Efudex Days 1-9

I started this record of my Efudex experience several days ago as a personal diary, but thought it may help others get through their Efudex ordeal so I decided to do a blog.

December 3, 2014 –

Day 4

Today is day 4 of applying Efudex 2x daily. About a month ago my dermatologist prescribed a 14-day round of Efudex to take care of recurring pre-cancer spots on my forehead and both cheeks. When I got online and saw how people looked while using it, I decided to delay the start day because I had a couple of public assignments for class.

For the record, I use sunscreen religiously on my face, at least SPF 45, and have been doing that for the past 20 years. Prior to that, while growing up in Hawaii, I was using SPF 4 or 8 because I was always after that lovely tan.  And sometimes I just used straight tanning oil, no sun protection. I suspect that because I’m so fair-skinned to start with, and that I grew up in Hawaii, and that now I live at 5,000 feet where the UVA and UVB rays are stronger, all these things have contributed to my needing this treatment. Plus, I inherited my dad’s skin, as he went through this treatment in his 40s.

Days 1-3 I did not notice much change.

Today, I’m noticing for the first time that it stings a bit when I put Efudex on my face, and I am noticing some spots appearing, especially on my forehead.  Last night I was reading a chat site by people doing Efudex that was started in 2011. It was comforting reading what others are experiencing, and the overwhelming message is hang in there!

I am applying it 2x/day for 14 days, a short round compared to many others who do this for 21 days or even a month or longer. I’ve read that in the longer rounds, day 15 is when it really starts getting painful. I hope that even though my round is shorter per se, it’s the right amount and that I won’t ever have to do this again.

I’m stocked up on Aquafor, the suggested treatment to use when my skin starts to really feel dry tight.

From what I’ve read from others, the two weeks of application will be followed by a week or two of scabs, blistering, depression. The depression happens not just because I will look pretty rough and I'll be bummed about that, but it is also a documented side effect of wreaking havoc on our central nervous systems. It is chemotherapy after all, so I am anticipating not feeling great. So I’m also drinking green shakes, and hot lemon water to help my liver do its job. I’ve already cut waaaaaaaaay back on sugar intake for other health reasons.  I’m thinking that’s gotta help.

I saw a couple of suggestions by Efudexers to use Traumeel once I stop using Efudex, which is a homeopathic cream that helps with pain and healing time. One was actually a pharmacist who used Efudex. I think I may check that out.

Also, I'm eating mostly kitchari, and Ayurvedic dish that helps with detox and is really easy on digestion so the body can use more energy to heal itself. 

Day 8 

Day 8

The spots are very visible today.  As another Efudex blogger observed with her experience, there are no spots appearing on my nose and I find this surprising. Today for the first time I am dreading putting more Efudex on because my skin is very dry and lately the Efudex has stung. The skin near my scalp is the most sensitive now. I just washed my face and it feels tight, especially around my cheeks and forehead. Yesterday I went to a nearby store and it was the last time I will be out in public if I can help it…I felt a great self-consciousness and was noticing people staring. Efudex is hard on your central nervous system, which means irritability and possibly depression. I found I became irritable quickly at the store yesterday, which I took as a sign to just stay home. I’m going to take it easy while I can. I am a full time student so this is a good time in my life to do this.

Life goes on...I got engrossed watching the Downton Abbey marathon on PBS today, cleaned my kitchen, rearranged furniture in my living room. All is good, I just don’t want to leave the house right now!

I will be done in 6 days. I can’t believe some people put this on for a month or longer. Whew.You guys are rock stars.

Day 9

Day 9

Today was the first day I looked in the mirror and went “Whoa!” The inflammation really kicked in around my cheeks. I tried to smile more for this picture but it hurt around my mouth to do so.

There is a constant low-grade burn feeling around my smile lines and upper lip, not painful but noticeable.

 

 This week I have to make a public appearance. It’s my last day of one of my college classes (thankfully the other is an online class). I am toying with the idea of applying makeup, even though they advise not to. Another Efudexer did it once; it hurt to wear the makeup but she felt more comfortable in public.

New things keep popping up on my face; this morning it was a scab or some other growth right above my mouth.  I just keep thinking all the stuff that is grossing me out right now will be gone for good in a couple of weeks; it’s been hiding under the surface of my skin all this time! 

One Efudexer said he avoided putting it near his mouth, but I have had spots removed from the area where my lip meets my mouth so I'm applying cream there. 

Being me, I can’t help but acknowledge a deeper meaning here, letting the ugly things come to the surface so they can be acknowledged, healed and released.