Anyone else end up with infection during Efudex and what type of antibiotics did you receive?
Hi everyone I'm fairly new to the group. So I have a question if anyone else has experienced what I'm about to say. My skin cancer covers about 90% of my face and I'm on week 5 of efudex. Anyhow my face ended up being infected and my dermatologist sent me to the hospital where they hooked me up to an IV and pump me full of fluids, antibiotics, and pain medicine. And despite my repeated questioning about what type of antibiotic they are giving me and what type of pain meds they're giving me I received no answers. They didn't even question me if I had any drug allergies. They kept me for the night at the hospital continuing the IV and I'm just if anyone else has experienced anything like this because it's quite concerning when they don't ask any questions or tell you anything and leave your questions as a patient unanswered. Anyone else end up with infection and what type of antibiotics did you receive? Oral or through IV?
...I am so sorry you have had to endure this! I'm a regular Efudex user myself. I haven't had infections during treatment, but I know several patients who have endured the effects of infections while treating their faces and chests. From what I have read, it is possible that immune systems are somewhat impaired by the chemotherapy we are receiving. It seems that we are much more prone to infections while treating. The patients I have talked to who have experienced infections received oral antibiotics and were under the care of their dermatologists during that time.
As far as the care, or lack thereof, you received at the hospital--well, that is absolutely abhorrent! I have never been treated in any medical facility where the first questions asked of me didn't include a thorough list of any known allergies. You are completely within your rights to know what medications are being administered to you.
I am hoping your dermatologist is following up soon with you and has advised you about when to stop your Efudex applications. I am also at the five-week mark and about to stop. I am treating three spots on my back and it has taken a couple of weeks longer than anticipated to reach the erosion phase. I feel your pain--literally.
I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You have certainly been through an ordeal. Please check back in with us and keep us posted as to your progress. April, Skincancer.net, Moderator
