Find the information and resources you need at our online skin cancer forum. Visit CancerCompass.com to research and compare treatment strategies and more. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/skin-cancer/1,0,119,4.htm Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/    After 3 and a half weeks of using effudex all over my face, I started to itch a lot and put a lot of vaseline on open, painful, cracked areas. Also rubbed some of the dead skin off. When I went in for a check up I was told it was infected and given an antibiotic cream to put on after "cleaning" the skin plus an oral antibiotic. The dead skin that needs to come off is caked on, some comes off, but then sometimes it bleeds if I pull it off.  How do you get the dead skin off? Do you just wait for it to fall off? Has anyone gotten an infection? This recovery is much worse than the the treatment. Any suggestions? Thanks! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41554,0.htm mazuri Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT   More than 14 million people in North America have rosacea, a chronic skin condition. Women, fair-skinned people between the ages of 30 and 60 are more likely to be affected.   Symptoms and signs of rosacea include:   Areas of redness on your face   Small red bumps or pustules on your nose, cheeks, forehead, and/or chin   Small blood vessels on your nose and/or cheeks (called telangiectasia)   Tendency to flush or blush   Rosacea may also result in a red, bulbous nose, called rhinophyma, or a burning or gritty sensation in your eyes, called ocular rosacea.   you can learn more via the article in rosacea.dormit ory and you can get a clear picture of this sickness .   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41504,0.htm happyallthelife Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Firstly, you may know more about rosacea, know the enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles with no danger of defeat.     Then, different kind has diffrent remedies,. you can go to the website rosacea.dormit ory , there is much useful information .     Last, you should keep a good mooding! Fighting and good luck! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41502,0.htm happyallthelife Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT I've always had pink undertones in my skin but recently they've become a lot more pronounced. So much so that even if I pile on makeup you can still see it coming through. I'm becoming more and more afraid that it's rosacea like all the others. And I search all the relevant information on the internet. And I get a clear picture of what Is Rosacea? What Causes Rosacea? via the article in rosacea.dormit ory and I have get a clear picture of this sickness and am sure I am not suffer it. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41501,0.htm happyallthelife Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT    A year ago I had some squamous cell removed from left cheek and then treated it with effudex. When it started to bleed, the doctor told me to stop treating the area, and go around it for the rest of the time ( 3 weeks)   3 weeks ago I started putting effudex all over face and the previously treated area started to bleed again, so again I stopped and am putting it only on other areas. Has anyone had this experience? Does it mean the effudex didn't work the first time? That the is too much damage, too deep? My doctor is talking about doing a biopsy.  Any comments would be much appreciated. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41471,0.htm mazuri Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT stoped taking the efudex yesterday after 22 days of usage face is of course tender pharmacist recommended a-derma product to help soothe i hope it wont interfere with the planned healing process has anyone else used this product http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41466,0.htm Haven Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT I have used Carac several times and am on day 13 for neck and chest. It has been unbearable but I continue.  Yesterday, I went to the dr. (my dr. was out) and the Dr. I saw said I should discontinue Carac - wait a few weeks and schedule Photodynamic Therapy - blue light treatment. He says one week before this Photodynamic Therapy I would apply Carac then come in for the PDT.  I am not sure if after 13 days of Carac that to stop and go this other route is any better. Does anyone have an experience with such? I am pretty confused. I do need to do my face.  I just want the best possible result and am not sure from what I read.   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41353,0.htm jodellas Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT    I was told to only put it around the areas that are oozing and crusting (3rd week of applying) Would prefer to get rid of as much precancer as possible. Has anyone been told it is ok to put effudex on areas that are oozing and crusting? Thanks. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41327,0.htm mazuri Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT    A year ago I had surgery to remove squamous cell carcinoma on left cheek, then treated the area with effudex. It completely healed and a couple of weeks ago I started applying effudex all over face. It is surprising to see that there is a lot of redness and crusting in the same area that had already been treated with effudex.  Wasn't it supposed to be clear or at least mostly clear? Has anyone had this experience or know why? Thanks http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41312,0.htm mazuri Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT HI - WELL I WENT 17 DAYS AND COULD NOT TAKE IT ANYMORE - I DID THE CARAC ON MY CHEST - THE DR. TOLD ME TO GO TWO WEEKS BUT READING ALL THE POSTS HERE I THOUGHT I WOULD DO THE 21 DAYS TO MAKE SURE I GOT IT ALL. THE TWO WEEKS WERE PAINFUL - MY WHOLE CHEST WAS LIKE RAW MEAT - I COULD SLEEP AT NIGHT THOUGH - TWO WEEKS ONE DAY I CRYED AFTER MY SHOWER - THE PAIN WAS SO BAD I COULDNT DRY MY HAIR - I STARTED TO FEEL REALLY TIRED AND DEPRESSED - COULDNT DO MY USUAL WORK OUT - TOOK TWO MORE DAYS OF THIS AND SAID THE HELL WITH IT - YESTERDAY (MY FIRST DAY OFF) I STARTED TO SEE THE LIGHT AGAIN - I WASNT FEELING TOTALLY BETTER BUT I WAS GLAD I KNEW THE PAIN WOULD STOP - MY SISTER CAME BY TO SEE HOW I WAS AND SAID AFTER LOOKING AT MY CHEST - "IF YOU PLAN ON DOING THIS TO YOUR FACE OVER THANKSGIVING, PLEASE DO NOT COME TO MY HOUSE BECAUSE IT WILL MAKE ME SICK"  I HATE TO INFORM YOU ALL OF THIS BUT THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS. TODAY IS DAY TWO OF BEING OFF CARAC AND I FEEL AWESOME! MY CHEST DOESNT HURT AS MUCH AND I FEEL HAPPY - ITS STILL REALLY UGLY LOOKING BUT HEY THE PAIN IS GONE!!!!! I DONT THINK I WILL DO MY FACE - IF I DO START  IT, IT WILL ONLY BE THE SMALL RED MARK I HAVE NEAR MY CHIN - I WORK IN RETAIL AND COVERING IT UP IS A NO GO. KAREN http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41292,0.htm KSHEENA777 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hello Everyone:  To begin with I was diagnosed with cervical cancer stage 2B in May 2002.  My Onc. went in to do a radical hyserectomy but had to obort that, because the cancer was already in a few of my lymph nodes.  I then went through chemo with radiation and brachytherapy.  Along the way I've been o.k. but now my paps have been coming back severe dysplasia III.  She ended up doing a hysterectomy in Jan 09, it was very risky because of all the radiation I've had.  Your organs melt together.  My 1st pap after came back a-typical.  My Onc. though maybe because of surgery or still some radiation changes.  Waited 3 months, she did a copo, and a biopsy.  Which came back severe dysplasia III again.  She has me using efudix cream vagionally once per week for 10 weeks.  Its not suppose to have side effects, but it does for me.  Has anyone else used it vagionally?  Thanks so much.  Good Health to all of You. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41273,0.htm cowpie Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT I was told to put effudex all over face and that it is ok to put effudex right up to the lip line after applying lip gloss to protect the lips. After about a week, I noticed some iritation on the mucus membrane at edge of mouth. Somehow the effudex got onto the mucus membrane when it should not have.  It is clear there is sun damage in the area, but I am afraid to continue to put effudex so close to the lip. Has anyone had this problem? Any recomendations? Thank you! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41255,0.htm mazuri Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT I am day 7 of Carac on my chest and neck - my neck looks awful and burns.  Two years ago, I used Carac on my arms and chest but this neck thing is worse than I remember. I am wondering if it is more of a sensitive area? I can't remember how I got to sleep with the burning - any suggestions? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41211,0.htm jodellas Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Okay, so I'm a little scared (maybe more than a little).  I'm only applying the efudex 1x at night and then washing off in the morning and applying sunblock in am. as per my dermatologist.  He says 3 weeks of treatment and 10 days to heal.  Doesn't sound like that's what most of you are doing, could he be wrong?  I'm a little worried after hearing these discussions.  I need to apply from wrists to shoulders on both arms.  They biopsied 4 and found 2 squamous cell carcinomas and 1 basal cell, but I have hundreds of spots all over my arms....so now this horrible cream....WOW it sounds pretty rough but with Gods help and your advice I'm sure I'll get through... On day 6 of treatment...just a little burning. Thanks, Trish http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41189,0.htm Anne2496 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT  Does anyone know how close you can put the effudex to the lips? I have been putting lip gloss on so it does not get on the lips, and putting effudex right up to that. Thanks. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41187,0.htm mazuri Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Anyone else on this? Thanks, B http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41018,0.htm Bonphire Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT Is there anyone else out there with this diagnosis? I had a hysterectomy 7/08, went on taxol and carboplatin, ending Dec. 08. It appears that I have a re-occurance, now Oct. 09, and the doc wants me on Genzar and Carboplatin. Anyone else try this approach? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41017,0.htm Bonphire Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT I used Efudex in May 2009 with very few problems. The main spot the doctor was concerned about appears to have been successfully treated. During the treatment the area under my eyes swelled up and turned red...looked pretty bad. The doctor prescribed a steroid cream for the area. The swelling went down and redness faded but I have had dark circles ever since...Just wondered if anyone else had this experience and if they are ever going to go away. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40753,0.htm phylok Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT I am going on my 3rd week of using the carac cream on my forehead and temples. Not until almost the beginning of this week did I begin to look so bad. Also am finding I am nausea alot and headaches. Not sure if this is a side effect of using this cream. Doctor has advised me to use for 21 days. Definitely not wearing makeup but having to work each day. Very embarassing as I think people are staring (but they probably arent).Does anyone else find they get nausea or any other side effects? CindyA http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40650,0.htm CindyA Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT Following my first serious encounter with the equatorial Panama sun, I broke out in skin cancer everywhere.  I got rid of it on my face and arms with Efudex, but was unable to get ahead of it with Efudex on my legs.  When I would get rid of one, more would pop out.  I started the asparagus "cure," and it is working for me.  When I space out for a few days, I get more skin cancers.  When I do it regularly, they all start disappearing, leaving only reddish scars, and I don't get new ones.  Works for me! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40392,0.htm Panama Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT I am using carac cream on my lip for what my doctor told me was for a pre-cancerous condition. I am using it on the entire bottom lip, and I worry that I about the cream getting into my mouth or on my tongue. How harmful is it if this happens?  I read that some people use Vasoline to provide moisture. Is this a possible way to keep the cream on my lip and not in my mouth?  I am not supposed to be exposed to direct sunlight which is difficult for me to do sometimes. Can I use a sunblock (Neutogena Ultra Sheer) or Burt's Bee Lifegaurd Choice (Weatherproofing)? I  hope those of you with experience and expertise can answer my questions. I am in Korea working and it is difficult to contact my doctor. Thank you. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40051,0.htm Jerry_Lipproblem Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT I was given Efudex yesterday and have been on the internet trying to get informed. I am very nervous with all that I have read. I am wondering if there is any hope that I won't be miserable. I am 48 fair blonde hair blue eyes. My skin is very sensitive. I have to use Efudex 2x day for 14 days on my face and lower lip.  After reading so many blogs and letters my concerns are greater because for one I only sleep on my sides or face down. I cannot fall asleep on my back. Two..I tend to get nauseous at the drop of a hat so I hope im not one of the ones who gets that side effect as it's a real weakness of mine. I am compiling a list of people's suggestions ( Aquaphor, Dove, ibuprofen, benadry). My doctor and pharmacist provided no suggestions or guidance. I need help getting the strength to start. Any ideas? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39903,0.htm joanie1028 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT   it's day 11 of  a twice a day efudex treatment of my entire scalp . i am tempted to use the cream only once a day and wash it off before bedtime . i't warm here in south texas , without a/c and late in the afternoon  i feel quite uncomfortable . any thoughts ? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39788,0.htm artichoke Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT 1st time user...I am on my third day of a two week Carac treatment. I will updating my progress, and keep a positive attitude. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39699,0.htm bbr48 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT hi to everyone, im in need of some help guys- my husband has squamous cell on his groin area- we have been threw 12 rounds of chemo - 8 rad and were goin bac in for adiff round of pill form at home chemo- his area affected is overa limph node nowshowing signs after a year itsgone in the onein his leg-also found was a tumer or clot in his main atrery in his leg- he had a ? wire bucket ? thrombosis? put in the main artery in his leg to stop the clot or tumer from dislodging and going to his heart- they warned us of swelling if thebucket gets clogged and were going threw last few days huger swelling- is it true morophene can add to water retention? any info would be awsumthx., have a great daymissynot sure if i can add my email--Message edited by CancerCompass staff. For personal protection, email address removed. Consider private reply. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html-- http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39177,0.htm missmissymouse Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT