On 12/9/2007
ButterflySwimmer wrote:
Does everyone else get the pictures past day 16? My Mac stops at day 16. I'm on day 6 and geeknee's photos are helpful. He only used .05%. I'm on 5% Efudex and look like he did at this point. I can't (don't want to) imagine what I'm in for for three weeks of 5%. Has anyone else gone through my course of therapy that is willing to give a helping hand? Thank you.
I was on the 5% twice a day for 3 weeks. Here is a site with photos of a guy on 5% for 4 weeks.
www.sannerud.com/people/efudex
Mine never got this bad. I never got to the bleeding stage. But it probably would have if I didn't stop putting it on after day 21. Mine was a darker red than his and covered my whole face. It didn't start to get itchy and painful until the last week. The dermatologist said to keep it covered in vaseline which did help with itch and pain. An herbalist friend also recommended aloe vera (listed in previous email) and 100% vitamin E oil. Make sure it is 100% and not mixed with any other oils. Walgreens did not carry it but Smiths grocery store did. I'm sure that both of these are healthier for the skin than vaseline but the relief did not last as long.
Now the good news, I've had so many compliments on my "new skin." I think it actually looks younger and my wife likes it. I'm 47 and have always worked outdoors so it's comforting to know that my chances of getting skin cancer on my face are greatly reduced. My doctor told me that in the past some people have used an Efudex treatment for purely cosmetic reasons, they believed it reduced wrinkles! I can't imagine going through all that for cosmetic reasons, but then I'm a guy.
Just remember this is all temporary and what's on the other side is worth it. "THIS TOO SHALL PASS"
Hope that helps.