CancerCompass message board discussion started by Frankl1n on 2/17/2006 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,4537,0.htm Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I'm 32 and getting married in 3 weeks. I had a large SCC removed 4 yrs. ago from my temple and unfortunately didn't take the follow up very seriously (I went in once). Two days ago I went to a facial skin cancer specialist for a check-up (finally) and I am covered with ak's and she thinks a few new SCC's. She wants me to try carac (topical 5-FU, aka efudex) because there are too many to freeze without major scarring. From the pictures I've seen and the lecture my Dr. gave me, I'm going to look like walking hamburger for a few months. Has anyone out there tried this treatment? How bad was it really? Did the steroid cream help? How long was it post treatment until you looked normal again? Frankl1n Fri, 17 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT Do some online research about photodynamic therapy and then talk to your physician about that course of treatment before going the efudex route.Maybe it would work for you. A lot of insurance plans will not cover PDT unless you tried Efudex first and it wasn't successful, so you may want to check with your insurance carrier as well. The PDT won't have you walking around with hamburger skin. Good luck with making a decision and enjoy your wedding day! Westflorida Sat, 18 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT Thank you! I'll look into it. I'm still kind of stunned by all of it. I was expecting maybe a couple of little patches of AK, not a face full and definitely no SCC. I had to stop reading about 5-FU because it was making me nuts. I didn't even think about looking for alternatives. Normally I'm not like this at all. If it were one of my friends or family, I'd be doing research nonstop and ticking off a list of things they could try. I guess I need to just put my big girl pants on and take the wheel! Frankl1n Sun, 19 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I went through a three week treatment using Carac cream on my face. The third week of treatment and the healing process wasn't pleasant, it looked and felt like my face was put through a cheese grater. BUT, this is preventing future SCC and my skin is actually better than it was before. It's smoother and I think I may have lost some wrinkles...I'm now doing it on my upper chest and again, it kind of sucks, but I have to keep in mind that it's preventing full-blown cancer. If your dermatologist recommends it, I would do as they say. Good luck and let me know how it goes. BTW, during healing, I found the antibiotic cream to work better than the steroid cream. The steroid cream almost seemed to irritate my skin further. Goo luck Amy Amylou1969 Wed, 05 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi. My name is Kathy and I am on day 15 of Carac. Not a pleasant experience however, I can see, even through the redness and blotchyness that many of the AK's are disappearing. They turn darkish/brown for a week or so and then begin to come off either through flaking or pealing. It is painful, though, and my face is soooooooooooo dry. I am going to see my dermatologist on Monday am 7/17. I'm hoping she says I can discontinue the treatment as it is making me crazy. It goes against everything I've known to continue to apply the cream on such damaged looking/feeling skin. But I, too, have/had lots of AK's and had 7 "burned off" in the last year. Yikes. It seems like this is the best option available. I just wish it didn't take up to a month. If I must do it elsewhere, I'm waiting until the weather is cooler; I think that will help. Luckycat Sun, 16 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT I haven't been informed by my Dr. that it is ok to use an antibiotic cream along w/Carac ... the pamphlet indicates use of moisturizer or sunscreen but to avoid using any other creams, ointments, etc....I'd love to be able to use a triple antibiotic such as neomyicin if possible. Can you give me further information about this? I'll ask my Dr. during next appt. as well. Thanks. Luckycat Sun, 16 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT I used Klaron at the same time I did Carac. I had to space them out about two hours from each other. It worked fine. I had a NASTY reaction to the Carac, they say that's a good thing, but it's all healed up fine. I have a couple of spots that are darker than the rest of my face but they're still fading. Frankl1n Sun, 16 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT I used Carac for 21 straight days, I agree it's pretty unpleasant, and the only cream I used (waiting until the Carac was on for at least 2 hours) was some Cetaphil. Once I discontinued the Carac, I was put on antibiotic cream (Bactroban) and a steroid cream. The steroid cream kind of irritated my skin, so I mostly used the Bactroban. Let me tell you, my face looks way better than before. It's like I had a chemical peel, and I don't think my AKs were that bad, but the ultimte overall effect is great. Good luck. Amylou1969 Sun, 16 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT I saw my dermatologist yesterday and she informed me that I had to continue the threatment for the full 28 days. I'm now on day 18. My skin was so dry that it literally split apart similar to paint "crackling." Now, I'm using vaseline all day and 100% zink for sun block. Large sections (< cubic centimeter) are starting to peel off. My face is extremely red...skin that seemed just fine w/out darker areas such as AK's. I also am applying triple antibiotic (generic) to some areas - two hours after applying carac - and during the day, to the cracking areas. Yikes!! This is crazy. The pain is less now but the appearance is extreme. I'm finished 7/28 and I can't wait. To woman who posted that her Dr. suggested Carac as she had too many AK's and also had wedding plans in 3 weeks....if you can, postpone one of them because they definitely are not compatible. Kathy Luckycat Tue, 18 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT PLEASE EVERYONE!!!! I can't express to you enough, insist your doctor test you for dpd enzyme deficiency BEFORE USING. If you're defiencient, you could die (people have) from using this. on this site search dpd. Beckyf Wed, 19 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT This is Kathy again. Because using Carac cream is so unpleasant, I've been online trying to learn everything there is about it. What I just read on one site suggests stopping applications once the "erosion" stage is reached. I have lost the entire top layer of my facial skin (prior to reading the information today) I called my dermatologist to ask if I should continue treatment (prior to reading the information about erosion/stopping treatment) and she said to continue for the full 28 days. I'm confused..because I am now applying the cream to an entirely new layer of skin. Any comments? Luckycat Thu, 20 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT This is Kathy again. Because using Carac cream is so unpleasant, I've been online trying to learn everything there is about it. What I just read on one site suggests stopping applications once the "erosion" stage is reached. I have lost the entire top layer of my facial skin (prior to reading the information today) I called my dermatologist to ask if I should continue treatment (prior to reading the information about erosion/stopping treatment) and she said to continue for the full 28 days. I'm confused..because I am now applying the cream to an entirely new layer of skin. Also, several years ago I had 6 sessions of IPL (intense pulse light) which "removed" 'age spots.' I am now wondering if this has any cause/effect on AK's (masking them?) which only means they resurface later? Might it have increased the sensitivity ofmy skin to the sun? Any comments? Luckycat Thu, 20 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi everyone, Have been on this round of Efudex for 15 days. My GP recommends the 28 treatment regime (twice a day for 14 days) But I have read that the treatment should be longer (3-6 weeks). I have AK's and bCC's. My question to everyone is: Has anyone tried using Vitamin E, topically, after the treatment to speed up the healing process? I know for a fact that in my case, other wounds heal much faster. But can not figure out if one wants fast wound healing in this case. Thanks, Mike Mikemike Mon, 24 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Mike. Good question regarding Vit E...I have also wondered the same. I am now on day 25. I recently read that six weeks is recommended for some cases. My Dr. definitely wants me to do the full 4. I have read much contridicting information regarding the use of efudex/carac. One article suggested cleansing the area using soap, another urges not to use soap, only water. One instructed to stop using the cream once the erosion stage is reached; another urges continuing the treatmet the full 4 (in one case) weeks. Not one article mentioned OTC vaseline but my dermatologist has; also antibiotic ointments are ok. The main thing here being the 2 hour waiting period. I read one article that detailed the use of efudex or carac twice daily; my Dr. urged NOT to do that as did another article. It goes on and on so; to answer your question...I don't know but, logic suggests you might be on to something. I have wondered if (and this might be a great example of pretzel logic) if (now follow me, here)efudex/carac might inhibit the healing process stimulated by Vit. E/neomyicin, etc???? Hmmmmmm...I CAN say that week 3 was, by far, the most difficult and that the pain and burning stopped just into week 4. Luckycat Tue, 25 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Thanks Lucky Cat, I THINK that the reason most Docs don't prescribe the twice daily treatment is that one gets REALLy sore (no pun intended), quickly. And at this point (16th day at 2/day) sure isn't pretty. :>) The other continuing mistake I'm making in that regard, is I have not stopped the heavy sweating from the intense exercise program I'm on. (Higher body temp equaling faster reactions?) As far as cosmetic appearance, frankly I am not too concerned as "this too shall pass." I was thinking that I may try the Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol), after completing the entire regime. BUT-------am wondering if this is self-defeating. My limited understanding is that Efudex works by alerting the body to the cancer cells. The body then sends mechanisms to fight these rogue cells, thus destroying them. And what we see on the skin surface is the result of that battle. Therefore, it could be that even though one has stopped the treatment, cancer cells are still being destroyed by the activated immune system. By introducing Vitamin E, one may prematurely stop the battle. Any thoughts? Mikemike Tue, 25 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi again Mike and others in our sorry state(s)..(mine being California!!) Anyway, my understaning of the reading materials I've perused is that flourouracil topical cream (active ingredient in efudex and carac) identifies and isolates rapidly growing cells. It then effects these cells by inhibiting their ability to utilize RNA and DNA thus stopping cell division which eventually (and rather quickly, it seems) kills the cell. In our cases, AK's or BCK's are destroyed. Technology is wild, isn't it? Your question about Vit. E -which aids in rapid healing - which just might be impaired by flourouracil because it identifies rapidly dividing cells?!? I don't know, but I do wonder. Same w/antibiotic creams which are touted to aid (and abet?) healing...I think we're getting off track here a bit. But, as I have noted previously, there do seem to be quite a few contradictions and/or varying styles of prescribing this medication. I'm using a petroleum based super skin soother just because the dryness is almost unbearable at times. The emolients have helped. All this for ignoring all the advice of my elders and believing that I was the exception; impervious to harm...oh well. Luckycat Tue, 25 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi again Lucky Cat, Somehow, I may not be expressing myself correctly. The whole Vitamin E idea is to use it only after the Efudex regime is completely finished. Purely as a way to heal the "cosmetically challenged" areas. (How's that for PC?) :>) As a side note, I tried a little Vit E on the area between my nose and cheek intersection, as this was a particularly sore area. And certainly not cancerous, I don't think. Anyhow, within just a few minutes, the area was not nearly as tender! Amazing! Again, this is day 17 of at LEAST 2/day treatments. (After heavy sweating I have been reapplying the Efudex) So, that makes at LEAST 34 applications. Interestingly, every day the lesions have been getting redder and more have appeared. Until this morning. Earlier today, I noticed that some of the sores have actually "peaked" and are not as red as they had been. Hmmmmmm Anyhow, I am going to continue the 2/day treatments till Friday and then quit. Then, the decision as whether or not to use the Vit E will have to be made. I may try contacting Efudex directly. Thanks for your input and would love to hear your opinion. Mike Mikemike Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Mike. I see now what you are saying about end of treatment use of Vit. E. I'd ask your dermatologist about the Vit. E (at the end of treatmets)in its purest form (natural Vit E as you mentioned). I think it would be beneficial. Are you using anything to ease the dryness now, during treatment? My skin became so dry by the middle of the second week that I had to start using vaseline. That has helped so much. Now, there is still more localized pain and deeper reddened areas and I have only 3 applications remaining including tonight. What is happening now is that my skin is pealing (erroding) again...a second time. My sores peaked as well and it is downhill from that point; less pain, discomfort, and scary appearance. Also, you must have a great ability to withstand discomfort. I can't imagine working enough to perspire or being too active while using carac. When I'm gardening or painting outside, I don't last nearly as long as normally. Also, hot weather is difficult for me. California, right now, is experiencing an intense heatwave which seems to magnify my discomfort. