tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71512714125088419292024-03-19T05:46:54.757-07:00EfudexA Journey Through A Skin Cancer Treatment Called EfudexDalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-90158497103076561512014-08-18T11:31:00.003-07:002014-08-18T11:33:19.640-07:00How the sun sees youI found this video to be very interesting so I'm sharing it here.<br />
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Yes, there are a few statements that could be taken to task (I don't think glass "blocks" 100% of UV light, but I could be wrong on that)<br />
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Oh, if you want to preserve your sanity, avoid reading the comments below it. ;-)<br />
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<a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o9BqrSAHbTc">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o9BqrSAHbTc</a><br />
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<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-4084834675276786522013-04-09T16:01:00.000-07:002013-04-09T16:07:09.689-07:00As we approach summer ....or at least we hope we're approaching spring and summer - it's been a looong winter....<br />
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Just a reminder to everyone out there to use sunscreen - everyday!<br />
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I've been experimenting with a few but don't want to advertise any of them here.<br />
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I seem to be hearing more and more in the media that, aside from concerns about skin cancer, if you want to look younger longer, wear sunscreen everyday - even on days when it's cloudy.<br />
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I won't rant and rave about the poor choices we as Canadians have (loaded with oxybenzone) because the good stuff is very expensive and truth be told, I think that even a sunscreen with oxybenzone in it is better than nothing.<br />
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Over the past 9 months or so, I've had several more spots blasted with liquid nitrogen to remove them before they get a chance to turn cancerous. The good thing is that I can recognize some of them now and get on them right away. This of course wasn't the best news, especially after going through the Efudex treatment but my Dr. said that because skin damage is cumulative, it can take months or years for existing damage to become noticeable to the naked eye.<br />
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I suspect another round of Efudex is in my future, but I'll deal with it when the time comes.<br />
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The good thing is that I was recently told by a Dr. who deals with skin everyday that she never would have guessed I was 50. Thanks Efudex! ;-)<br />
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Final note for today: if you have access to preventative health care and or insurance, especially if you are fair skinned or have plenty of moles - ask your Dr. to refer to you a Dermatologist that can do a skin map to keep an eye on areas of concern, and/or nip things in the bud. Skin cancer and pre-cancers are very treatable if caught early. The sooner the better, with less invasive methods of treatment involved.<br />
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<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-41459862428535861232012-10-06T12:59:00.000-07:002012-10-06T13:31:56.223-07:00Shaving while using Efudex<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several men have written and asked about shaving while undergoing treatment. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I usually shave in the shower anyway as I find I get the closest shave that way and I use nothing less than a triple-headed disposable razor. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continued this during treatment and didn't have many issues other than my chin area as it was VERY sore. I found that the razor helped with exfoliation of dead skin cells. You may have to play around with different shave creams/gels as some of them can sting. Foam seemed to be less irritating than gels for me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not shaving was not an option, as I needed to get to the skin surface with the Efudex for it to work.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Forget about steamy, hot showers. At times, any water against your skin may hurt like crazy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found that Dove Body Moisture Wash (Body Shampoo) was mild enough and thick enough to use for shaving in the shower. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Noxema, which I use occasionally - stung like crazy. I couldn't use it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may take a while, but it's possible, and if you're like me, feeling better about how you look really affects how you feel overall. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The important factor with shaving is to TAKE YOUR TIME. Small strokes, lots of rinsing. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This also has the plus factor of reducing the amount of peeling you do during the day, as you may be shaving off chunks of dried, but now waterlogged, dead skin.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may reach a point during your treatment where you step out of the shower and be shocked at the visage staring you back in the mirror. Thick, grey, waterlogged, dead skin.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is mentioned elsewhere here, but I would use the time in the shower to GENTLY pat and rub as much excess skin off as I could. I hate to use the word "rub" but using your fingertips in small, gentle, circular motions. Trust me, it'll hurt if you're being too aggressive!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If there was ANY resistance to the skin coming off, I let it be. You don't want to remove skin that isn't really ready to come off with a little bit of help. One day of overdoing it and you'll know what I mean.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thickness of the skin that would come off was disturbing but exfoliating in the shower made me look better and gave the cream a new surface to work on, rather than sitting on top of already dead skin.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alternatively, if you have an electric razor, you could go that route, but I'd definitely give the "pre-shave" lotion a miss. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Be aware of this...</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This will probably occur whether you're shaving or not, but -</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will probably notice that within a few minutes after getting out of the shower that your skin will become very tight, dry and painful. As I got further along in treatment, I couldn't wait to get something on my skin, even if it was Efudex...so I'd do the Efudex, which would "loosen" things up. I'd then wait 2 hours (or more if I could) and then lightly coat things with Aquaphor, which helped immensely.</span><br />
