EFUDEX -- any users or past users -- HELP!!! - Cancer: Skin Message Board

quincy · 03-27-2005, 12:22 PM

I have been diagnosed with precancerous skin on my face. I have to start using the Efudex (postponing till after Easter), and I really would like to know experiences of using it.

I don't have to use it all over my face, just the area I've been told. The spot is about a half inch round, under my left eye just before the cheek beside my nose. But I'm told to use it from there, across my nose and to the same area under my right eye just before the cheek.

I have to see the doctor at the 21 day mark. Picture him rubbing his hands together and saying "oooooooh, the worse it is, the more red, crusting...the better!!

YIKES!!!

What is the best way to apply it? How about washing my face before applying it? ANY info, tips...etc that you may not deem important will definitely be invaluable for me.

I'm very stressed about starting this but the postponing is only adding to the distress and I've decided to start on Tuesday.

Thanks soooo much for any replies. I really need the support on this.

quincy
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busdriver · 04-04-2005, 10:15 PM

I have been using efudex since November on several basal
cell carcinomas and some actinic keratosis and seems to
work well. I is just strange not knowing if if is all gone as with
biopsy and excision. I have had a total of 31 BCC's removed
since September and several others that I have used the Efudex on.
Of course the Efudex leaves no scar like the excisions but still leaves
me uncomfortable since I have been growing them like crazy. It seems
that once they started removing them they have been multiplying.
I have a few more new ones as we speak. It does worry me having
so many that I could have a more serious form of skin cancer that
is a type of lymphoma but I try not to think about it. The new one
that I have on my neck right now is big and quickly growing and I have
a couple of swollen lymps that they keep watching and tell me that
they will have to check them if they don't go away. They are still
there so we will see what happens with that on my next appointment.

All in all I like using the Efudex between appointments for peace of mind
that I am doing something to get rid of it.

As for applying it, my instruction were to apply 2 times daily for 4 weeks
to each lesion. It takes several days but you will be able to tell when it starts working as the skin will get crusty and inflamed. That is how you know it is working as it only works if there are bad cells present. Also make
sure that you wash your hands after applying=you can also apply with a
q-tip or the like but i just use my hands.

Terri

quincy · 04-05-2005, 01:11 PM

Hi Terri, thank you so much for posting!!!! Wow, you sure are having a tough go now with all those BCCs....31???

OMG that's definitely a lot!!! Why do you think they're coming up so much at this time, or do you think it's just coincidence for timing?

My husband had 1 BCC removed on his face, and 5 other moles removed on his back that were dysplasic.

Were you a sun lover or did you burn a lot when you were a kid? Do you mind me to ask your age?

Regarding the swollen lymph nodes...have you had further testing done? Are you being treated by a skin specialist or a cancer specialist?

I started using it on Saturday, so far no noticable redness...just a bit of "pinching". I'm not looking forward to the rest of the process..but I'm happy to have someone else who's experienced it. I hope you don't mind if I ask you more questions as they come up. The support will definitely be appreciated.

Talk soon,
quincy

busdriver · 04-06-2005, 07:39 AM

I don't mind at all. I will be 50 in November. I had 3 BCC removed
about 8 years ago on my leg and of course I didn't take that as a good
warning. I have always been a sun tanner and have been burned
my fair share of times to the point of blisters especially as a teen. My
mom is a redhead and fair and has had 2 SSC's a few BCC's and one
melanoma that required radiation for 5 weeks. I am currently being
treated by a dermatologist. My GP does routine blood work every 3
months and nothing has been unusual. I have had chest x-rays,
MRI of head and neck (have a few neck problems from getting old I guess)
and nothing showed there and CBC's show normal white and red blood
counts so I guess there is nothing to worry about I hope. He also had me
get a CT scan of abdomen and pelvis and was normal. The couple of
lymph glands that are swollen are on the right side and one is little about
the size of a pea and the other is right under my right jaw and could be
because of a tooth that needs pulled. My GP has been pretty thorough
in checking me out and has had me see an ENT also for sinus and allergy
problems and the ENT said that the lymph glands were OK. They haven't
grown and I guess that is a good sign.

I think that the reason they are coming up right now and so many is that
I started working at a beauty salon during the day and I get to tan for
free and for the last 2 years I have tanned alot and that was my bit
mistake I think. As I said I did have a few several years ago but this
latest batch is multiplying rapidly. I seem to be slowing down right now,
the derm made my next appointment for 3 months out and I was seeing
them every 2 weeks and last appointment I didn't have to have any
biopsies but had about 20 keratosis frozen. I do have 2 spots to bring
to her attention at my upcoming appointment that will need biopsied.

I guess I need to learn not to be tan!!!! I have purchased the sunscreen
that they recommended and am ready as I love summer!!!

The redness will get worse and the spot will get crusty--some of mine were
oozing and a little bleeding and then they just start healing. They don't
leave the nasty scar that the excisions do (or stitches) and I have had
3 taken off by actual surgery as they were nodular.

I do feel like this is totally my fault for overdoing it on the tanning and not
taking the warning a couple years ago when I had them and my mom having
them but you live and learn.

If you have anymore questions just ask away. I felt lost when they started me on the Efudex as I didn't know anyone who had used it to talk to about
side effects and so on---The derm just said that she was giving me
Chemo for my skin and it kinda made me nervous but now I am on my 2nd
tube and don't mind it at all. It is a little reassuring to have it on hand when I find a red spot and can just treat it myself between appointments.

Terri

quincy · 04-06-2005, 09:15 PM

Hi Terri.....seems we have a few things in common. I've just turned 50 in October and work in the beauty business. I'm very fair, burned a lot when a kid and teen (blisters) and red hair runs in both sides of my family (Scottish/Polish). I've not tanned in over 23 years.

Yes, the next investment should be fake tan instead of bake tan. I hear the tanning cloths are awesome, (obviously safer) and I'm going to enquire about them this month. Another option for you (do they have it at your salon..) is the spray tan booths.

My doc suggested the Efudex because of what you said....no nasty scars. I read they use it for cervical cancer as well...huh!

You know, I've used it since Saturday and NOTHING except a few more spider veins. Could that be the start? If I don't have much precancer cells, will the skin that's got the Efudex applied to it still turn oozy, crusty and bleed?

I'm vain! I won't deny it. But I'm feeling a bit better knowing that I don't have to treat EVERYTHING at the same time and look like I've just had my face broiled to a crisp (or had laser done or something like that). Small areas I can handle.

I must express again that I so appreciate your postings!!!

Any big plans for your 50th? I got a tattoo 3 weeks ago (gift from my husband), and I'm getting my second one on Friday (gift to myself). I've had people say..."you're the last person I thought would get one"...funny, turning 50 does offer a change in perspective.

Thanks again...I'll keep you posted as to my first "SIGNS" of cell destruction..hahaha!!

Be well,
quincy