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel and I am thankful for this treatment even though it is about as wierd as it gets. It will be interesting to see how my skin heels and appears afterwards. Luckycat Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi again, I believe the reason my skin didn't dry out is that it was almost all the time covered with the (profanity here) Efudex! :>) Are you doing the twice a day treatment? Believe me, I'm a wuss when it comes to pain. :>) But maybe by the time one is 60, the nerve endings are less likely to be firing. :>) Oh, I am not in the care of a Dermo Doc, this was prescribed by my GP doc (Also my Flight Surgeon and very good buddy) Can't wait till Friday! Please keep in touch, and let me know how you are doing. Mike Mikemike Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Mike; we are on the same timetable. Friday is my last day of 28 once a day applications. I think, had I been given the option, I would have chosen your schedule w/2 applications as it would not have been drawn out for so long. I pity the people who are given 6 week prescriptions...yikes! So, tomorrow I celebrate (at least, feel relief). During this time, I've given up 5 SF Giants game tickets and my Steely Dan tickets. Such a sacrifice! Let me know how you feel to be FREE of the process...I know I'm going to love it. This has taken on a life of it's own w/restrictions and precautions I don't usually endure. Let me hear!!! Kathy Luckycat Thu, 27 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi again Lucky Cat, Seems that we are the only ones in the whole world who are discussing this subject. C'est la Vie :>) My doc buddy had also suggested the 28 treatments total too, but I, in my infinite wisdom, :>) decided to extend it by 25-30% or so. And do the 2/day. Today, I was out in the sun for a few minutes and boy am I paying now. Whew! What was that I wrote earlier about no discomfort? Hmmmmmm I have decided to do the Vit E thing, and have started it on my upper inboard cheeks and nose. Amazing how quickly that feeling of heat goes away. But definitely greasy feeling. When I finally have my face back, I'll have to then get rid of all the debris that is building up below the surface of the skin and use exfoliators (sp), facial scrubs, etc. and all that stuff that guys hate to do. Just to have a reasonably smooth surface. Just no end to this stuff,---- sigh. Am thinking about renting a burka, but then I'd have to deal with people "stoning" me. :>) The other problem with that idea is they are "gender specific." :>) Anyhow, let's stay in touch, at least we can commiserate with each other. :>) mike Mikemike Thu, 27 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT MikeMike...We're definitely on the same page. I honestly considered the burka route myself. I thought; "...now I understand the use of such a garment..." Truly, I have become a little more hardened to the sideways glaces I get as I stroll through the day. I feel like I should explain myself to others and find myself doing it now and then. Out in the sun? EEK! I did that, too, and I was amazed that just a few moments indescretion could cause such a brightening of my already blushing face!! Your approach to self medicating is similar to mine ie: of one is good; two must be much better. I have tried to do the ultimately proper steps using Carac in hopes that, if I adhere exactly to the directions I've been given; the greatest results will occur. On the other hand, as I understand it; after the initial two hours from applying the cream, there isn't much we can do to undo it's action. Yes; apparently we're the only ones discussing this right now. This forum is helpful w/one respondant or several. I'm enjoying this. Rumor has it that we will emerge w/baby soft skin but, beware, it will be more sensitized to UV/AV and so be careful. I've been told to stay out of the sun which is very hard as I am an outdoor person. Ok...now your turn. ;>) Luckycat Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Lucky Cat, I too am enjoying our visits! To heck with the rest of them! Went to my GP Doc buddy today for my Flight Physical (he perscribed the Efudex), expecting a big pat on the back, and all kinds of platitudes only to find that he was like totally unimpressed. Some friend he is! :>) :>) :>) We talked a bit about the Vit E thing and he thinks it may be an idea worth trying. Though he was luke warm about that too. Some friend he is. :>) :>) :>) Anyhow, I just couldn't take my self imposed gonna keep at it till Friday mode, so I wimped out and started the Vit E today, NO MORE EFUDEX FOR THIS KID! (At least for a year) Oh, wait today is Friday. :>) :>) As for the "baby smooth skin" thing, that may look a little peculiar for my age. :>) :>) Am heading for MN tomorrow and am not taking the laptop, but will bother someone else to use their computer to keep up with our dialogue. Let me know what you are going to do post-treatment. And now, assuming hopefully, (from an embarrassment point of view, if wrong :>) :>) you are of the gentler sex. love, Mike Mikemike Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Yes Mike. My name is Kathy and I'd love to continue our discussions. I just applied my last Carac. I am so happy about this as it has been rather like a "house arrest." Though my skin is still very pink, I know that will lessen. BTW I have fount two truly great sun blocking creams which also cover nicely and look natural. These are Fallene COTZ which is SPF 58 and Fallene Total Block, SPF 65. Also, Ti-Silc Sheer Sunblock SPF 45. All great products. And, You may email me --- Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, email address removed. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html ---- Looking forward to hearing from you and hoping that your trip to MN is fun and productive and that you are healing quickly. I plan to take up where I left off (another lifetime, it seems) working on my home restoration project, going to Giants Baseball games, plays and music venues and generally having a good life. Let me hear that you're also having a great time. Kathy Luckycat Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hope you guys continue to discuss your treatments. I am interested in your treatment experiences and post treatment experiences. In 6 months my Dr. is considering efudex for me. Just starting to research it myself. So all the info is helpful. I have had AKs frozen off last year and just the other day. I had 17 AKs on my head/face. Anyways... keep the info coming. Good Luck and thanks. Rj5324 Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT I'm on day 7 ( 2x a day). When does the redness start? Caliwoman Wed, 02 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hello all. My treatment lasted for 28 days; one application daily in the evening. The redness started around the fourth day and peaked during the third week. Though I was not diagnosed w/BCC, I did have a number of Actinic Keratosis lesions frozen off during the year previously. Let me tell you, for me, the third week was pretty awful. My skin and the individual lesions were terribly reddened and even "blistery" or very darkened and raised. About 17 days into treatment, my skin pealed (eroded is the term used in pamphlets, web sites, etc.) This happened towards the end of treatment and still continues to a lesser degree now, 4 days since my last application. My symptoms were/are a bruised type of feeling, stinging in concentrated areas where actual lesions were or even areas where AK's were not evident (the main reason this therepy is so good; it identifies faster growing cells and targets them; disallowing further growth). Now, themajority of my face is pinkened and there are remaining darker areas and continued pealing and ITCHING!! but, as a friend says,:..this, too, shall pass." Good luck to all. Just be sure to apply vaseline or something similar to the area to keep it from cracking from dryness (mine did before I started using he vaseline; it looked terrible). The petroleum jelly helps out greatly. Pretty strange to try to circulate in the world during this therepy but, it sure is superior to the alterative. Good luck to all. Kathy Luckycat Wed, 02 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT So, I can start the vaseline now even though my face isn't dry yet? I'm on my 10th day (2x a day). I have two small dark spots and a few slight pink bumps on my forehead.(Nobody has noticed yet) It's funny, but every morning I get up exprcting the big red. Soon I hear. Glad to hear you're on the downslope now. Caliwoman Sun, 06 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Jean. I was told that the carac/effudex would only effect those areas which are potentially cancerous; growing a little faster than normal skin. My prescription was once a day, at night, for 28 days. Directions vary per case, it appears. I could see during the treatment, the areas on my face which were frozen off prior to the carac treatments. They remained normal in color and texture while all the skin around them reddened and/or "blistered," etc. to varying extents. So, it appears that your skin is not in the same shape as mine was (years and years of exposure / suntanning/ etc. - stupid!!). Now my face looks fantastic! It's been 10 days since my last application and my skin is just a rosy pale pinkish and there is NO evidence of the prior AK's, lesions, etc. It looks GREAT!! We all have varying degrees of potential cancerous areas so, I imagine, yours is not quite as advanced a case as was mine. I used the vaseline starting around day 16 (I should have started sooner as my skin dried out quickly) and it helped so much. (Remember to wait a minimum of 2 hours after applying the carac/effudex before using vaseline on the area). I am now applying bacitracin (sp?)in the evenings, Cotz total sunblock during the day. I believe the discomfort I experienced would not have been so pronounced had I moistened my skin w/vaseline earlier in the treatment. Live and learn. Good luck to you Luckycat Mon, 07 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT Luckycat, What store can I find the sunblock that you're talking about? I would love to find it. I'm on day 12 at 2 x a day. Now I have a bunch of little red pimples on my forehead, nothing too much on my nose or cheeks. That's pretty good. (Sounds like you were in a war w/ your erosions) But today my derma called and told me my chest biopsy showed basal skin cancer. My past sounds the same as yours. In 9th grade, my new best friend was obsessed w/ tans. Then I became obsessed w/ that golden look too. We went to the beach almost every day in the summer and then some. I think I had this problem for about seven years. Thinking back, I remember one Easter vacation when it wasn't sunny. In fact it drizzled most of the week. I remember laying out in a bathing suit in a drizzle because there was a tiny patch of sun coming out of the clouds. That's sick! I almost never laid on my stomach, because I didn't want to waste my tan on the back of me. Now at the age of 48 I have beautiful skin on my back and legs. But my front. Yuck! I have a reunion coming up in October, do you think my face will be in chaos? I finish up w/ my 2x a day on August 16th. Anyway, thanks for listening. Jeanne P.S. Teenagers: I hope you're listening. Caliwoman Tue, 08 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Jeanne. You will be just fine for you reunion; and you'll be so pleased w/the results of your treatment once the healing is well under way. I ordered the Sunblocks via the internet from Drugstore.com and also from the product label...here is the info? Ti-silc is available at Drugstore.com..when I ordered it several weeks ago, it was on sale $16.00 for 4 oz. The BEST is Fallene Total Block SPF 60. it covers beautifully and evenly even when your skin is "eroding." The web address is www.totalblock.com, phone # 800.332.5536. This will lead you to Total Block, and COTZ, SPf 58 which is great, too. They're a little pricy but well worth it. Yes, my sun bathing regimen was not mentally well; I'd be late for dates and events just to make sure I got my hours in between noon and 2 pm..the WORSE time to be in the sun. And, I started in March, ended in Nov. every year for way too long. I would compete w/everyone and anyone for the darkest tan...I HAD to have it. Consequently, I'm also having problems on my arms. I can't even imagine doing that now and I always wear a hat, sunglasses and sun block on my face and any other exposed areas. Well, good luck to you. And stay healthy. Kathy Luckycat Tue, 08 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT Thank you for all of the info! I'll pay anything for a good sunblock. Yes, I too would compete for the best tan back in the days. Now I cover up like you. For example, I absolutely love water so I got a pool about 5 years ago. You should see me lying on my raft in my swimming pool: I wear sunglasses, hat, then an entire beach towel covering me along w/ a towel hanging over my hat( so I can breathe). I am completely covered head to toe but the cool raft is under me. My husband asks me how I can stand wearing all that stuff. But it really doesn't bother me. In fact it's very relaxing lying in the pool knowing the sun isn't damaging my skin. I have a solar pool so I do the actual swimming at night without having to cover up at all. It's worked out great for all these years. Good luck to your health. Jeanne Caliwoman Sat, 12 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT After reading all the things you go through using Carac, I'm now really scared to use it. I have to put it on my nose and I don't know what will happen. I've talked to my boss about what might happen and that I might have to miss time at work. Is it that bad that you don't want to face people (get it?) ha ha, all puns aside, I'm really scared about using this stuff. I can't even find pictures on the internet about what it looks like other than one picture that really isn't a good one. Any advice? How did it go for you? Julebell Mon, 11 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Julebell. I think that individual reactions vary greatly. Mine was pretty extreme however, after you're finished, your skin will look really great! and you'll have removed the threat of several types of skin lesions. While you are doing the treatment, just be sure to ask your prescribing Dr. about the best way to avoid extreme skin dryness and what products you may use during the week(s) you are using carac/effudex. This will help greatly. Be informed. But, also be informed that the active ingredient is a God send to those of us who have been given this prescription. I'm very glad I did it and plan to try it on my arms when my dermatologist says 'ok.' Good luck to you. Kathy Luckycat Wed, 13 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Thanks Kathy, How long will the discoloration and shedding/healing last? Of course this has to be on my ****! nose !!! uggg I suppose maybe it won't be too different from the redness and rashiness that I've been experiencing for so long huh? And itching all the time. Wish it was on my butt ! Julebell Wed, 13 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Again Julebell. Actually, after you stop the applications, the redness disappears pretty quickly. The redness, peeling seems to peak during the third week. Use Total Block (spf 65) or Cotz (spf 58). These products cover perfectly and you can tolerate them while doing the treatment. Nothing else worked for me except plain vaseline. You can get these two from www.totalblock.com I was so glad to find these and I still use them today. You'll not regret this even though it is so yucky during treatments. Kathy Luckycat Fri, 15 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Kathy & Mike When I signed up with Cancer Compass I sent a message to you both but I am not sure if it went through. I will wait to see if you did. Cazza Cazza Fri, 15 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Kathy & Mike I have been on Carac (Efudex here in Australia). I am on day 19 of my treatment and last night I could not make myself put the cream on. But after reading your messages, I have found the courage to keep on going. My face has so many spots that I couldn't put a pin between them. It is so sore and tight, I can hardly open my mouth to eat, maybe a good thing, am overweight any way. Your talk of a burka was not silly I have thought of the same many times. I do not leave the house at the moment. My husband won't let me come to work in case I scare the customers (only joking). Thanks once again, if not for your letters I would certainly have finished the treatment. Cazza Cazza Sat, 16 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Cazza. Yes, I so understand how hard it is to put the cream on...I felt that way and it sure was difficult. It will be easier and less uncomfortable if you use vaseline two hours after application of the cream. It really helped me...my skin was cracking so badly until I started using the simple vaseline petroleum jelly...over the counter and cheap. The terrible tightness and dryness subsided. I also stopped using any type of soap to wash my face; I just used warm water and patted it on w/a soft wash cloth, over and over until I felt that I'd removed the vaseline (so as not to interfere w/the treatments)...this treatment is not a pretty sight, but it works wonders and I am so glad I used it. I plan, as I've written in earlier messages, to use it on my arms. Good luck to you and also consider the products I mentioned in earlier notes, Cotz and Total Block. They are so easy on the treated areas of your face, no burning or anything, and they cover the redness, blotchiness, darkened areas, etc. very well AS WELL AS protecting you from the sun. Good luck and best wishes and keep your chin up! Kathy Luckycat Sun, 17 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Thank you Kathy for replying to my message and I will keep my chin up, but I am trying not to as it is the worst part of my face, but I know what you mean. Thanks once again, for your advice. I am still battling with myself not to put it on but I know I have to as I have come this far, it would be silly to give up now. Thanks again. Cazza Cazza Sun, 17 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT I am happy that I found this discussion. I had many uncertanties. I have been in the treatment stage for 11 days now and my face looks like I just finished 12 rounds with Mike Tyson. I visited my doc today to find out when I can stop. He took out one of his books and showed me a picture of a man with a blistered face. He said I could quit when my face looked like that. I have been applying the med for once a day and sometimes twice. I am in the Navy on a ship with a couple thousand people. I feel like people do not want to shake my hand or they are not sure what I have. Do I owe it to them to explain my condition? Notso Notso Fri, 22 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hey, don't worry and you owe no one any explanation except that you've been prescribed a medication that works "this way." You will be so happy when you're finished and several weeks have passed. Since you've read all the posts, you know to stick w/it through to the end. You can miss a single application w/no negative effects but, may as well not. I tried that one time and I applied my usual face cream and it burned like crazy. So, I rinsed my face and reapplied the carac..I know you'll reach a point where you feel it couldn't be any worse and that you'll never heal but, have faith; you will and you'll be free of potentially dangerous lesions. I'm so convinced that I plan to continue w/the treatment on my arms. This is a blessing in (don't we wish) disguise!! Kathy Luckycat Fri, 22 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Notso I am glad Kathy replied to your letter. I have not been on the Internet for a couple of days, so I did not see your message. Talk about going 12 rounds with Mike Tyson, they were the very thoughts that went through my mind this morning. It is day 2 since I finished my treatment, I lasted 25 days could not do the last 3. I look worse since I have finished. My eyes are so puffed up (hence the Tyson thought). I keep thinking of what Kathy has said and I know it has to get better. I also found a website of a young man who posted photos as well as a diary of his treatment. That helped me a lot it is (www.topicalchemo.com) Good Luck. Cazza Cazza Fri, 22 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Kathy, you mentioned in your response that you plan on using carac on your arms. I'm going to start it on my arms in Oct and have never used it before. I'm so glad on found this site. I haven't decided if I should do one arm or both. Have you given it any thought? I have to do from my elbow to my wrist. I've had 2 SCC, Bowen's and 1 BCC. I apprectiate any thoughts you have on using this on your arms. Thanks, Bonnie Chigirl Sun, 24 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Cazza! I visited the link to the young man's chronology and I was amazed and so glad to see it. Yea...that's what I looked like, too. Now, my skin is drop dead gorgeous..who would have imagined. I'm sure that stopping the applications several days early is no big deal..actually, some prescriptions, I have since learned, can be for as little as two weeks. I've also found that there are varying strengths of the creams...from .05% to 2%. (something like that)Mine was the lowest strength, but it still FRIED my face. The pictures totally made it so clear to see the worsening and then subsiding of the effects of carac/efudex. I don't know though, I may not have done it had I seen those pics. I only saw one photo on a pamphlet given me by my DR. Well, how are you now? Healing? It seems to take a little while for the redness to go away after finishing the regimen. This site has been so helpful. Good luck and best wishes to everyone...Kathy Luckycat Sun, 24 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT I'm 46 and in day 14 of my second round(arms first, now face). On my arms it took about a week to blister and looked like the measles/chicken pox. After the 28 days, it took 28 more to heal - just like the literature. It was well worth the side effects. As for my face, it only toook 4 days to begin to go to H@$% - lots of dryness, redness - the nightmare I expected. I just try and keep the "molting" down with moisturizers and a light buffing w/ something lightly abrasive enough to shed the skin w/o causing sores. For a positive approach, I remind my pre-teen sons (and anyone who asks) that this is what they get when they don't listen about sun damage (I'll need to take a picture of this to remind them in the future!!). When people first ask "What happened?", I first told them "I have diaper rash on my face" or "I work at the nuke plant and took the Homer Simpson approach to my job", but now at the worst stage I tell them that "My face caught on fire and I tried to put it out with a fork!. For as bad as it looks, people have been very understanding (and living in California, everyone hear needs this wake-up call to the effects of sun damage). Two weeks more of the applications and a month to heal - can't wait!! Bbcoach Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi "Baseball Coach" (? am I right?). I am so glad to hear that the cream worked on your arms. My Dr. has instructed me to use Retin A to "soften" the skin prior to starting Carac. I am on day 6 of that. Did you do that, also? What strength of Carac are you using? I am so pleased w/my face and can't wait to start my arms...I figured around early/mid October will be a good time as I'll be automatically "dressed" for the Halloween season..Kathy Luckycat Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Bonnie. I haven't started it on my arms yet but it appears that BbCoach has...I'm waiting to hear the results. I imagine both arms would be best otherwise, you'll be doing twice the time of application/healing. I plan to do both to get it over with. My dermatologist suggested using Retin A prior to soften the skin on my arms which is a little thicker than facial skin. I'm hoping that this won't be quite as painful or bothersome as when I did my face. Let's hope BbCoach lets us know how it worked for him. Luckycat Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT I finished my arms in August. It went well and of course your arms are easier to cover up relative to your face. As I mentioned, my arms were mostly red spots (like measles/chicken pox) that kinda scabbed up and fell off once I completed the 1 month application. A little itchy - not really uncomfortable. The treatment didn't really seem to affect my sun sensitivity and there wasn't any hair loss. It did take a lot more of the Carac cream to do my arms (more surface area) but overall my arms were a cakewalk relative to my face (I started that application on 9/13). As for my face, I find that wearing red (shirt or hat) seems to lessen the shock value to people I encounter. The face treatment is definitely more painful and uncomfortable, like the worst sunburn you'd ever had on your face that never goes away (or like being slapped in the face a couple of dozen times). I've also tried sloughing off the excess skin lightly with a razor. It works well but stings like I'd just put about a gallon of alcohol on my face for about an hour (talk about razor burn!!). I'm counting the days and just try to stay positive with the thought, "60 days of discomfort for 35 years of stupidity." Bbcoach Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT BbCoach...did you do the 29 day regimine on your arms? Longer? and, do you know what the strength of the cream was? I'm hoping my dermatologist will do the max. strength. Thanks for your info. Kathy Luckycat Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Yeah, a months worth of applications 0.5% Carac. My arms were pretty weathered for my fair complexion so it took a lot longer to see the initial effects (8-10 days) vs. my face (4-5 days). I liked the idea mentioned about Retin A to soften up the skin prior to starting treatment. If I had to do my arms again, I'd ask my doctor about that one before treatment. I'd also do both arms at once as recommended - arms are easy to cover up. Go for it and good luck - get it over with before the holidays. Bbcoach Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, thanks everyone for your replies. My script looks like it's for 1.5 carac, I'm going to start in Oct after a short vacation and get it done before the holidays. Thanks for all the suggestions and I'm going to a skin cancer lecture at Northwestern Hosp in Chicago tomorrow, if there's anything new to share I'll post it. I needed all the encouragement you gave, Thanks, Bonnie Chigirl Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Kathy I have not been checking the messages, so I missed your reply. I am glad you got onto the website, it helped me, as I was still going throught the treatment, it was very useful. I don't know if I mentioned it before, but I was supposed to do my arms about 5 or 6 years ago and I couldn't get the courage to do it. So what do I do, I do the face first. I am now going to do my arms, but I will have to wait till next year around April, because here in Australia we are coming into Summer, and our summers are notoriously hot. Maybe by then I will have forgotten all the pain I went through. By the way my face is getting better by the day. I have been taking a photo every day and the difference is unbelievable. It is still very red (I like the idea of wearing red, I will have to do that) but the flaking is getting less and less. Good luck to all Cazza Cazza Fri, 29 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Boy that takes some huevos to do your face first!! I've got 10 days of Carac applications to go on my face and I'm literally countin' the days. Hopefully the healing is quick and I'll be good to go at Thanksgiving (a few have already told me I'm good to go for Halloween!!). By the looks of the peeling and scabbing, I feel like my skin is as thin as tissue paper. I found Lubriderm to be the best moisturizer; most of the others I've tried sting. I put the Carac on at 6AM before I head to work and then try and hold out as many hours as possible(the minimum's 2 hours, right?) before applying moisturizer. Fortunately I work in an out-of-the-way cubicle with minimal interaction. By the evening I'm a "10" on the frightening scale but I wash up in the AM and start all over. Can't wait; I'm countin' the days... Bbcoach Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hello again Bbcoach. Yes, you are in the the throes of the worse time for this treatment. It is, truly, a scary thing. But, trust me, this too shall pass...and you'll be so pleased w/your skin. And safer from problems associated w/skin lesions. 10 days will go by quickly and, in fact, your symptoms should start to lessen just a little bit. Did this occur when you did your arms? Can you tell if the reaction is similar or greater on your face? I've been told that this is so as facial skin is thinner; less tough, than the skin on arms. Don't forget to try Vaseline pet. jelly; it is so easy and cheap and does not sting at all. You are right; 2 hours minimum before putting anything else on after applying Carac. My dermatologist, whom I just returned from seeing, says that Carac is the next generation of this particular type of treatment, and the delivery system is superior to prior brand names. I am pleased to hear this. So, carry on and, you'll see; you're going to be just fine. I did my face first and today, I start my arms...kathy Luckycat Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Thanks for the support Kathy. Yeah, my arms were a cakewalk compared to my face. I've got spotty redness on my forehead, intense redness on temples and cheeks. I assume the skin is so thin on the top of my cheeks (just below where glasses would rest) that it's scabbed up to about the area of a nickel. I'll have to try the vaseline - I've been using lubriderm as mentioned. Ya start with a fresh slate in the morning and before anything goes on my face it feels tight like a high-end Beverly Hills facelift!! As for my arms, they scabbed up wherever I had an AK but is wasn't overly noticable - like a mild case of measles. At least with my face I've got the routine down now and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Once again, thanks for the tips and support and good luck finishing out your treatment! Bbcoach Thu, 05 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, you mentioned you were starting your arms. I'm also starting my arms on Mon. My script was for .5 not 1.5 like I thought. I'm suppose to use it twice a day. My Dr. recommended using Aquaphor for the dry skin. I'll be anxious to see how you're doing (although I realize we're all different) since you'll only be a few days ahead of me. Please keep me posted, this web site has helped me so much to get the courage to this. Good luck!!! Bonnie Chigirl Fri, 06 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi to all. Bonnie, don't be afraid and go ahead..day three of my arms and I can see changes. Little bit of reddening of spots which were either freckles or AK's. BTW, your Carac prescription of .5 is actually 5% and is the only strength of Carac. It is the best product out there and is the next generation of these topical treatments. Apparently, the delivery system in Carac is a cut above and more accurately pinpoints the active ingredient towards faster growing cells...so says my research and my Dr. So, I'm glad for that!! You'll be able to moisturize and cover your arms more easily than your face. Aquaphor is great...I had some of that & it was really gentle. If you haven't yet, check out the link Cazza gave us... www.topicalchemo.com This is really informative and shows the worse part of the procedure, but also shows that the after math is great. We are lucky to have this option; just think of the opposite..lots of freezing or just plain bad luck. Keep positive and, soon; you'll be finished and healed and looking better than ever..arms or face! kathy Luckycat Fri, 06 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Kathy, how are you doing? I didn't start my arms, was sick over the weekend, am starting the end of the week. Any hints? You're so good at sharing information. Thanks, Bonnie Chigirl Tue, 10 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Bonnie. Don't be afraid to start the treatment on your arms. I am now on day 8 and it is just as Bbcoach described it; kind of like having the measles. Just little reddened spots at this point; some are already falling off (ugh!) but it isn't painful at all. I treated my arms w/Retin A 0.04 Gel before starting Carac, as my Dr. suggested. She said a minimum of 2 weeks; I probably did a few more days than that. My reaction to Carac started w/in 3 days and I think that is due to using the Retin A first. I'm glad to be doing this, too. If you visited Cazza's web discovery www.topicalchemo.com , you'll see how facial reactions can be. Arms are so much easier. The sooner you start, the better. Just be sure not to expose any areas to sun which are being treated w/Carac or efudex. Take care and go for it!!Kathy Luckycat Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Kathy, glad it's going so well. I can't thank you enough for keeping me posted and your words of encouragement. I will start soon, Bonnie Chigirl Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Ouch! I take it back..this is no fun. Really, in the last day, my arms have "flared up" quite a bit. This is nothing like my face but, I am definitely aware my arms. A little itchy and I really do look like I have measles. There is not really any pain, just tightness and irritation. 1/3 the way there. Haven't peaked yet but I don't think it will be very much more intense..don't know though. Glad I'm doing it now and not earlier or later..be done for Thanksgiving! Luckycat Thu, 12 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Kathy, thanks for the update. I'll be with you, starting today. I just have to do it and get it over with by the holidays. Thanks for your honesty. Any hints, did you use moisturizer from day one? Hang in there you're almost half way there. I spoke to someone yesterday who used it on his face for only 2 weeks and had a good result. My Dr. told me to use it for as long as I could tolerate. He said anywhere from 2-4 weeks would be the best, of course 4 being optimal. Lets keep each other updated. Hang in there!! Bonnie Chigirl Fri, 13 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi again Bonnie and everyone. A little over 1/3 of the way to the end of treatment on my arms. This is pretty easy but right where my arms bend, inside the elbow, it's really red and irritated and swollen. Bbcoach, did this happen to you? May be because this area is more tender;the skin isn't as exposed or thick? Whatever, it is really red, about 2" x 2" on my right arm, smaller on my left. Bonnie, I started using moisturizer about 6 days into the treatment and I'm using neosporin on my inner elbows starting 2 hours after I put the Carac on, and all day long, all night too because I don't want that area to get dry and crack; that would be painful for sure. I guess I am reacting this way because the Retin A had already begun to cause the top layer of my skin to peel a little. Oh well...I'm going out of town for a few days and we're having a garage sale tomorrow and I'll be really busy between then and my trip...so about a week will be taken up w/other things to think about. I'll keep you posted....Bbcoach...how are you doing? You should be getting close to the end...and Bonnie...good for you! Keep me posted, too. Kathy Luckycat Fri, 13 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT I'm glad I found this forum. It's 3:45 AM and I am 18 days into a 2 applications/day three week regiment. I am itching and burning too much to sleep. I want pain pills and sleeping pills but I won't be able to talk to my Dr until Monday. I was sure I was having some sort of alergic reaction until I found you folks and followed the links here to: topicalchemo.com. He definitely beat me on the hamburger scale but not by much. At any rate, I am feeling a bit more composed after reading about your experiences and will bull my way through the treatments. I thought I had a reasonable tolerance for discomfort but this is trying. I don't know how people with long term or chronic pain can stand it. Good night (for you - I'm not even going to try). PS: no vaseline in the house. I will get some tomorrow. Donheff Sun, 15 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I'm on day 3 of using Carac on my arms. Nothing going on, maybe it's the calm before the storm. My stomach isn't doing well though. Has anyone run into this? Thanks for all the input and encouragement. Bonnie Chigirl Sun, 15 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi there Donheff. Yes, you're among comrades here. It is really difficult; I felt the same as you, thinking that I must be allergic or worse. This site has helped so much. It does get better...you are right in the midst of the worse part...week 3 is horrific. But, as you've read and seen, it will be better. Keep up your spirits, I know it is so so hard, buy try. AND the vaseline will help so much, you'll feel better. Kathy Luckycat Sun, 15 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT I was able to get some hydrocodone and Ambien so I got a good night's sleep. Althouh I had to go to my GP to get it. But the vaseline was the best suggestion -- it makes an enormous difference. The most upsetting part of this experience was the lack of forwarning. The doctor said I would look and feel like I had a sunburn. The problem is that doesn't effectively describe the worst parts. I am pretty thick skinned (no pun intended) and am quite prepared to joke a little about getting hit by a flame thrower or whatever. But, when you are not sure whether your reaction is in the normal range or is alergic it is hard to be light hearted. Had the doctor showed me somthing like topicalchemo.com to understand what can happen if you have the "iceberg" effect of numerous undisclosed problem cells I can guarantee I would not have begun treatment without a prescription for pain pills and Ambien. I plan to give the doctor some constructive feedback and then switch to someone else. --- Thanks again, Don Donheff Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT I forgot to mention in the previous post that I posted a high res photo of my face on my web site for the doctor to see if needed when prescribing pain pills over the phone. If you want - take a look: http://tinyurl.com/ybtlx2 In my lay perspective I have a significantly less extensive involvement than the guy at topicalchemo.com except on the forehead where I had a pretty extensive "iceberg" effect. It was that area that was giving me the most trouble sleeping. On the good side, so far there were only about three days out of the 20 I have been in treatment that I really need pain meds. I haven't bothered today and do not feel uncomfortable. I expect that I will take a hydrocone and an ambien to go to sleep for the next few nights and then that will be it. Donheff Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hello you two. First of all, Bonnie, I think you should notify your Dr. about stomach upset. I read online re:carac that "...should stomach upset or regurgitation occur, notify your physician." Good advise; follow it, just to be sure. I felt that way initially when doing my face but have not felt any sickness now that I'm doing my arms and that is a much larger area requiring more Carac. But, talk w/your doctor to be sure. Don, I looked at your photo...YES! that's it. It does hurt hurt hurt. I did not use any pain medication except tons of Midol; that helped. The tightness and cracking were the things that drove me nuts. Now, my arms are flared up and red and splotchy, while some areas that I THOUGHT would react, arent while, others are...weird science!! to be sure. Thanks for the photo...it confirms experience. You're doing fine, though. Luckycat Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Kathy, what would I do without you!! You've have been such a big help. I did call the Dr. this morning and he's worried that I may be absorbing to much of the medicine. I have to stay off the medicine until Wed then try on 1 arm and see what happens.This could be along process....... How are you doing? Seems like you're taking care all of us, thanks so much for your concern and encouragement when you're also going thru this. I'll keep you posted, Bonnie Chigirl Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT My husband will begin using Carac tomorrow and we were wondering what brand of moisterizer does anyone recommend using with the Carac cream? Cybernana Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I've only been using Carac for 3 days, I'm using Aquaphor which is working well. I ran into stomach problems and have to stop for a few days. Everyone seems to like Vaseline alot. Good luck and this forum has been a life safer for me, everyone is very informative, hope it helps your husband. Bonnie Chigirl Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT The vaseline recommendation here was a lifesaver. I didn't need any moisterizer for the first two weeks (21 day, 2xday regiment) but I did during the third week when the skin started to die and crack. Regular moisterizer made things worse - in fact incredibly painful. But vaseline worked great. It would calm things down for most of the day. Then I would scrub off the vaseline with a wet paper towel, apply the Efudex, wait two hours and reapply vaseline, Worked fine. After I was done with the Efudex it worked a little differently. Vaseline would keep things going for many hours and then I would begin to itch badly. I realized that the itching was when flakes of dead skin were loose enough to move around, irritating the sensitive new skin. At that point I would scrub off the vaseline (and dead skin) with a wet paper towel and reapply the vaseline. Several more hours of relief. I think I am out of the woods now. Thanks to everyone for the help. Don Donheff Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Welcome to the breakfast club! Well, we're all using vaseline and/or aquaphor and/or triple antibiotic ointment w/petroleum (vaseline type) base..these have no chemicals that irritate our sensitive skin. WAIT TWO HOURS AFTER APPLYING CARAC OR EFUDEX before putting on the above. Clean/wash w/warm water, not soap. I made this mistake during the first 12 days and it was really bad...just make sure that the area is clean and dry..be sure to remove the vaseline or other product so that it doesn't inhibit the action of the carac/efudex. Good luck...it gets bad and then it gets much better.!! Luckycat Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi cybernana. I forgot to add that some posters have been prescribed oral medications for pain and topical medications for soothing. Browse through these posts and you'll find those. Good luck to you. Luckycat Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Good Morning - I just finished my face (I started 9/14 and did the 30 days). I used Lubriderm for awhile but found later that the vaseline was indeed the real answer. Lubridern would soak in and require repeat application every 4-5 hours. The vaseline makes your skin look shiney and a bit more noticable but at week 3 or so, can "being noticable" be any worse ??!!!. Either way, I would wait as long as possible after the Carac application (minimum 2 hours per the Rx) to apply the moisturizer. The Carac actually helps to alleviate the "tight face" you experience after washing your face. There is some itchiness but just to the point that I'd touch the itch, not scratch it (and have a tissue ready to wipe the tip of my finger). Just like the photos at www.topicalchemo.com, my face cleared up to an almost-normal look in about a week. I've just got a few tiny scabs that should be gone in a day or two and then I'll be back to my old, ugly self!!. The Carac treatment has taken the blotchiness out of my cheeks and temples to the point where my friends are saying that I did the treatment for vanity. Ha ha, how wrong could they be??!! I'm glad it's over and look forward to hearing what my doctor has to say at my follow-up appointment. Bbcoach Mon, 23 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I'm new. I had a SCC taken from the side of my nose over the summer and I just finished 2 weeks of carac. I'll see the dermo in two days. I am so glad I found this site; I have had so many people ask me if I was sure this wasn't an allergic rx, if I was sure I was using it right, etc. to the point that I thought, gosh, what if I ruin my skin with this! My face is soooo raw. It is especially bad where my sunglasses rest, so, I guess the sunscreen didn't work or rubbed off there. Anyway, it's good to hear that all have experienced the same, so, I guess I'm doing it right. Anyway, I'm encouraged that I won't be scarred forever and it is only temporary and it could be worse. I'm so glad science came up with this. chrism Chrism Mon, 23 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT I'm at 13 days with 5% Efudex. I had to go recheck the tube when I saw you had .5. Seems strange everyone seems to get about the same reaction no matter which strength they have. In fact, I don't look as bad as some of the pictures. I don't have any redness on my nose or chin. I experimented with some on my arms, neck, chest, ears, and stomach. I have a few isolated spots on my neck, a few tiny spots on my arms, and nothing on the ears or chest yet. I've had many basal cells removed and one squamas. I'm reading all the posts and welcome any comments or questions. Steve11 Mon, 23 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hello--I am beginning the third week of the Efudex treatment, and while my skin doesn't look great (more like I have German measles!) I am having trouble with stomatitis--sores on the inside of my lips and mouth. Anyone else having this problem? I am currently using Eucerin creme for moisturizing with pretty good luck, but keeping the Bag Balm and Vaseline handy as well. Jefiner Sun, 29 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Yes, I have had several sores which I call canker sores since begining treatment. I am just starting my 3rd week of treatment and besides the sores in my mouth, I have intense headaches and eye sensitivity. At times the headaches overshadow all other pain associated with the treatment. Have you or anyone else experienced the intense headaches and sensitivity to light? My physician is not sympathetic and says he has never heard of it so dimisses the issues entirely. As someone who rarely has a headache (maybe twice a year when I have sinusitis), it has worried me. I will phone the manufacturer in the morning because at this time I am taking up to 16 200mg of advil a day with little relief. I am in such pain, I could care less how I look. Good luck with your treatment Mollyb Mon, 30 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I guess I'm a drop out from using Carac. I've tried 2 times on my arms, first both, then one at a time and I just get so nauseous I can't do it. I went to the Dr. today and he wants me to try Aldara. Does anyone know anything about this, or have you tired it. I think the side effects (or possible side effects) of Aldara sound much worse than Carac. Any comments would be helpful. Kathy how did it go with you arms-haven't seen a final comment from you. Thanks for all your help. This site is very helpful. Happy Haloween everyone. Chigirl Tue, 31 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Bonnie. I've been away for a while, on a short travel trip. I am sorry to hear of your severe reactions. Some people cannot tolerate this chemical. I had some headaches, but not very bad. But my arms are very painful...much more than I anticipated they would be. And RED...real real red and actually raised welts. Others have had a less severe reaction on their arms but mine are extreme. Last night was day 28..the last day of treatment but, I might continue a little since the irritation and reaction make me believe the cancerous cells are not completely irradicated yet...not sure. Aldara is usually used for genital warts but has a similar effect to Carac and effudex..just go to google and type in aldara; you'll learn all you need to know from many sites. My friend has been prescribed Aldara for facial AK's and BSC's...I was surprised but apparently, it is a good alternative to the chemical in Carac, Efudex. I think ANYONE who is experiencing intense reactions should stop and consult (again, if necessary) w/their dermotologist or DR. This is a real chemical...just as is used internally for cancer chemo therepy...not to be taken lightly...There is a reason that directions insist that it is not injested and if nausea or headaches occur, stop treatment and speak w/professional about it. I am amazed that one Dr. was nonplussed about headaches, sores in mouth, etc....not to be played with! My arms...OUCH!!! much worse than I thought...I just hope the little cancer cells have been beaten down..I don't want to do this too much more...Kathy Luckycat Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Molly....talk again w/your physician or read ALL the precautions in the leaflet enclosed w/your medication...this is not to be taken lightly...I would definitely call another dermatologist or physician if you are dissatisfied w/your doctor's attitude...not "hearing of it....dismisses it..." is no answer. You need to talk w/someone who hears your complaints. Now! Kathy Luckycat Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Luckycat or anyone, Do you know if the 14 day treatment is twice a day, and the 28 day is once a day? I was going to apply twice a day for 21 days, but quit at 20. I didn't see any change for a few days and I was really getting raw in a couple of spots. My chin and nose didn't start to get red until after two weeks, so I'm going to continue on those areas for another week. I also started on my arms and chest a couple of weeks ago and will continue that. I have two larger spots on my chest that are really getting red - I wonder if I found two more basal cells? My arms arn't too bad - looks like measles. It looks like liver spots aren't affected by Effudex. If you have any, are you going to treat them? Retin-A is supposed to work. I've heard of Retin-A being used as a follow-up to Effudex. Anyone else know about that? Any other ideas on liver spots? Steve11 Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Steve. I don't really know if applying the cream twice a day for a shorter period is equal to or greater than once a day for the full 28 days. My dermatologist said that once a day w/Carac is more than adequate. I have read several articles online; several of which completely contradict oneanother. Another confusing thing is the percentage of active ingredient in Carac, Efudex....in a summary; Carac/Efudex identifies and then begins to effect faster growking cells...cancerous or "precancerous" cells. It disables RNA and DNA from working together to allow cell division. Any one using the cream(s) will just about always see more areas than those which were initially identified by their dermatologist/Dr., etc. That is the miracle of this treatment; that it finds even those areas that are not visable to human sight. Actually, "age' or liver spots do disappear to some degree using this procedure...it has w/me. AND, my dermo. suggested Retin A prior to applying the cream...but, also, it is definitely effective afterwards as it causes cells (skin) to sluff off over time, exposing new, fresh skin; ridding you of older, damaged skin. See? (I think!!!) :>} Luckycat Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Luckycat. You finished on Oct 28th and I finished on the 30th. My dr. said twice a day for two or three weeks, I couldn't remember which. I was going for three, but quit on day 20. I was red (getting toward purple in one place) and not peeling, so I said what the heck is one day. Three days later the redness is going away, but still very little peeling. My forehead and sides of my face are solid red. Seems funny the entire area would be damaged. Maybe it's the results of healthy cells also dying along with the damaged cells? At least I'm not as itchy or tight as I was. How are you doing? Have you peeled much? Steve11 Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi everyone, its nice to find this site! I actually had a surgerical removal of an AK on my nose and found they did not get it all. So, now I'm onto the Carac and not feeling so good after only two days! Felt kinda dizzy and nausea on and off. And it seems to be traveling, re: the one spot is turning into a large spot (the redness/purplish) around the bridge of my nose eventho I've only applied it in a little spot. Did anyone have an Ak surgically removed and then use Carac? And do any of your MD's say AK's are pre-cancerous and some say it is the first stage of squamous cell? Any comments or suggestions from the experienced will be appreciated! Thanks, PJ Chicagoeffected Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Chicagoeffected, I also got sick on the Carac(within 2 hours of using it) tried for 3 days and then tried again for 1 day and couldn't use it, maybe it's a Chicago thing my name is Chigirl-for Chicago. I've had 3 surgical removals but interesting not on my arms where I was to use the Carac. I just went to the Dr. and he said the AK's have a .01% of turning into skincancer BUT I'm sure you would get different odds from every Dr. I'm not a good one to ask about the results of Carac since I didn't (can't) use it. My Dr. recommended Aldara but after much reseach have deided not to use it. My Dr. agreed we can montor my arms. When I had my surgical removals I opted for Moh's surgery which has a very high percent of getting it all.Guess I know more about surgical removals. Good luck and I agree this is a great site and has been a tremendous help to me.I also have to agree with Kathy that if your Dr. doesn't listen to your symptoms, call your family Dr. someone this is a strong chemical!! If it's the weekend or evenigs have your Dr. paged don't wait until the next day. This could be dangerous! Good Luck and especially a big thank you to Kathy. Chigirl Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Yes, after a biopsy my doctor did tell me I had pre-cancerous cells or Keotosis and suggested Carac therapy. I have had headaches and sensitivity to light in addition to the expected results of the treatment. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to see my MD. I have an appointment Mopnday. I am cutting my dermatologist loose. Also contacted my pharmacist who suggested making an appointment with an optometrist. Has anyone had the experience of darkening of age spots? Wondering if they will diappear after treatment. Mollyb Fri, 03 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Mary. Yes, I think the common experience is that the AK's, BCC's, "age spots" (even) get darker, can 'blister,' and, in general, look really bad. This is the process. I looked like I had been in a fire. When treatment is finished, these reactions disappear quickly. It seems impossible, I know but, you will look just fine at end of all this. I am VERY RELIEVED that you contacted another professional about your excess symptoms...one can never be too cautious. Good luck to you. I am in day 2 after treatment on my arms and they are still incredibly red and achy, like a bruised feeling. I know this will subside and all will be well. Enough of this treatment for a (LONG, hopefully) while. Kathy Luckycat Fri, 03 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Oops! I meant MOLLY! Luckycat Fri, 03 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Everyone----I first used Efudex when I was 38. (I am female) I am now 43....I looked horrible when I did it, but I am glad I did. Now I am doing it on my chest, arms , and hands. I am using 5 percent Efudex. I am on day 3. I haven't noticed anything yet. The same thing happened when I did my face. I didn't notice anything until week 2. Does anyone know if Efudex will remove age spots on the hands and arms after use?....I was just wondering. I am a teacher. I didn't want to scare the kids....lol...I can cover up my arms and chest---My hands will be in view...But it will be a good lesson to the students on why not to sun tan. I love a good tan. That's why I use "tan in the can". It looks like the real thing. My doctor wants me to do my face again! That shocked me!!! I feel my face still looks great, but she said that Efudex should be repeated every other year! The good news is that each time you repeat it, the effects are not as dramtic. I want to use it in the summer as I am off for school. She doesn't like this idea due to the fact that I live in Las Vegas. I promised not to go outside during the treatment. I can't go to work looking like a burn victim...lol....I have notcied that many on here live in CA and are treating their faces in the summer months. What did your doctors say about that? Isis89120 Sat, 04 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I have had bcc's removed from my nose and recently had a growth that was precancerous removed. My doctor told me that using the Carac cream would help in finding any cancer cells and destroying them. However, he told me to stop using the cream if any sores appeared. I tried using Aldara previously and got really sick with flu-like symptoms. Has anyone heard of using Carac as a preventative measure? Thanks, Tracey Tracey45 Sat, 04 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT I am wondering if we had the same dermatologist. I have an appointment with my GP in 2 days, because my derm. is unwilling to admit I have side effects which could be addressed. If I had not found this website, I am sure I would have dicontinued treatment. My doctor was not a well spring of information. During one visit, I asked how much more redness he anticipated. He shoved the brochure under my nose said, "Didn't you look at the picture?". It is probably the photo you refer to. Unbelievably, he said I probably was probably coming down with the flu. He also accused me of being too concerned with my appearance. I was at a total loss for word after that comment, because at 62 all vanity is long gone. I hope you had a great outcome. Mollyb Sat, 04 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Stephanie, I got about 50 spots total on both my arms, only one noticeable spot on my hands, and a dozen on my chest. Nothing like my face which was almost 100% red. I was surprised by the effect on my neck. On the sides around the shoulders I must have 75 spots and some of them are fairly large. On my arms I can clearly see that a couple of large age spots were not affected. I wonder if laser treatment can take care of those. I know Retin-A is used, but I think it takes months for a good effect. Are you applying twice a day? Steve11 Sat, 04 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Steve. I used Carac for 28 days, once a day. I peeled about 3 times; my complete face. Once it started, about week 3, the peeling happened quickly then again about 5 days later it started again. I peeled at the end of treatment, too. I don't think it effects normal cells, just the more quickly growing cells. What I'm wondering is how every one FELT at site of application after finishing. My face seemed to heal and turn a normal color pretty quickly. My arms are acting differently. This is the evening of day 3 since end of treatment and my arms are still achy, sore and a little "stingy" on some areas. And red...I used Retin A for about 2-3 weeks prior to Carac so I'm wondering if that made a difference. My arms are also itchy. I used the cream on my hands but there were only a total of 4 spots on both hands; 3 on one hand, 1 on the other. I was surprised. I know of people who did see their age / sun damaged spots lighten with this treatment; I'm beginning to see just how differently we all react. Carac as a preventative? I think that sounds just about RIGHT. I like that idea and I hadn't heard it before I read the new posts tonight...bon idea. Kathy Luckycat Sat, 04 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT You won't be out of commission for months, more like a week or two. Ask your Dr., if he or she recommends a 21 day regiment (two applications a day - morning and evening). That is what I did. The first two weeks were not too bad. By the end of the 2nd week I was looking like I had a bad sunburn but not uncomfortable. The 3rd week is the killer. The cells die, dry up, and slough off. It looks awful and itches/burns like the devil. I needed hydrocodone for the pain and sleeping pills to get through the night for the last 4 days or so. I learned from this board about vaseline - it was literally the only thing that really worked for me. Vaseline keeps the itching way, way down. While I was still using the Efudex (same stuff as Carnac)I would scrub the vaseline off with a wet paper towel before applying Efudex. That was uncomfortable but had the beneficial effect of clearing off a lot of the dead tissue. I was able to stop treatment after 21 days - two days after the real uncomfortable period began. I was cleared up pretty well in a week. The steroid cream was useless - vaseline worked. You can see pictures of me at the peak at: http://tinyurl.com/ybtlx2 If you want to see pictures of a "worst case" scenario check out www.topical-chemo.com. By the way, wait until you have a month when you will not need to travel or attend an important event. Donheff Sun, 05 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT I had efudex done on my face 5 years ago. I was 38 then. I looked hideous...and was in pain...However, I am very glad I did it. After my face healed, my skin was more virbran and even toned. People noticed the difference. I also thought I looked much younger. The doctor said that the process should be repeated every other year...That alramed me...But she said each time you do efudex that the pain and redness are less frequent. I will do my face a decond time this June or July --for 2 weeks this time. The last time was 4 weeks....I am doing my chest, arms, and hands now. It's been only three days, and nothing is visible yet. Isis89120 Sun, 05 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I read that u are on day 3. I was wondering how your Dr. prescribed the Efudex? Mine told me to use it 2 x's a day for 14 days and do a test area first to see how my skin reacts. With the info i have read and the topical chemo.com I am scared to death to put this stuff on my face. Is your skin already breaking down on day 3??? Thanks Kozmo Sun, 05 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Everyone I am 25 and already had SCC and a few AKs removed. I just began carac last week and have been wondering where it will go in the next few weeks. I saw the post with the website www.topicalchemo.com and wanted to know if these pictures were what you experienced? The reason I ask is that these pictures and "diary" are normal or was this the extreme. Thanks for the replies as the pictures are quite scary. Jtdubs1234 Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi John. We've all experienced varying degrees of reactions to Carac/Efudex. My face was not quite as extreme as those but it was pretty bad. My arms are acting differently; the time it is taking to heel is much longer than the time it took my face to look normal. It depends on how much damage and possible cancerous growth your face (arms, chest, etc.) has. And, it's almost impossible to guess. I've been very surprised by both the reactions on my face and arms. It is scary and unpleasant, awkward and uncomfortable but, consider the alternative...As you read the posts here, you'll see that some people had very severe responses to the medicine; some had very mild reactions. Some could not take it due to stomach and visual side effects; others felt none of those..It is a very individual thing. Take your physician's advise...and be sure to tell him/her immediately if you experience headaches, stomach upset, diziness, etc....but DO expect reddened, discolored, blotchy, skin and some discomfort. Ask your doctor for the pamphlet(s) which come w/Carac and/or Efudex and look it up online. Be informed. Good luck to you. Luckycat Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT This site has been both informative and reassuring to me as I am completing my 18th day of the 21 day treatment. I decided to go the whole way with the Carac treatment and did my face, chest and arms at the same time. To say the least it has been extremely painful but fortunately it is coming to the end. I checked out the www.topicalchemo.com site and was amazed that his skin reaction was nearly identical to mine, particularly the chest(which turned out to be the most sensitive for me). I have a question concerning the aftercare treatment. My dermatologist gave me a prescription for "Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment. I saw some discussion in the forum concerning negative effects using steroidal ointments and creams and wondered if there is something out there that is not as discomforting. I've had enough discomfort and was hoping for something soothing for recovery. I wish everyone the best with their treatment. Jackd Mon, 13 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT I've been using Carac cream for precancerous lesions on my scalp for about 2 weeks now. Has anyone complained of excessive tiredness and mild muscle weakness? My skin is actually doing well. No burning, redness or anything like this. The lesions are drying up as I would expect. I'm just curious about this tiredness and weakness thing. Anyone experience this? Thanks, and I'm calling my doctor tomorrow but I want to hear from people with experience. Thanks a bunch everyone. Houndog Mon, 13 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Yesterday I finished 21 days of Efudex on my face. I am so happy this morning to be on the final stage of this healing process. I also felt excessivly tired, so I tried to sleep well during those three weeks. I attributed my tiredness more to the healing process than the actual Efudex medication. I figured my body was understandably tired trying to get better. Also, I was probably chronically overtired going in to this process - so tried to focus on taking good care of my self in all ways including sleep. A couple of other things I did that seemed to help...I started out with headaches at first. Then I realized that I was probaby dehydrated in general, and possibly from the medication and process. So I drank two liters of water every day for the last few weeks. My headaches went away, I think it helped my skin stay hydrated a bit, and I hoped that it might help clear any residual Efudex chemical from my body. I took 2-3 ibruprofen 200 mg as needed to help the swelling and pain in the third week. Finally, I tried Vaseline and it does give some relief. But I didn't like the petroleum jelly on my face. I tried coconut oil which can be bought in a jar at a natural food store. This worked just as well for me as the vaseline, it felt better, and smelled better. Prettiwoman Tue, 14 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT How many times a day did you use it? Have you tried it on your arms? Thanks. Steve11 Tue, 14 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT I read your note and didnt see any response, but oddly enough, I went to my doc today, and it appears that she wants me to use carac as a preventative too....she didnt say it outright, but said to spread it further around my removed Ak on my nose! I am 47 and live in Chicago and cant believe I got one on my nose! Anyway, let me know how your treatment is going. I have done 14 days and she wants me to do 14 more. I am confused as she first cut out the leasion, biopsied it, didnt get it all, it healed and now am using the Carac. I just found out tho, from the manufacturer, that it is not FDA approved for this reason, retreatment. Any ideas??? Thanks, hope to hear back. Pamela Chicagoeffected Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Chrism: I happened to noticed that you were commenting about the spot where your sunglasses hit on your nose...me too! I swear, I was diagnosed a few weeks ago, they did a biopsy and now I am using the Carac. I swear, my theory is the same, any sunblock was wiped off in that area, and probably may have even reflected the sun over years if the sunglasses had a metal surface there! I am glad I'm not crazy!! LOL, PJ Chicagoeffected Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi PJ, I have been "fading" for about 4 weeks now. I am really pleased with the results. I