CancerCompass message board discussion started by smacker on 7/2/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25635,0.htm Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I was prescribed Aldara for AK and possible BCC on my nose, forehead and moustache area.  I used the cream for three nights, and then planned to rest for two, and continue every other day as told by the pharmacist. but that was five days ago and I am loath to continue. After three days, I got the expected blistering and scabbing on the spots that were the worst with some smaller blisters and bumps where I assume AK's were lurking under the surface. But I also had the breakout of herpes-like sores inside my lower lip (where I wasn't applying the cream) that rapidly turned into weeping holes across half my lip. It is painful, and gross to look at. (I am a makeup artist and can't work until this clears up).I have a huge concern. My understanding is that Aldara works by marking the fast growing cancer cells and that stimulates your immune system into attacking them. Thus mucus membranes like those in the mouth are often also targeted because they also grow quickly, thus the mucositis. However, that means that the aldara has gone intothe blood system and if you do a little research you will know that clinical trials of Aldara taken internally had horrendous side effects, so bad that the trials were halted. And one of the lesser known side effects is auto-immmune problems. I don't believe that the Aldara won't travel and alter my immune system permanently.My dermatologist was very blase about the treatment, giving me only quick superficial information, and she hasn't returned my calls. I am stuck with these unhealed spots on my face that have not progressed either way since I stopped using the cream. Now I am unsure whether to continue and whether just three days will have done good, or harm. smacker Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I have previously written regarding Aldara cream and taking Neotagason pills at the same time.I had lots of squamus cells on my legs, which were cut out.  I had respite for 2 years but then I got 3 more squamus cell lumps - taken out as well. The next step was Aldara cream, which I used for 3 weeks (5days on, 2 off).  I am in agony and have blisters with scabs where the skin won't heal.  I started the tablets after 3 weeks and these were supposed to help my body get rid of the pre-cancer cells(or AK).  The tablets make me feel sick, eyes dry and red, mouth full of ulcers, lips swollen, hands and feet peeling.  After reading your story I am going to phone my dermatologist next week and ask him re our problems.  I just assumed that I would have to bear lots of pain etc. if I was to get better.  I must admit I am beginning to wonder whether it is worth it.I would like to hear if anyone has come out of this treatment with no scars or returning skin cancer.I am 58 years old and was told that it was my mother's fault for letting me get sunburnt when I was young. I am fair haired and we didn't use sunscreen in the 1950's!!!WENDY On 7/2/2008 smacker wrote:I was prescribed Aldara for AK and possible BCC on my nose, forehead and moustache area.  I used the cream for three nights, and then planned to rest for two, and continue every other day as told by the pharmacist. but that was five days ago and I am loath to continue. After three days, I got the expected blistering and scabbing on the spots that were the worst with some smaller blisters and bumps where I assume AK's were lurking under the surface. But I also had the breakout of herpes-like sores inside my lower lip (where I wasn't applying the cream) that rapidly turned into weeping holes across half my lip. It is painful, and gross to look at. (I am a makeup artist and can't work until this clears up).I have a huge concern. My understanding is that Aldara works by marking the fast growing cancer cells and that stimulates your immune system into attacking them. Thus mucus membranes like those in the mouth are often also targeted because they also grow quickly, thus the mucositis. However, that means that the aldara has gone intothe blood system and if you do a little research you will know that clinical trials of Aldara taken internally had horrendous side effects, so bad that the trials were halted. And one of the lesser known side effects is auto-immmune problems. I don't believe that the Aldara won't travel and alter my immune system permanently.My dermatologist was very blase about the treatment, giving me only quick superficial information, and she hasn't returned my calls. I am stuck with these unhealed spots on my face that have not progressed either way since I stopped using the cream. Now I am unsure whether to continue and whether just three days will have done good, or harm.  wendy13 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I'm sorry you are having a bad time. I have been using Aldara cream on and off for a couple years and have never had any of these reactions. I am a very fair skinned redhead and when I use it it's every other day for 12 treatments. It does end up looking gross, even the doctor said how brave (lol) he thought I was. (do I really have a choice) The one big thing I can say about it is that for me it doesn't hurt like Efudex does. You have to be very careful where you put it and it says not to put it on your lips. I would talk to your doctor about it. Charlene C. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Charlene,Thanks for the message.What do you do after the 12 weeks.  Do you leave it to heal before applying again?  It's all very confusing.  I have been told that I have to keep applying for 3 months and then if there are any lumps remaining I have to have them taken out surgically.I do not apply aldara on my lips so I assume it is the tablets making my lips swell and flake.  I am therefore worried that the tablets are getting into my blood stream and causing the damage - as "Smackers" statement before mineWENDY.   wendy13 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT At a minimum, I would suggest seeing a different doctor.  Especially since yours doesn't seem too worried if she won't even return your phone calls!!  Believe me, there are such things as "bad doctors."  There just people and each profession has gone ones, great ones and terrible ones.Donald A. Wilhelm, authorThis Time's a Charm; Lessons of a Four-Time Cancer Survivor ThisTimesaCharm Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I meant, "good ones, great ones..."  (gotta take more time for editing in my responses.)  ;) ThisTimesaCharm Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I happened upon your message because of the Aldara reference.  I don't have any type of cancer, but I use Aldara on my face for Brooke-Spegler syndrome.  I have these lumps on my face (forehead and around my nose and upper lip).  I use the Aldara every other day with retin-A.  It lessens the noticability of the lumps.  The first time I used the medications, I experienced the sores in the mouth, which my derm gave me a prescription for Acyclovir{Zovirax} (which I guess is a herpes med) and it healed up the mouth sores and I use it for the intense canker sores I get.  I hope this helps, maybe just a little bit.  I visit this sight because my mom is battling lung cancer.Gretchen Motherhen Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT On 7/3/2008 wendy13 wrote:Hi Charlene,Thanks for the message.What do you do after the 12 weeks.  Do you leave it to heal before applying again?  It's all very confusing.  I have been told that I have to keep applying for 3 months and then if there are any lumps remaining I have to have them taken out surgically.I do not apply aldara on my lips so I assume it is the tablets making my lips swell and flake.  I am therefore worried that the tablets are getting into my blood stream and causing the damage - as "Smackers" statement before mineWENDY.   elleniac Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT I am wondering what kind of cancer your lumps are? I have about 20 lumps on my right leg that have spread from the original melanoma site that was excised 4 years ago. My doctor has just started me on Aldara 5% cream 3 times a week. After 1 treatment there is no reaction yet. How soon will I notice something and what do I have to look forward to? Is it painful,- can I wear normal clothing on my leg,- will it restrict my walking,-do I continue the treatment on an open lesion? Don`t know what to expect, please help!!!!!!! . elleniac Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thanks for that. I used the Zovirax to no positive effect, it seemed actually to make it worse. Now the scabs on my face have mostly fallen off and the skin under seems mostly AK free. I wonder whether a six week course is really necessary and whether they will quickly return because I stopped so soon. Anyone else have any insight?  smacker Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 7/3/2008 Charlene C. wrote:I'm sorry you are having a bad time. I have been using Aldara cream on and off for a couple years and have never had any of these reactions. I am a very fair skinned redhead and when I use it it's every other day for 12 treatments. It does end up looking gross, even the doctor said how brave (lol) he thought I was. (do I really have a choice) The one big thing I can say about it is that for me it doesn't hurt like Efudex does. You have to be very careful where you put it and it says not to put it on your lips. I would talk to your doctor about it.I have just been given a prescription for Aldera today after using Carac Cream on my face for the last year, The Carac cream works after 3 weeks but by then it is very painful, bleeding,,,etc. I was told the Aldera takes a longer time to work (8 weeks) but does not have as painful responses. Has anyone else have experience with it?  Ramblyn1 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT