Topical Chemo

Hi Everyone,

I started on Carac .05 on Jan 29, 2007 and completed it on 2/27/07.  I did not have much of a reaction until the 2nd week. My forehead had only a few spots, but the rest of my face turned deep red.  I read all of the messages on the board and was so thankful for them.  My Derm Dr. did not give much info.  The tip to keep vaseline on the face at all times was a life saver.  I had very much pain, swelling, deep redness and peeling.  I did not develope sores, but I credit the vaseline for that.  I was tired, had chills, could never sleep at night for the pain.  I thought I was home free when I used the carac for the last time, but the next week was the worst for me.  I am still red, but it is getting better everyday and I can say I am glad I used it.  The Derm Dr. said he wanted to see me in 3 months and wanted me to start using the carac once a week.  I was shocked, but he said it would not turn me red, just maintenace.  It is very traumatic to go through this, but I'm hoping it was worth the agony.

Tips

Advil  and advil PM

Warm compresses/Ice packs

Vasline all the time

Hot soaking baths

I let the shower in the morning beat the dead skin off my face, don't pick

Drink lots of water

Dove soap for sensitive skin, used it twice a day and no stinging

Eat a balanced diet

Chocolate Candy was my comfort food

I want to thank everyone who posted a message.  It got me through.  I must have read each one at least 10 times.  If you want to ask me any questions, please feel free to send a message.  Good luck and the very best to everyone.

Fisher Girl 

On 3/9/2007 Ednaz wrote:

Since my Dr recommended the vaseline also I've got to ask: How do you remove it? I'd be afraid of any kind of scrubbing when I wash my face in the shower. I would think the vaseline would leave it's stickiness or a film behind that would accumulate. Maybe I'm wrong. This dryness is killing me too. I can no longer sleep either. I've been using the carac since 12/27/07.

I used a very warm washcloth and just put my face into my hands.  I kept putting more very warm water on the washcloth,  Ring it out, spread it in both hands and put your face in it.  I would do this several times and then use Dove soap for sensitive skin, using my hands, not a cloth, rinse and repeat until the vaseline is removed.  The soap is so gentle.  What bothered me the most was 2 hours after using the carac and then putting vaseline on, it burned so bad for hours.  Have you been on carac since 12/06 the entire time?  Boy, that is a long time.  I have never used a wash cloth on my face, because soaping your hands is so much more gentle.  Allowing the shower to beat the dry skin off my face each morning helped some, but I would put vaseline back on as soon as I got out of the shower.  I still have redness and swelling, but it is getting better, the dryness has eased, but it still flairs up some during the night.  When you put the vaseline on next time, try some ice packs if the burning and itching is bad.  I hope you soon get relief.  If you want to talk with someone, just email me and I am thinking of everyone going through this.

Fisher Girl

I'm kind of out of it today due to the pain adn lack of sleep. I made a typo error. I started 2/27/2007, not 12/27. My regular doctor prescribed some tylenol with codiene so hopefully I'll get some sleep tonight. Thank you for the info on the vaseline. I bought some today to try.

Ed

On 3/9/2007 Ednaz wrote:

I'm kind of out of it today due to the pain adn lack of sleep. I made a typo error. I started 2/27/2007, not 12/27. My regular doctor prescribed some tylenol with codiene so hopefully I'll get some sleep tonight. Thank you for the info on the vaseline. I bought some today to try.

Ed

Hi Ed,

I hope your new meds help you get some rest. I know you are going through a very bad time, but it will soon end.  I am getting less red everyday and the swelling keeps going down.  I can now use cetaphil cream on my face instead of vaseline.  How wonderful.  Hang in there your time will be up before you know it.  I'll be thinking about you and hoping you get better soon.

Fisher Girl