have read other messages and others used a steroid cream with the carac...my doctor didn't say anything about that, but was I glad when I was finished and I only had to use the carac for 2 weeks. I had severe redness/raw skin around my eyes (under and in the temple area), on my nose and chin. Immediately after I began to use aquafor and that was sooooo soothing and I am still using it in the am and before bed. I think my skin looks better than ever and I am avoiding the sun or wearing very thick sunscreen. I lecture my children and co-workers and I'd really like to just spread the word of how easy it is to get skincancer and how some SCC doesn't "follow the rules" of appearance. Good luck to you and don't worry, things will be great soon! chrismb Chrism Sat, 18 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Koz....After 14 days, I stopped the 5 percent cream on my neck and chest. I was to go to 21 days. I think the 5 percent is too much for the neck and chest. I looked like the guy from topicalchemo.com. It only took me 14 days where it took him 6 weeks. I teach school, and I was embarrassed to go to school. After a week, I couldn't wear my turtle neck sweaters any more. They drove me crazy. I broke down and wore a t-shirt yesterday. People looked like they thought I had a contagious disease...lol....I am still doing my arms and hands. They did not react like my neck and chest. It looks more like chicken pox or severe acne. It itches and oozes. The doctor told me to do my arms and hands first---then my chest and neck. I did it all at once. I wanted to just get it over with. I probably should have done it separately----Oh well....Live and learn Isis89120 Sat, 18 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hello Everyone Just finished my first application of 5% efudex to face and neck. Then sat down to read the 110 posts. Thank you to all of you who posted. I feel informed and more accepting of the fact that I get through this 21 day twice a day routine. It seems the docs are holding their cards close to the vest about suggesting moisturizers, painkillers, or mostly anything that will make this treatment a little easier. Oh well, I am hoping for an easy time but we will see. Thanks all and good night. Blondhair Sun, 19 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT I'm 46 and have had 300+ non-melanoma skin cancers removed or re-removed. I have had them frozen of which in my opinion is a waste because no one will sit to have the proper amount of tissue frozen to insure elimination of all the cancer cells. They always come back and are a waste of pain. My DRs favorite way is the Curette (a loop of wire on a stick) it is a very barberic way to remove them. Combined with the electric needle and the DR can basically melon ball bits of skin off then neatly burn it with the electric needle to kill the cells and also keep it from bleeding this is done at least twice. No one should ever have to smell there own flesh. This leaves a scar like someone put a cigar out on you. MOHs surgery is the best on the face for BCC or SCC. MOHs surgery uses microscopes to insure that all cancer is removed. Expensive. Efudex was a pain and it looked and hurt like hell but when my face, neck and shoulders healed my skin was like new. Best of all...........it was still there! I just had a 1" by .5" piece of SCC removed from my ring finger. Sure wish i could have used a little cream and made it go away. The use of Efudex out weighs the alternative Mrgiver Sun, 19 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I'm the drop out from Carac (couldn't use it do to side effects) I do monitor this site to get the information. I do whole heartly agree with Chris W. If anyone has a BCC or SCC on their face or hands especially, I would highly recommend MOH's surgery. I have had 3 removed by MOH's sx, my hand, nose and neck. Guess it's good I know about this since I can't use the cream. Most big cities have MOH's surgeons, they are dermotologists who do a fellowship in this speciality, they do not close the site until everything is removed. They biopsy and get the results as you wait.If they still see cells they will take another section and biopsy again. I wouldn't have anything else. Yes it is very expensive but I've never had any problems with my ins covering it. Good luck to everyone and Happy Thanksgiving, we do have a lot to be thankful for, Chigirl Chigirl Mon, 20 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT I did Efudex 5% 2x day for 21 days. The first two weeks were not painful, but I began to get quite self consious of my bright red, tight face as those days went by. I used organic Coconut Oil from the natural food store for the first two weeks and it worked great (I avoided the Vaseline as long as possible). The third week was very uncomfortable and I was glad that I had arranged to work from home. My whole lower face was swollen, bright red, painful, and itchy (my forhead had just a few spots). When the skin started eroding and weeping, it became uncomfortable enough that I kept it constantly covered in Vaseline. I took 2-3 200 mg Ibuprofen every four hours to keep the swelling and pain down. I slept with a towel on my pillow. I only wanted soft plain foods like rice or pasta. It was hard to open my mouth. I could not put water on my face at all as the stinging was too painful. I did the three week Efudex treament, with a fourth week to heal from the effects of the chemo. I took the fourth week off from work, and felt too awful to even work from home. This was the worst week for me and I really had to focus on healing and sleeping. I did not want to do much else than watch DVD's or play computer games - (neither of these is normally a pastime of mine - but even reading books or magazines or emails or phone conversations were too hard to do.) This really was a week where the discomfort in the face really took priority in my awareness. I stayed at my boyfriend's house for Week Three and let him nurture and care for me, and run errands. But Week Four I just wanted to hibernate by my self and so went to my own home. I felt worn out from the pain, and irritable. I looked and felt terrible. I just wanted to be alone. My mother and grandmother checked in on me, but they were the only people who saw me. I stopped the treatment after 21 days. My face felt okay on Day 22. But Day 23 and 24 were the very worst of the whole experience. I was in pain, with my face swollen and weeping and stinging and itching and hurting. My whole face felt like a second degree burn. I kept slathering on the Vaseline, afraid to let it dry out even for a moment as the pain was intense. I was worried about infection as my whole face was a wound. So I used a lot of antibacterial ointment (petroleum base with no alcohol). Day 26 I woke up and could tell healing had happened as my face did not sting anymore. For the first time in a couple of weeks, I could put my face under gentle shower stream. It felt awesome. And after that - My face healed faster than I can believe. Today is one week after I stopped the Efudex, and my face is almost entirely clear. I have one place over my lips still to heal. But the rest of my skin looks better than I can remember it looking in my adult life. This was hell, but I have to say - the difference in the end is remarkable. It was a harder process than I expected, but I did survive it. Other thoughts: If you are single - stock up on groceries to last you for awhile as you will not want to go out in public for 1-2 weeks at the end. For the final weeks I only wanted soft bland food. Get lots of water - I drank 2 liters a day to try to keep my face hydrated. Be sure to stock up on clean towels and sheets as this is a messy process. I cleaned my house while I still felt well. I did not want to anything in Week 4, and was grateful for a clean house to be sick in. Plan on wearing clean soft clothes that don't matter if they got Vaseline on them. I went through two rolls of papertowels on my face in one week. This is messy. I took mega vitamins everyday. I also took Omega essential fatty acids because I heard that they are good for helping wounds to heal. Buy Vaseline, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone creme, ibuprofen. I had no trouble sleeping but some people do, so consider sleep aids. I could not tolerate anything on my skin made with alcohol in the base, such as the first antibiotic and hydrocoritsone cremes I used. This mistake was excrutiating. I used generic brand tripple antibiotic ointment maximum strength in a petroleum base. I used this daily on open sores in the 4th week. I used Vaseline and Triple Antibiotic creme when I was most uncomfortable. For the first two weeks I used Coconut Oil to keep my face moist with no stinging chemicals. The final week I used Vitamin E oil to help the healing. I slept a much as I could at night. I felt worn out by the healing process. It was hard work. Prettiwoman Tue, 21 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hello All, Thanks to Prettiwoman for the checklist and items that should be nearby if needed. I will make certain I have things to sooth, cool, moisten, and preoccupy my time. I am planning on getting 100% up to date with my work which I can do from home. However, that sometimes gets sidetracked but I will certainly have the time. I lost a friend to this many years ago at a young age, never really understood, it seemed like such a rare occurance back then, nowadays it is much more up front and in the public eye. So many young kids don't know the danger and double down with tanning beds on top of it. My older son takes very good care, my daughter just ignores the danger somewhat and my yougest son thinks like all young guys that he is invincible. Maybe getting a glimpse of my puss in two weeks will make them think harder about sunblock. With the ozone the way it is I think this will only be getting worse and will probably be covered more as an elementary school item for all. Sorry about the rant..... Nite all... Be well. Blondhair Tue, 21 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT I just began treatment yesterday-I had mohs surgery to remove a BCC from the tip of my nose, three months ago. the chemo treatment is to last 4-6 weeks. i initially thought it would be limited to my nose-but alas, my derm said the entire face... now i know why he wanted me to wait until after the holidays to begin, after reading these posts. But i had prepared myself somewhat for this and want to get it over with...now i know that i will not be feeling the best over the holidays or my birthday but hey, the alternative is worse. So i know that i will get through this-thanks to all who have posted and i plan on coming back to this board for more reassurance during this trying time. Pam Pammy123164 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hello Pammy, Just to let you know that today is my completion of two weeks of application twice a day. If yours goes like mine it should be very easy for you. That is what I think will be. I am only speaking from two weeks experience and I still have one more week to go, however, I think my biggest annoyance was some undue anxiety I had at the begining, so do not let that bother you, it is not that bad and not worth getting upset. As a matter of fact, today will be my first day that I am staying in the house. And that is probably more due to the fact that we are having a nasty weather day. I have no headaches, no pain, very little sunburn type sting, not even, but that is about it. I look like I have very bad acne. I hope you have the same two first weeks that I have and wish you the very best on your treatment. Keep busy. Blondhair Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Thank you for sharing your experience, thus far. I too, hope that the balance of your treatment goes as well. My I ask where you had/have the cancer? Did they do surgery? I'm not so much afraid as I am in shock-due to the fact that this all began with a little tiny red dot on the end of my nose, which for a couple years, I thought was a zit that would keep coming back....then one day, I had this very strange feeling about it, went to my doc who referred me to the dermatologist, and I'm thinking that its just going to get frozen off, long story short, it ended up being taken out through Moh's surgery and then a trip to the plastic surgeon right afterwards for the closure of the wound...and now this...it certainly puts a new perspective on things for me...Thanks again for sharing. Pammy123164 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hello Pammy, The treatment area for me is the entire face. Last spring I saw the dermatologist for a small red zit that has been around on my forehead on and off for about 3-4 years. At times it would feel rough, sensitive to the touch and sort of burn if rubbed. He suggested that it be sliced and sent for testing, I agreed, and it was done right then. During removal for testing he said he was sure that ir was cancer and would be removing more right then, and I agreed. It healed perfectly and I was later told it was a baso. This summer when I returned to check on the healing I asked if he could look at an area that felt similar to that but over my eyebrow. He froze that area. This fall on my visit I pointed out another area that felt funny. He said that I have a few places and rather than freeze many he suggested I do the Efudex treatment. So here I am. I met a client two days ago who had MOHS beside her eye near the hairline and it was almost invisible. I am still doing the same as two days ago. Fine. You will be also. Everyone is wired differently but I would suggest having something relaxing handy. Half an ativan, warm milk, anything that works for you if needed. I took half an ativan on some of the first evenings but not by the second week, so I think I was just a little anxious at first. If you like keep me (us / other posters) informed and we