Efudex Day Three

May 16, 2013

Washed face and took pictures before applying Efudex cream.

This morning I did notice some rough spots around the inside of my eyebrows (closest to my nose) and on the darker spots on my cheeks, just under my eyes...exactly the areas of my concern! Not much redness, and some itching. Oh, and by the way, I started using the cream on my décolleté...that is really itchy!

Pictures later in the afternoon with Efudex cream on...makes face look greasy. I think the cream amplifies the redness, plus the lighting makes a difference. But still not too much change.

Efudex Days One and Two

Day 1 before applying Efudex

May 14, 2013

I know you're probably here to see what I look like after the first application of Efudex, but honestly you won't see too significant of a change for the first 3-5 days. But please continue to read because I let you in on some tips and tricks I've masterminded.

Since I had two weeks before I received my prescription, I had a lot of time to do some research online and devise a plan. After seeing dry cracked and burnt lips, noses, and eyes, and learning about the number of people who needed prescription pain killers to tolerate the pain, my goal was to endure the least amount of pain possible and to avoid getting the Efudex cream on any part of my face that would later wreak havoc. 

My approach was similar to one I take when I wax my eyebrows (sorry guys, you may not be able to relate, but you'll get the idea). I put vaseline on the areas around my eyes to create a barrier where I don't want wax to drip, e.g. my eyelashes, eyelids, and under my eyes. When applying Efudex, I use Eucerin's Aquaphor around my eyes, creases around my nose, and around the edges of my lips (recommended by my dermatologist to soothe dry cracking areas while using Efudex), and if I accidentally get the Efudex cream closer to my eye than I wanted,  I use a Q-Tip to easily remove the Efudex cream. I must say it is a grand plan!!

Helpful Tips: Wash your hands. Wear latex gloves when applying. Use Q-Tips to apply to smaller areas or use Q-Tip to lightly tap on an area where you have an itch.

So, I started the medication in the evening (only got one dose that day). I washed my face as usual with a soap-free wash, but as my face becomes more sensitive, I plan to use the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (it won't disturb your skin's natural Ph, which I think might be key as your face changes with Efudex). I waited about 15 minutes and applied Efudex. An hour later, there was a little bit of tingling and I had a slight headache and upset stomach when I went to bed (could've just been my nerves).

I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, so it will be interesting to see how I do compared to what I've seen online.

May 15, 2013

A little more tingling, some itching, a little more redness.

Day 2 with Efudex (make face a little greasy)

My Goal, My Story, My Efudex

My Goal...
Most likely you have found this blog because you Googled "Efudex." I hope that by sharing my experiences and my use of Efudex through a daily journal, I can provide some support and information to anyone considering Efudex. And, of course, to rid my face of sun damage and pre-cancerous stuff. Please know, I am a patient, not a doctor, so I promise to do my best at providing the most accurate information. If I have misrepresented something or provided outdated/inaccurate information, please feel free to comment with the correct information. 

My Story…

I was born and raised in sunny California. I wouldn't say that I worshiped the sun, but I sure did spend a majority of my life under it. As I entered my teens, I appreciated how much "better" I looked with a tan. For a good portion of my teen years into my 30’s, I used tanning oil with little to no SPF, sun tanning reflectors, and indoor tanning beds to help me achieve that sun-kissed glow—HOW STUPID!!! Hindsight's 20/20.

Around the age of 29, a small dry pimple-like bump develop on my forehead that bled through a tiny pinhole every time I worked out. It itched and burned, and I could actually feel that the texture of my skin was different from the rest of my face. Over a three-year period I saw 4 different dermatologists who told me, “you can’t feel skin cancer”, “skin cancer doesn’t itch”, “skin cancer doesn’t bleed”. Under the care of these doctors, I was diagnosed with adult acne and told I didn’t have skin cancer. I was treated with retinol, cryosurgery, and a shave biopsy. My best advice when you think something isn't right—listen to your body, you know best!

I just knew something wasn’t right so I told my story to anyone who would listen hoping to find a dermatologist that would validate that this “pimple” on my forehead was not a pimple. Reluctant to travel one hour to see a dermatologist but desperate to find a great dermatologist, I followed up on a family member’s suggestion to see Dr. Kim Albridge in Watsonville, Ca. At my appointment, she was apologetic for the mistreatments I had received and said there wasn’t any thing she could do for me and that I needed surgery. I was 33 years old when I was diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). She referred me to a doctor at the Stanford Clinic of Dermatology for Surgery, and in 2001, I had Moh’s surgery to remove a fairly significant area (about the size of a half dollar, 1.2 in) on my forehead. You can see the big “T” scar in the picture I posted below (12 years later).

Now at 44 years old, a history of skin cancer, and new changes to my skin, Dr. Albridge has recommended that I use Efudex, a topical chemotherapy cream that treats pre-cancerous skin condition and Actinic Keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, and considered warning signs of skin cancer.

My Rx…

Efudex 5% - apply twice a day for 2 weeks. My duration will be a lot shorter than most of the other Efudex online vlogs and blogs I viewed—I’m not sure what I’m expecting from a shorter duration, but sure hope it involves less pain—a girl can wish, can't she?

I don't have health insurance right now, so I chose to order from a reputable online Canadian pharmacy (canadapharmacy.com) and paid about $72 for 40g of brand name Efudex—THIS IS NOT A PAID ENDORSEMENT, just helpful information for anyone in the same situation as me. And by the way, another doctor of mine has used and recommended canadapharmacy.com. Although the wait for the medication was about 2 weeks longer than going to a local pharmacy,  it gave me time to research the drug, side effects, and other's experiences. I was quite apprehensive to start, but knew this was something I must do for my health and well being, so I started Efudex May 14, 2013, the day I received the medication.

Ok, Let's Do This...

I welcome your support, comments, and personal experiences. 

Thank you!

Sally