Do Normal Cells Also Inflame with Efudex
I am using Efudex for the first time, age 89. I understand its effect on, and reaction to, precancerous cells. If I apply it over a small area on my neck , about one inch square, will ALL the skin on the area react, crust, and erupt? OR: will only the precancerous cells do that?
Thank you all so much for this offered support.
No. In my experience (I’m on 3rd time of using cream over a 38 month period) I was told to apply to my whole face and only “problem” skin would be affected. I am 4 days into the treatment (using twice a day for 4 weeks) I am finding the damaged skin starts to show itself towards the end of the first week and leaves healthy skin unaffected. From then on I apply to problem areas. It isn’t a fun time but bear with it - the rewards will be there after a couple of months.
I am so very grateful for your taking the time for your kind reply! Are you also able to say if you found anything helpful to alleviate the problem of pain, versus no sleep, that I have read about in the descriptions of treatment periods? Or are the reports exaggerated? (I am treating a small area below the ear, on the neck.) Thank you again.
Hey
I take paracetamol (tylenol) in an effort to alleviate discomfort. Also I managed to get a prescription for phenergan that seems to help a little with sleep. I do find that efudix upsets my stomach/causes nasty headaches (not migraines thankfully). I don’t believe reports are exaggerated, everyone’s journey through this is different as we all have different skin sensitivities. Also something to get your head around, my consultant explained this “pre-pre cancer will never stop needing to be kept in check and you will become accustomed to recognising early symptoms of a flare and the need to treat it”. All I can say to you is, believe in the power of the cream, used as needed, to keep the condition becoming something much worse. It isn’t fun but a hell of a lot better than surgery. Be kind to yourself.
I am here if you want to text.
Hello AlleyB. Sorry, I forgot to say thank you! The journey will continue. I have been bits frozen and chopped off for decades; this is just more ugh. Alas, it seems Phenergan has been cancelled by the FDA. Do you know of an equivalent? Cheershey, sorry for delay,I’m in uk but I believe Benadryl has similar benefits
Hi there! I do a few weeks of effudex every winter- 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off, 2 weeks on. It is not pleasant but is very effective.
I wash my face and apply to my whole face at night time. After a few days you can tell where the spots are and can concentrate on them. You may or may not feel all kinds of crappy during this process, we are all different. I feel an overall malaise, get headaches and sour stomach. I do it in the dead of winter when I can stay inside.
The last 2 weeks are hard but worthwhile. After many years of following this protocol I have far less spots and the treatment is far less grueling. I practice rigorous skin protection all year round. Get through this first time and it will get easier. Be kind to yourself, accept all help offered and rest as much as you can.