wish you well. Blondhair Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Day number four of treatment-my face is beginning to show some signs of redness and it feels dry. Last night, several hours after I had done my treatment, I put some "free" lotion on my face, and man oh man, did that burn and itch. Guess I will be looking for something else to use. Its funny because i know what i will look like in about 10 days...and i keep looking in the mirror all the time to see if errosion is happening....this is so surreal right now...i do have xanax on hand...sometimes i think that i think too much. problem is, i get quiet and dont talk about things...i'm scared. Pammy123164 Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Pammy! Speak to your dermatologist and get a prescription for something to put on your face. I was told to put it on about three hours after the treatment. I read that Vaseline is used by most folks but I was given a rx for pms-DESONIDE (cream) and I find it kind of cooling but soothing within 15 minutes. No stinging or such. I also keep things to myself and it sounds like I went through exactly what you are feeling. I went to see the dermatologist around day five, honestly, and I was thinking all kinds of stuff. He looked at me and said things are coming along better than they should be. I am a skeptic so when I left his office there is a Pharmacy connected in the same building. I actually was ther to pick up the cream I mentioned. I asked the pharamcist about things. In some cases I trust the pharacist's more. He too told me I looked fine, but inside I was borderline wreck. Once he told me the treatment was looking good I was relieved. What made me feel most assured was he said that he had 3 out of 4 customers this week who had to stop the medication due to the fact they were having a reaction to the treatment. The reation is I guess a very obvious thing to see. It must be much swelling and redness I believe. Much more than I had way more and probably more than you have. Maybe drop by and see a pharmacist to verify all is going according to plan. If you can, it will probably have a calming effect on your mental system. It did for me. You also probably do not look half as bad to other people as you do to the person looking at you in the mirror. It all gets better once you are through this. Everyone tells me I do not look that bad. A bad case of acne has been one discription but I do notice my chin area is the most sensitive and red. I was even out today, baseball cap and all. Go out as much as you can until you're certain you look rough. Cause you don't look as rough as you think to other people right now. Listen to me, please don't be scared, it is more a mental thing with this than physical and trust me, it is totally unnecesary to worry about. Hop over to the pharmacy. Keep in touch. Blondhair Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT How far into your treatment are you? where was your cancer again? (sorry, i probably read that already...) May i ask how old you are? i'll be 42 in 28 days (dec 31st)...i don't know why i'm feeling the way that i am. perhaps it;'s because through this whole process, from the beginning i kept telling myself it was nothing, and everything keeps turning into something bigger and bigger....perhaps i'm just expecting the worst case scenario?? Pammy123164 Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I am at the begining of my third week of a 3 week treatment. The treatment is on the entire face area. I am mm 54 with what looks like a case of the measles. Your description of what you are feeling is very much like what I felt and that was just a short time ago. I feel much better and like I said, the treatment is not yet finished until Friday, yet, I feel that this is something that must be done and like I have read from other posters it sure beats the alternative. I can see where the sun has done its most damage and this treatment is a preventative thing. How long is your treatment again? You have to finish it. Yes, it is a very scary thing to think about but you must do your everyday things and the time will pass. Are you still at work during the treatment so far? You keep things in, but speak with folks you know just to talk it off or like I said see the doc or pharmacy tomorrow. Good luck! Don't fret. Keep in touch. Blondhair Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Thanks for the info blondhair...my treatment is to last 4-6 weeks..i go back to my derm in three to check status of things. Went to my plastic surgeon today-and they have to redo my nose as it didn't heal the way he expected-there is a hole for lack of a better word, right on the tip. My derm stated that there was alot of sun damage to my face, after he completed the mohs.. When I got into the office today-spoke with my supervisor and advised of the nature of my treatment-will be meeting with the whole staff so they are aware and we'll take it one day at a time and see whether or not i feel comfortable coming into the office. I'm itching like crazy today. i can totally feel the burn and dryness...beginning to look red. will write more later!!! thanks again. Pam Pammy123164 Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Well a big fat hooray for you today! You sound much better. Your plastic surgeon will make your nose prettier than it was before, just keep the newer model out of the sun. What area of the continent do you live in. Is it one of the sunnier states with year long sun? I am light skinned but in Quebec and I am sure I would have been worse if I lived in a more sunnier climate. So good you spoke with workers. Good for you. Do it as long as you can and get out until you do not want to anymore. Get a rx cream. Today is the first day I have decided to stay home. I might go out for a walk or ride tonight. Well see. Have a great day and be in touch. Blondhair Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT I live in cold Minnesota-funny when you ask where i lived...one would think i would live in a year round sunny climate, but alas, my earlier years of baking combined with my love of golf and the lake home have obviously come to haunt me! I'm feeling better today-still have surreal thoughts about the whole thing..but i'll be alright-have the love and support of good friends and family. How are you feeling? Sounds like being stuck at home isn't a good thing?? Do you have anyone to help you? I hope that you do. I hope that you continue to visit this board and keep us posted on your recovery. take care. talk more later. pam Pammy123164 Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, Actually happy to be home for a bit. Today my chin is stinging, hot, also around the upper lip. Not very bad, mostly annoying. The cream does help so have some handy. Skin is tight in the same areas. Overall things are fine. Friday will be my last day. I am very happy to hear you are doing okay and you have good people around you. Likewise here. Everyday they all want to do the comparison check of the last day. OOOHHHH today looks worse than yesterday or HHMMMM today is better than yesterday. Everyone cares and it is all good. Keep in touch. Blondhair Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Day five of treatment and i'm beginning to turn a lovely shade of red. I'm burning-and tight. just think, three more weeks of this...yikes! Otherwise, been ok. don't have much for an appetite, but i expect that is more from anxiety than anything else. perhaps if one didn't "feel" it, it wouldn't be as annoying?? It seems as though the burn is making it redder and more apparent. oh well. will get through this a better person-right? hope all is well with everyone else on this board. seems like only blondhair and i are going through treatment right now-kindof lonely.. thanks all! have a terrific night. Pammy123164 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT I just found the board yesterday and I'm so glad I did. I was on day 22 of my treatment yesterday and couldn't get myself to put the cream on. BUT, after reading the posts here and looking at the pics from the websites posted I went home and put the cream on. I have to admit, this has been quite the ordeal and of course I get a ton of support from the guys at the office - "You look TERRIBLE!!!" over and over and over. They aren't that bad because I'm a total smartaleck anyways so for me it's not a big deal but when everyone around you is saying "wow, that doesn't seem right" it certainly undermines your confidence that what you are doing is right. And the information available is sorely lacking. If it wasn't for this site, I'd have been back to the doc AGAIN to make sure I wasn't totally destroying my face for good. Not sure if it was the fact that I missed 1.5 days of treatment or if it was getting through week 3 which was terrible. Today, after putting the Carac on last night and using the Vasoline a couple hours afterwards it is much more tolerable. The redness in my cheeks faded quite a bit over the past 2 days, which could be due to not putting the cream on one day. But my face is totally flaking away, no pain, just itchy itchy itchy. One more week to go!!! Hang in there we'll all get through it!! Blondebiker Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Good luck to everyone who has taken the time to explain their treatment and the developements during that time. It is very helpful for all concerned. Blondbiker you, like me are almost there. I finish in two days (3 week treatment). See it through. I hope Pam is doing fine? My chin has been raw and ready to crack from treatment lately. I stopped application on that area yesterday and it is still on fire. The soothing cream I have helps but it is to be applied 2-3 times only per day. It has anti-inflamation properties. I wonder how long it takes to start healing. In days, weeks? Have to go, be back later. Thanks to all. Blondhair Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Well, I'm still going and going here. Day number 7 is today...i'm getting more and more red, and tight and burning....i talked to my pharmacist and he suggested Lubriderm, and it doesn't burn, so have been using that instead of the vaseline..a much lighter feel. I'm so happy that blondbiker found this board, i know that it's been wonderful for myself, and probably for many others. I know that some people probably don't want to know in advance what is going to happen, but i like to knwo the worse case scenario i guess. then I am not so surprised. I have a long ways to go yet, so i hope that even though you are done with treatment, that you continue to visit the board, as I have a feeling i'll need more support in the coming weeks. thanks everyone and TGIF tomorrow! Pam Pammy123164 Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT I'm glad I found the board too!  Hang in there, it is bearable.5 more days left for me and I think I'm going to make it.  My face is peeling like crazy and have to really work to not disturb the skin.  I also did my ears which are totally gross along with my neck and upper chest so they are all measly looking and ITCHY!   It doesn't hurt that much anymore, just a slight burning at this point but I've always had a high pain tolerance and just like when I work out, I like to feel that I'm working and it's doing THAT.  I did stop all workouts early into Week 3, the sweating was too painful on my raw skin.All I can say is keep your sense of humor, especially if you are in a situation where you can't hide from the world like me.  At least my office is pretty secluded but I have several previous commitments that demand I'm out in public lately.  Not to mention 2 Christmas Parties tomorrow evening, hope I don't ruin everyone's appetites!!  Then Wednesday I will be at a memorial service for my uncle who passed away recently so I will be quite noticeable to all the family and friends there. I've been coming up with adventure stories to tell everyone - frostbite while snowmobiling, crashed on my mountain bike again, battery acid accident, fire, etc. because those are all believable with me.  I've been trying them out on my various surprised friends.  Then I tell them the truth and they get worried about their skin!Like the guy in topicalchemo.com said this makes one a walking public service announcement for using sunscreen and protecting your skin.  Blondebiker Fri, 08 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hey all!Just checking in.  I have to agree the board is a great help in getting through the treatment and having the hopes that evryone does well.  I just finished today and will see the doc on Wednesday.  That gives me a few healing days before I see him.  My worst time during this would have to be shaving my face.  The chin area was a killer.  Yet, I forced myself each night just so that it would not itch and also so that I would have a better view of what was going on.  I took one painkiller each night for the last two nights just to ease the burning sensation and that worked just fine.  My face looks like a connect the dots Salvador Dali style but I was not a cutie to begin with.  Besides they say you look better after this so here's hoping.  Have a good night everyone and be well. Blondhair Fri, 08 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT  On 12/8/2006 Blondhair wrote:Hey all!Just checking in.  I have to agree the board is a great help in getting through the treatment and having the hopes that evryone does well.  I just finished today and will see the doc on Wednesday.  That gives me a few healing days before I see him.  My worst time during this would have to be shaving my face.  The chin area was a killer.  Yet, I forced myself each night just so that it would not itch and also so that I would have a better view of what was going on.  I took one painkiller each night for the last two nights just to ease the burning sensation and that worked just fine.  My face looks like a connect the dots Sa