Skin After Fluorouracil Treatment
I just finished up a 3 week treatment plan with Fluorouracil on my ears. Last October I had Mohs surgery to remove a squamous cell spot on one of my ears. I treated both my ears as a preventative measure. My doctor didn’t think I needed to do a follow up at the end of the treatment. It is 5 days since I stopped the treatment.
As expected my ears are quite raw and scabby. One area is right by my surgical site and while my doc looked closely at both my ears when he prescribed the treatment and he has pointed out that sun damage would be expected in an area that had a spot of skin cancer, I am fearful that this is a sign of the cancer returning.
At the time of the surgery the doctor got clear borders and it was a small spot ( mildly invasive).
I expect the skin to be raw and what not but it is still very scary to find a discolored area near my surgery spot.
I’m uploading a picture too.
I have a regular skin check scheduled in a month and as I suffer from ocd and anxiety I am trying to hold to my regular appointments.
Any one have any experience like this and can share words of experience?
Mulligan, I’m new to this site. I felt had to react to how you feel. I have been dealing with skin cancer for 40 years. Yes, you read that right. I was a darn young blonde haired, blue eyed California girl. I do believe all the damage was done at an even younger age. Incidentally, I’m a nurse and found all but one of my skin cancers including a melanoma. I used Fluorouracil also. All I can do is be supportive to you but I’ve learned quite a bit a long the way. That cream is a chemotherapy. It roughs your skin up pretty bad attacking any cancer cells still in the area. You are still so raw. I would heal up and go from there. Have your dermatologist look at the new skin. Your anxiety is way worst than the cancer. My mantra for forty years has been be vigilant by checking your skin yourself, see the dermatologist regularly (sign up for your next appt. the day of your current appt.), use sunscreen everyday, where a hat and long sleeves and any other things your doctor recommends. Most importantly, don’t let skin cancer take over your life. Live your life. Try not to hyper-focus or obsess over it. I hike almost every day so despite doing all the above, my arms get a bit of sun but the rest off me is all the same bright white alabaster color. I love it. My skin is younger than most women my age. It truly was a gift. I took care of my skin better than I would have if I hadn’t gotten it.
One last thought, life is a jouney, and it is short.
Trust me, there is so many other terrible cancers and diseases out there. Count your blessings and stay the course. Take good care of your skin and your mental health.
