Great thread that helped me prepare mentally for beginning carac last night, ten years after doing the 2x/day Efudex with all its horrors so well described here. At least this time I know what to expect. I wonder if this time will be easier because now it is only 10 yrs worth of damage instead of a lifetime.
The first time I really had NO idea what I was getting into. I expected maybe a few marks to flare up on my skin, but instead my entire face reacted horribly - just like everyone has reported. The good news is, indeed, that my skin went on to look better than ever. However, at 5 yrs out, I got blase and started going out in the sun more than I should, and hence, here I am again. Just had another SCC burned off my arm, and not willing to risk the AK on my face turning into SCC or BCC. Not tolerable from either a health or cosmetic point of view. So, here I go for 21+ days. There never is a "perfect" time to block out a month, so why not just do it now?
As to what to tell people, this is my story:
"I am using a medicine that acts like weed-killer for the pre-cancerous cells on my face."
All this damage is what all of us don't see as we tan, even though it's there. Everyone gets the weed-killer image, and we can even laugh about it.
I also step up my fitness regime. For me, having control over my body by working out more/harder helps me feel like something positive is happening to my body that I can control, as this 5 week commitment to pain & suffering via Carac happens to me uncontrollably. Just a mental game that works for me.
Good luck to all of us trying to get this done before spring!