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First time fluorouracil user

I'm now on day 4 post treatment after 17 days of 2x per day application. I can't tell you how grateful I am to find this forum. Wish my dermatologist had recommended to me. I wasn't expecting it to keep getting worse after stopping cream. I'm ok as now I'm reading similar stories but wondering..should I expect days or weeks before the pain and tightness eases and the crusty scabs start to come off. I'm ok as long as I know what to expect. Thanks

  1. treating with Efudex, including the healing phase can be a difficult and at times painful experience. I want to share an article that I hope will help give some insight into what you may expect and some helpful tips https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/healing-after-efudex. In addition to the previous article, our advocate, April, included pictures and detailed her experience here https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/my-journey-with-efudex-in-photos. I hope you find this information helpful. Sending well wishes for your healing phase! Please do not hesitate to reach out anytime. All my best, Julie (team member)

    1. Doctor in AL said the creams mess up biopsies! Get them burned and/or biopsied!
      I found a new doctor and guess what I have two spots of squamous cell. I’ve lived here for several years and the other doctor never did one biopsy. I’m so glad I went back to Alabama and met the doctor told me not to use that cream!

      1. I’m sorry to hear about your experience. I’m glad your doctor in Alabama discovered the squamous cell. Were they able to successfully remove it? I hope you’re doing well. Best wishes, Julie (team member)

    2. I'm glad to hear you're finding support here! I had a similar experience post-treatment, and it was a tough ride. For me, the pain and tightness eased up after about a week, but the crusty scabs took a bit longer, maybe 10-14 days. Everyone's healing process is different, though. One resource that really helped me was cancercuriosity.com. The stories and advice there provided comfort and guidance during those tough days. Knowing what others went through made it easier to manage my expectations and stay patient with my healing. Hang in there, and I hope you find relief soon!

      1. Hello, May I ask what you are using post-cream for healing? My last application of Flourouricil was last night.
        Thanks!

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