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Treatment Details w/ Efudex and Calcipotriene

I am starting treatment for a squamous cell carcinoma on my right upper lip - the very edge of my lip. I want to mention that I am a melanoma survivor (WLE and SLNB) along with MOHS for a basal cell on my nose. I am not a stranger to skin cancer. I elected the EfuCal over MOHS for my lip since it was in situ.

I think I have read every available resource here and on other forums. What I am looking for are DETAILS of treatment. My doctor simply said apply the combo twice a day for 10 days. There was not much else that came with the cream from the compounding pharmacy. What I want to know are details of your treatment.

1. What did you wash your face with before treatment? Did you wash with soap before your second treatment? I am using baby wash - this is what my MOHS surgeon had recommended after that procedure and I have stuck with it since it is much cheaper than fancy face wash.

2. I wash, wait 10 minutes, apply a thin amount with a Q-tip, then wait 10 minutes and apply my sunscreen. Do you apply anything else during treatment? I have been told that some apply Aquafor or Vaseline after the EfuCal.

3. Is there any danger while eating of getting the cream (after it dries) in your mouth? I am using a straw to drink.

4. If I apply my evening cream at 7:00 pm, can I wash my face at 10:00 before bed so I don’t get it on my pillowcase and thus on other parts of my face/eyes? That would be 3 hours. If I wash it off, can I apply a thin layer of Aquafor?

5. When you go out, (church, grocery, etc.) can you cover it with a small bandaid or bandage?

I know these are simple questions, but perhaps someone else may have them. Thank you to anyone that can help. Surgery - I know. This just makes me nervous.

  1. Those are some great questions, . I hope you get responses from the community. If not, you could try calling the pharmacy or the manufacturer for more information. Keep us up to date with your progress, if you don't mind. I'll be thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)

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