On 8/2/2009 mkathryn wrote:
Today is Sunday Aug.2 2009. I've started the efudex today and I'm terrified after seeing all those photos. It has to be so painfull. My hands are shaking right now as I type. I know it needs to be done since I've already gone through 4 surgeries for bcc plus 3 reconstruction surgeries around my eyes. U of M did a great job and you'd never know I had anything done. But this treatment looks scary!! I know I'll need support from those who've been through it. Please help
I began a 14 day treatment with Carac (which I assume is similar) on my whole face on July 17th. Each experience is different, but I am a fair-skinned 55 yr. old stawberry-blonde and started to turn red and dry on nose, cheeks, chin and above my nose the very 1st week. Even though I applied it to my forehead, bangs must have saved me because the only part affected was above my eyebrows and temples. By the 11th day I was already peeling. I called my derm (could only talk to the secretary) to see if I was to continue treatment on the raw areas - one bleed spot- and she said no. I continued treatment on the rest of my face for the 14 days. My face has peeled twice. The most painful part is washing the face and putting on the cream. I usually washed my face in the evening, waited the recommended 10 minutes before applying Carec, and then waited the 2 hours to put moisturiser on before I went to bed ( also momentarily painful, but helped with the dryness). I took ibuprophen to help sleep. I made the mistake of using whatever liquid soap I had in the dispenser and moisturizer that I had from a dept. store. I eventually got brave enough to go to our small town pharmacist and he recommended Cetaphil soap. Night and day difference! I would also recommend something like the aquaphor others have recommended, because other moisturisers contain perfumes which are painful. When I called my derm (I was already peeling) she also prescribed Biafine which is a cream for wound care and I have been putting it on for the last 3 days. It does not hurt and I already see some of the redness diminishing. During the day I wasn't in much pain, but my face felt like it was dipped in wax making it hard to smile, crunch up nose, or take bites of food.
I know this can seem scary because it scared me and sometimes I had to walk away and pray. These postings can be frightening, but they also helped me to know that this was normal because I couldn't talk to my derm - so I am thankful for them. I've only been off it for a few days and am still peeling and I can already see how good the new skin looks. It's funny, that as I was getting more raw I wouldn't go out of the house, but now that I'm on the downswing, even though I'm just as red as the 1st week, it doesn't seem so major anymore. My married son has had a disability all his life and he said, "Yeah, people may look at you funny for a minute or two. Welcome to my world". Which put it all in perspective for me. I'm not sure how long before the redness goes away. I was hoping someone would post their post-treatment. I think my tube said 2-12 weeks. I am scheduled to see my derm on the 14th.
How long will your treatment be? I hope some of this is helpful. As soon as I read your message my heart went out to you. Keep your chin up. Know the end results will be beautiful. I will be praying for you.
Maggie