How to Sleep With Efudex
I've seen many comments about coping with the discomfort experienced with Efudex but little on the practical aspects.
I use a CPAP machine with a full face mask and sleep on my side and am concerned about:
* the effect of the mask and straps being in contact with treated areas.
* getting efudex in my eyes from contact with the pillow.
Anybody else have any experience with these issues. At the moment I'm sleeping in my recliner but that is really hard on my back, not mention the dog wants to jump up and lick my face all the time.
...I can't help you with your question about the CPAP, but I can tell you that I try hard to sleep on my back when I am treating my face and chest. I don't always stay that way, but I can usually stay on my back long enough for the cream to absorb before I end up on my side. That seems to help keep the cream from getting in my eyes. I place pillows on either side to keep from rolling over as easily.
Have you tried applying the cream a few hours before bed so it absorbs prior to using the CPAP? This might keep it from being affected by the straps and, hopefully, keep it out of your eyes as well.
I am hoping you are able to find a way to get some rest that is better on your back than a chair. I know you are bound to be exhausted at this point.
I am including a couple of articles you might find useful as you move forward.
https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/tips-for-efudex-users
https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/efudex-side-effects
I am sure there are others who are dealing with a CPAP during treatment. I would like to suggest a Facebook support group for Efudex users. I have been a member since 2014, and it is a great source of advice and tips. I am including the link here to join the group in case you are interested in joining and posting your question there as well.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/191070307590515
I am wishing you all the best as you continue to treat. I hope you get some wonderful results!
We are here for you!
April, SkinCancer.net, ModeratorThank you for your advice and the effort you put into your contributions to this group. I'm on my second dermatologist and she was better than the first one in terms of giving me an idea of what was in store .... but had no advice on how to cope. I am so glad I found this group through your articles. Much appreciated. I am so glad to hear you found a doctor who is more forthcoming with expectations. It really seems difficult to find a dermatologist who can truly tell us what to expect with regard to side effects. During my last round on my face, I made sure to stop by the dermatologist just before healing started. I wanted him to see exactly what I looked like at my worst. I think many doctors ask that patients return anywhere from 4-8 weeks following treatment--I have to wonder if many of them get to see the really horrible phase.
We are glad to have you as part of the community! We are here for you any time!
April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator
...Just touching base with you to see how your treatment went. I hope you got some wonderful results! April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator
