morning there was an irregular pit formed with yellowish/white surrounding areas. I cannot tell if these surrounding areas are skin or dried oozing or scabbing or more cancer. I cleaned with peroxide and water but the yellowish areas did not go away. I treated with PS again and covered with leaf and bandage. I will see how it goes today. I am still trying to figure out if I should stop yet. Today was my 7th application of the PS. |
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Jul
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2011 : 11:05:07
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quote:
Originally posted by SoFl
I have never used it on a broad area, only spot treatment. Based on working with it, I would be very hesitant to use it on a broad area. Instead I am ahead of it enough now so I just use in on anything that pops up.
Hi SoFl
Thanks so much for all your posts, they have been very helpful. I have a question regarding the above post. What do you mean by a "broad area"? What would you consider broad? Also, why do you say that based on working with it, you would be hesitant to use it on a broad area?
Thanks so much |
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Irene
18 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2011 : 17:44:55
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Yes, I think it's time to stop treating!!
Irene
<quote:
Originally posted by Jul
I applied PS again yesterday (6th application )and covered with a leaf and bandage. Yesterday was the first time I was able to leave the bandage and leaf on for 24 hours. The pain/discomfort was much more tolerable yesterday. Yesterday morning and this morning there was an irregular pit formed with yellowish/white surrounding areas. I cannot tell if these surrounding areas are skin or dried oozing or scabbing or more cancer. I cleaned with peroxide and water but the yellowish areas did not go away. I treated with PS again and covered with leaf and bandage. I will see how it goes today. I am still trying to figure out if I should stop yet. Today was my 7th application of the PS.
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cause
4 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2011 : 10:05:12
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A update that may help some, or maybe not.
I had a dull red spot high on my nose next to my left eye for many years. Over the last year it got larger and started to weep and then scab over. I did what most men did and totally ignored it.
However last year visiting a doctor for a unrelated problem I pointed it out and it was confirmed as a rodent ulcer that must be cut out. I was sent to a plastic surgeon as he was going to be required to graft skin from my forehead or neck to cover the gap and then it all stalled. He was reluctant to operate as I was currently taking pills that prevents clotting and I was put on a lenghty waiting list.
Cue petty spurge. Thankfully at this stage papers in the UK started running stories about this miracle plant. I then discovered this forum and as advised bought the seeds from Australia.
They arrived within one week and about 15 seeds were planted in independent pots indoors. About 60% germination success and all within a week.
On arrival of the spring 6 were planted outdoors but 4 died quickly. Without doubt mine do not like direct sun but are happy in the shade with wet feet.
After about a month they have all reached 5/6 inched in height, so I decided to start treatment.
My ulcer was about a quarter of an inch round, high on the inside of my nose close to the eye. My method was to cut a stem with scissors which immediately gave a large blob of sap which I carefully applied to the centre of the ulcer. After about 2 minutes the sap has soaked in and I got on with the day. Not covered.
Day 2. Ulcer going red. Another dose applied the same way. Day 3. Ulcer angry. Another dose applied. Then I left it alone, washing as normal and never covering. Quickly a very dark scab covered the area but at no time did I feel any pain, any discomfort or any tiredness.
Day 10 scab came off revealed new pink skin, no crater, no scarring, no damage to other areas and more importantly no sign whatsoever of any cancer, just PINK SKIN.
I didn't bleed and die, I didn't blind myself and I'm very grateful to this forum and petty spurge.
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Carolee
7 Posts |
Posted - 05/24/2011 : 13:56:31
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Cause what a good post, really direct and to the point. How long ago was this? Is it still healed?
You say that after the scab came off there was no sign of a crater, does this mean that you had a crater with a ridge around it? If so, was the ridge also completely gone? The reason I ask is because I have now done 2 separate treatments with petty spurge, over 3 days like you but I kept it covered with a bandaid inbetween.
After the first time it came back just the same as before, The second time I finished about 2 weeks ago and its now looking a lot better, but I'm really not sure whether the ridge has gone. Its flatter but I can still see the outline of the ridge. I dont think it's finished healing yet so I'm waiting to see what it looks like in another week or so.
