CancerCompass message board discussion started by julie208 on 2/6/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20684,0.htm Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I am on day 20 of carac once a day on my face and like everyone else on this stuff I am miserable but determined to see it through. I had Mohs surgery last summer for basal cell and so no matter how bad this gets, I feel it's worth it. I just found this message board and believe me it is a relief to know I am supposed to look like this. Many of you have said vaseline helps but right now I am afraid to use it since washing it off would be tough ( right now even water hurts). How do you remove the vaseline without soap or wiping hard? julie208 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Like you I did not want to use vaseline. In fact, I didn't use anything. I tried the vaseline once and for 20 min I was in the worst discomfort of the whole treatment. Like you, I am grateful for being able to use this treatment as I have had basal cell as well as melanoma. I did my face, chest and hands. After what I discovered on my chest, I would like to do my shoulders, arms and back. For some reason my doctor doesn't want me to do that, so I am going to ask why at my next visit. Hang in there, it will be over soon. freckles39 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Day 12 here with two to go.  I'd like to quit now too but fear that giving in will only create more trouble later.I almost think the vaseline holds in the heat and create more burning sensation.  However, it's too dry without it. So, what I've done is bought some facial cleansing cloths (Dove, Oil of Olay...) made for sensitive skin, no alcohol.  Wet them and use lightly on your face.  It will help lift the vaseline and the dry skin and honestly you'll feel better for doing so. The hardest part is the 10 minute wait before applying the cream again.I'm doing the Efudex 5% twice daily for 14 days.  OUCH...Read the thread EFUDEX-THE EASY WAY FOR SOME GREAT TIPS.Carac and Efudex are slightly different but the outcome is the same.Good luck!  SpankyB Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT thanks for the support. I finished the 3 week course yesterday and now I am just lathering on vaseline with some bacitracin to cracked areas and feels much better. It's all uphill from here. Thanks again! julie208 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I had the same reaction to both carac and efudex so my doctor put me on Aldara. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! It looks as bad and still itches a bit but it doesn't hurt. It is different in that it makes your immune system fight it as opposed to the medicine fighting it, I'll never go back if I have a choice. Charlene C. Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT