On 1/23/2008
Himads wrote:
Thanks, Barngirl, for the message. I appreciate your comments, and it's comforting to know that others are going through this experience. Yes, physicians know what they know, but they do have limitations (as do the rest of us). The internet is a great resource, and I need to use it more often particularly if I'm considering some medical procedure.
My pharmacist mentioned aquaphor, but I did not try it because the lanolin was working well. My face is gradually clearing, but the lip still looks like it is from some zombie movie!
Now, I assume that Carac and Effudex are the same product. I will check out the issue about putting this drug on the lips. I understand the concern about ingesting the product, however, given the amount of blistering and scarring that occurred, there must have been a considerable concentration of actinec keratoses there. Furure surgery on the lips for basal or squamous cell carcinoma does not sound fun. Hopefully, the treatment will significantly lower this probability.
I have definitely promised to use sun screen more regularly. Anyway, thanks again for your message.
Himads
Hi Himads,
I have yet to find any statistics - or even any general claims - on whether or not this whole procedure will reduce our chances of getting skin cancer! Would love to know the answer to that $64,000 question. That seems to be that assumption by all involved, but I have not heard any claims from the manufacturer/drug company or from my derm. My derm put the emphasis on clearing up rough-AK areas on my face.
And Carac (which appears to be 1/10 the strength of Efudex... 0.5% vs 5%) does cause cell mutations. (Listed as a side effect - with a disclaimer - by the company.) That fact alone makes me concerned since mutations can be a first step in causing cancer. So, please be careful not to swallow too much!
The new skin coming in on my face is certainly much nicer than my sun-worn skin! Aquaphor has been perfect for me in that it is not greasy at all on my face (I break out easily) and it seems to promote skin healing and growth. But I had never thought about lanolin. Lanolin is a fabulous product that I actually have on hand in the barn. We cannot beat Mother Nature. I buy lanolin in jars for sale in tack/feed and grain (horse supply) stores for my horses' hooves and it is far and away the best product for keeping their hooves supple in Houston heat and dust. There is a testimonial! After applying it, I always rub the lanolin into my hands! So, I can certainly see why you like the lanolin.
Won't we all be using sunscreen now! I consider myself fortunate to be able to see the damage I have caused by my carelessness, before skin cancer developed. I will surely stay alert to changes in those areas in the future.
Hope this discussion helps others dealing with Carac/Efudes treatments. The new skin is incredibly smooth and quick to develop when you stop the Carac/Efudex. Hang in there all. Himads, hope you are soon past the lip problems and your logic certainly makes sense to me. I will ask my derm about doing the same thing, although I don't know if I have your determination. Another month away from people and scaring my hubby would be tough. He already looks at me as though..."Now, how much longer are you going to look like this?" Do you just go out in public when nec and forget the stares? Too old to care much but I have had many cashiers who will not look at me and put my change on the counter to avoid contact with my hands. Oh well.
Take care, Barngirl