Thanks so much for the info. |
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marsha
122 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2011 : 10:54:38
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| My petty spurge treated spots looked bad after they healed. I treated them for perhaps 21 days. The spot on the tip of my nose became a lump,a raised bump. The side of my nose got several bumps and a blister looking thing. I went to the derm. she said the bump was a small cyst, and I had a bcc on the side. She told me to use efudex. So I decided to treat 4 spots.1 on my lip, one on the tip of my nose, and 2 on the right side of my nose. I started with curaderm, since the ps hadn't started to grow yet. I did that for a month or so until the progress slowed down. Then I hit it 1 time with petty spurge. It really hurt and swelled up and I guess remembering all the bumps I ended up with stopped me from continuing on. So I went back to just the curaderm. 2 places healed while using the curaderm. the one on the side of my nose and the one above my lip. But I think I fell a bump on the one above my lip. The other 2 just kind of stayed the same, not healing not getting bigger. So once a day I washed them with bobs banking soda, then put iodine on them until it dried then put the curaderm back on. Rapid progress. They got wider and deeper. So that's where I am and maybe this should go under the curaderm site, or maybe the iodine site. |
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BigD
8 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2011 : 22:43:33
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Hello, thought I would add my experience with Petty Spurge as I probably went at it in a slightly different fashion. First of all thanks to the ppl that originally posted (Sofl I believe?) regarding the plant otherwise I would have been trapped using efudex (cosmetic effects of treatment weren't great). Amazing there wasn't much information on the net regarding it's use until recently, being as it is so effective.
I had a few spots on my face that looked suspicious so was principally looking to treat those but guessing that there were probably other areas waiting to spring up I treated the whole face. The sap was applied directly to the more obvious problem areas and then the leaves were crushed up with a tiny drop of distilled water and painted on the rest of the face using a small painters brush. Areas that I knew were an issue scabbed up quickest other areas that also started to scab i applied with sap and then again painted the whole face with the crushed leaves. Suffice to say my whole face went red and large areas scabbed. Continued this treatment for about nine days (twice a day). I was amazed at how quickly the skin seems to heal after the PS treatment. After 3 weeks there was just a slight pinkish tinge and then at 4 weeks I was cruising in the carribean with company and the skin was looking better than it had in a long time.
It has been almost a year and I am looking at growing some more plants and repeating the treatment. I will be interested to see if I get a similar reaction or wether it will be much reduced, I am presuming the latter. I would envisage having to do this several times through the years ahead but that of course will depend on results of the ongoing treatments.
A couple of notes: Within the first 3 weeks of treating be careful about going out in the sun. I live on the beach and after 2.5 weaks couldn't resist the water and ended up going ruby red for a couple of days after only a few minutes in the sun. I did apply crushed leaves near the eyes but had no adverse reaction.
Regards |
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marsha
122 Posts |
Posted - 06/01/2011 : 00:24:02
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| I sure wish you had taken pictures. I was all so wondering if you had any deep,very deep spots?That sounds very brave. Thank you for posting. |
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Irene
18 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2011 : 06:47:21
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Thank you for detailing your experience. In my opinion, you did go at it with an "over-kill" method that is not necessary, and perhaps even quite unhealthy.
Treating just the spots diagnosed to be, or that you suspect to be, BCC seems to me the better and more prudent approach.
Irene
quote:
Originally posted by BigD
Hello, thought I would add my experience with Petty Spurge as I probably went at it in a slightly different fashion. First of all thanks to the ppl that originally posted (Sofl I believe?) regarding the plant otherwise I would have been trapped using efudex (cosmetic effects of treatment weren't great). Amazing there wasn't much information on the net regarding it's use until recently, being as it is so effective.
I had a few spots on my face that looked suspicious so was principally looking to treat those but guessing that there were probably other areas waiting to spring up I treated the whole face. The sap was applied directly to the more obvious problem areas and then the leaves were crushed up with a tiny drop of distilled water and painted on the rest of the face using a small painters brush. Areas that I knew were an issue scabbed up quickest other areas that also started to scab i applied with sap and then again painted the whole face with the crushed leaves. Suffice to say my whole face went red and large areas scabbed. Continued this treatment for about nine days (twice a day). I was amazed at how quickly the skin seems to heal after the PS treatment. After 3 weeks there was just a slight pinkish tinge and then at 4 weeks I was cruising in the carribean with company and the skin was looking better than it had in a long time.
It has been almost a year and I am looking at growing some more plants and repeating the treatment. I will be interested to see if I get a similar reaction or wether it will be much reduced, I am presuming the latter. I would envisage having to do this several times through the years ahead but that of course will depend on results of the ongoing treatments.
A couple of notes: Within the first 3 weeks of treating be careful about going out in the sun. I live on the beach and after 2.5 weaks couldn't resist the water and ended up going ruby red for a couple of days after only a few minutes in the sun. I did apply crushed leaves near the eyes but had no adverse reaction.
Regards
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BigD
8 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2011 : 01:10:17
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Hello Marsha, no I did not have any deep spots just superficial
quote:
Originally posted by marsha
I sure wish you had taken pictures. I was all so wondering if you had any deep,very deep spots?That sounds very brave. Thank you for posting.
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BigD
8 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2011 : 07:46:40
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As users of this plant will know the hardest part is trying to find that 3 week window of opportunity in between work commitments and social commitments where you can get away with having a less than attractive visage. Has anyone been succesful in growing the plant all year round ie. once one lot dies off another is ready to go so you can do the treatments when it suits you best and not just in late spring.
Regards |
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marsha
122 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2011 : 10:34:00
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| I have the wild seeds + the ordered seeds. The wild seeds produce a smaller leafed plant.They both re-seeded,and grew more plants. the wild one stayed alive all winter, but got really shriveled. To bad I don't like the petty spurge right now, be cause I sure have a lot of it. |
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janagain
16 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2011 : 17:37:28
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| In answer to BigD regarding keeping the plants alive all year long: I live in the Phoenix, Arizona, USA metro area where it gets up to 120 degrees in summer and touches freezing in winter. It's desert climate, meaning it's very dry and sunny all year long. I'm growing my plants on a north-facing patio in shallow planters. This winter my petty spurge got very little direct sun at all. I planted them from the Australian seeds last July. The plants are thriving, re-seeding themselves and now in various stages of growth. All I do is water them once a day. The seeds have blown into other planters and now I am overtaken with petty spurge!! I have no green thumb, so this is definitely a noxious weed, but I am happy to have a future source should any bcc spots recur...have used PS on warts and old-age spots with success. Cannot report, however, on using PS on bcc as I didn't have it when treating my bcc. My conclusion is PS can be grown in a multitude of climates with benign neglect and the plants have great longevity. As others have suggested, use the Australian source--it's very reputable. |
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Irene
18 Posts |
Posted - 06/06/2011 : 10:42:15
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IMHO The size of the leaves seems to depend on the light, moisture and soil quality, not the origin of the seed.
The new seeds that my plants (from Australian seeds) threw all over the place are growing with wild abandon. Seeds I planted from those I found inside scattered over the floor have resulted in massive growth (see picture I posted a couple of months back).
Irene
quote:
Originally posted by marsha
I have the wild seeds + the ordered seeds. The wild seeds produce a smaller leafed plant.They both re-seeded,and grew more plants. the wild one stayed alive all winter, but got really shriveled. To bad I don't like the petty spurge right now, be cause I sure have a lot of it.
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BigD
8 Posts |
Posted - 06/07/2011 : 07:12:13
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I did actually take photos Marsha or rather my partner did, but they are exactly as you would expect. No reaction where there was no sun damage mostly the chin area, scabbing and redness on areas where there was; mainly nose, cheeks and forehead. The great thing with Petty is that it heals quickly and the look of the scabbing and colouring is natural, as opposed to efudex which seems to go a very unatural bright red colour when it is doing its thing. I have just laid down some new seeds in expectation of a new tretment come spring time
quote:
Originally posted by BigD
Hello Marsha, no I did not have any deep spots just superficial
quote:
Originally posted by marsha
I sure wish you had taken pictures. I was all so wondering if you had any deep,very deep spots?That sounds very brave. Thank you for posting.
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BigD
8 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2011 : 00:47:43
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A wild shot here. I live in Perth WA does anyone know of the plants growing in this area?
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Irene
18 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2011 : 09:39:57
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As per: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=EUPE6
here is the range map for the USA
quote:
Originally posted by BigD
A wild shot here. I live in Perth WA does anyone know of the plants growing in this area?
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Jul
6 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2011 : 09:54:57
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I finished treating my ear and it is still scabbed and healing. I started treating a spot on my nose a couple days ago and it has opened a much larger area surrounding. The area is not deep at all just shallow and spread all around. The pain on my nose so far is much less intense than it was on my ear.
I notice little white specs in the area I have been treating. Does anyone know what these are or what this means? I did not notice these on the ear, but it was harder for me to see and the area was much deeper. Also, should i apply PS to the entire area even though it is large about the size of a silver dollar?
Thanks
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clearlake
25 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2011 : 10:13:26
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| I don't know about the white spots, but if treating that large area doesn't hurt, I would say go for it and get it under control all at the same time. Petty doesn't scar that much, so however upset you or others are at your appearance now, it is temporary. |
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Grace
5 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2011 : 20:46:26
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Hi everyone! I'm back. My seeds did well and are ready ahead of the schedule I thought I would use. I figured they would be ready about July 4th but there are flowers starting already so I started tonight treating the one spot on my chest, confirmed SCC.
In growing my seeds I followed Irene's advice and my plants look a lot like hers. When I snipped the leaf, I only got a tiny bit of sap from it and was disappointed, then I saw the leaf stem I snipped it from that was still on the plant. There's the sap! Perfect tiny amount, used a dental tool and applied so no touching.
Thank you Irene (and all the others) for the excellent advice. Will keep in touch to update on how it goes.
PS I didn't realize there was another Grace on this forum. Apologies for the similar name. No idea how to change it! |
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Grace
5 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2011 : 20:51:34
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Hi everyone! I'm back. My seeds did well and are ready ahead of the schedule I thought I would use. I figured they would be ready about July 4th but there are flowers starting already so I started tonight treating the one spot on my chest, confirmed SCC.
In growing my seeds I followed Irene's advice and my plants look a lot like hers. When I snipped the leaf, I only got a tiny bit of sap from it and was disappointed, then I saw the leaf stem I snipped it from that was still on the plant. There's the sap! Perfect tiny amount, used a dental tool and applied so no touching.
Thank you Irene (and all the others) for the excellent advice. Will keep in touch to update on how it goes.
PS I didn't realize there was another Grace on this forum. Apologies for the similar name. No idea how to change it! |
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Grace
5 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2011 : 20:58:42
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Hi everyone! I'm back. My seeds did well and are ready ahead of the schedule I thought I would use. I figured they would be ready about July 4th but there are flowers starting already so I started tonight treating the one spot on my chest, confirmed SCC.
In growing my seeds I followed Irene's advice and my plants look a lot like hers. When I snipped the leaf, I only got a tiny bit of sap from it and was disappointed, then I saw the leaf stem I snipped it from that was still on the plant. There's the sap! Perfect tiny amount, used a dental tool and applied so no touching.
Thank you Irene (and all the others) for the excellent advice. Will keep in touch to update on how it goes.
PS I didn't realize there was another Grace on this forum. Apologies for the similar name. No idea how to change it! |
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Houston
5 Posts |
Posted - 06/19/2011 : 23:41:18
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I was a test subject in the 3rd phase of the Peplin study. I was only allowed to treat an area that was approximately 2" x 3" on the side of my face - cheek to the ear. The instructions were to apply once a day for 3 days. The area was not to be covered. The area reacted immediately, first going red and then opening up with fluid and what appeared to be whitehead pimples ... very similar to some of the pictures shown here. The reaction was pretty intense and frightening looking. It did itch, but it wasn't horrible. It scabbed over. About 2 weeks after treatment, most of the reaction had faded. About 2 months after treatment, there really was little indication of treatment. They kept me in the study for an additional 6 months or so to monitor. There was no return of the AKs and BCs in the area. The study was for AKs.
I asked to be called for further studies. I'm currently in the 2nd phase of a 2-phase treatment over the entire facc for a new Zyclara generic. I don't know whether I have the Zyclara or the generic. I definitely do not have the placebo. I started with 7 AKs and BCs on my face. After 2 weeks of applying once daily, there were 21 AKs and BCs. After 2 weeks of rest, there were 3 left. I'm 10 days into the 2nd phase and there are (to my eye) about 7 new inflamed ugly areas. I preferred the Peplin for several reasons. It was applied only for 3 days vs a total of 28. Other than the severe nasty ugly reaction and irritation at the site, I had no other symptoms. With the Zyclara (or the generic if I'm using that), I felt ok for the first 3 days. After that, I had (sorry) nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cold sores, horrible fatigue. Who'd think a topical could make me feel so badly. The side effects persisted almost 10 days after finishing the 1st phase. The doc advised that I try taking Unisom each evening for the 2nd phase. While still tired and nauseous with some diarrhea, it is not nearly as bad as the first phase.
So now I've purchased some Petty Spurge seeds, and I will attempt to grow them indoors. I have so many areas of concern after years of black-red sunburns on fair skin. Unfortunately, these research studies don't treat the entire problem -- only the areas selected by the doctor. |
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Petty Spurge Herb sap for skin cancers