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Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-26296279838878406452012-03-07T07:48:00.006-08:002012-05-05T14:33:22.437-07:00First time here?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">You may find it easier reading about the treatment in <a href="http://efudexed.blogspot.ca/p/treatment-journal-from-beginning.html">chronological order from the beginning</a>. There's a link to the right called "Treatment Journal from the Beginning".</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">(For some reason, I can't get Blogger to list entries in any order other than latest being first)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300; font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;"><b>Follow-up - 3 months after treatment finished</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">I went for my follow-up appointment with the dermatologist yesterday.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Every time I see him (his clinic is at a hospital) he's with an intern or Doctor in training as I see the other person first and rehash history AGAIN (which is all written in the file in front of them) and then He comes in. It's always been a different Intern/student.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">I told the intern to please listen to something I had to say... and to remember it:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">"If you ever have to prescribe this stuff to a patient, please, I beg you... listen to their concerns and prescribe them something for pain in case they need it, as well as something to help them sleep, I feel like I was left out there hanging and ended up taking drugs that weren't specifically prescribed to me for this condition". </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">"Like Tylenol 3?" He asked.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">"No - like oxies left over from a back injury". He seemed surprised. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">I showed him a photo taken during treatment and all he could say was "wow". </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">"Now you know why I was taking oxies".</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">So then the Dr. came in and said that I'd hit a "home run", that he couldn't see any spots that needed further attention at the moment, and to come back in 4 months.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">The red patches that deepen every morning when I put sunscreen on my face will apparently fade over time. He didn't give a timeframe.... it's been 3.5 months now but I've discovered a tinted moisturizer with SPF20 in it that helps blend everything together on days when I don't want to look quite as patchy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">If you've been following from the beginning, you probably know I'm not particularly pleased with this Dr, so I have an appointment with another one in May, where I'm hoping I'm not just someone in and out of the office like a revolving door. Where you can ask questions without being given the impression that you are taking up their time, which is of course, MUCH more valuable than your time. Or if you're going through treatment you can actually speak to a human over the phone.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">I've got 4 months before I see my guy again. Perhaps I'll write a letter and just give it to him and ask him to read it. That way I can make sure that he knows exactly how he could improve his practice. It's not like he's going to be less busy than he is already.</span></div>
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</span></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-14340177190507209872011-12-15T21:47:00.000-08:002011-12-15T22:01:40.862-08:00Week 7 - Week 3 of Healing<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Sorry, I haven't forgotten to post. I've just been busy catching up with everything I never had the energy/inclination to do for the past 7 weeks. Okay I lie... it's mostly been trying to get technology to work. Phones/arguing with telecom companies/Internet connections, and computers.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">My face is still pinkish in places, but it is fading. I occasionally get a twinge of itch but overall I'm looking much more presentable than I was during the thick of it. I'll try to get a photo out in the next day or so. I'm sleeping MUCH better, but I think that's partially because it gets dark at 4pm. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I've been searching for cannabis oil, but it's not as easy to find as you'd think. I keep getting numerous cannabis oil recommendations from people trying to be helpful. Lurking in the medical marijuana places "looking to score" has been unsuccessful. Talk about feeling out of your element! One place suggested I get my Dr. to sign a form that would allow me access to marijuana for medicinal purposes. There are several hiccups with that. My current GP wouldn't do it, my dermo certainly wouldn't, I'm trying to replace both of them and besides which, I want oil, nothing to smoke. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">For other efudex users out there, it does get better and if there's one good thing I can say about the whole experience it's that by the time its over, you're so tired and worn down that the month or so that you used it will seem very foggy and you won't remember much. Of course, that could be just age creeping up on me.</span></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-70589860111568702282011-11-30T12:14:00.000-08:002012-05-05T14:34:29.688-07:00Day 39 - Healing Day 9<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdjitbSlnUsBXOU5f1V72K6pQtUKqrm8swXxPwsQ-QhUWQpibjGH_jYWUO6QGSf42rYouxoKW5WVwdpgygnRbG8yJ6AyirepLt39g_eDbnLvCrfZFjOvjXBNyKnAtR6lbKtLA6Xtoaq2B/s1600/day+39.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680905368179770898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdjitbSlnUsBXOU5f1V72K6pQtUKqrm8swXxPwsQ-QhUWQpibjGH_jYWUO6QGSf42rYouxoKW5WVwdpgygnRbG8yJ6AyirepLt39g_eDbnLvCrfZFjOvjXBNyKnAtR6lbKtLA6Xtoaq2B/s200/day+39.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 174px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 143px;" /></a>Okay, I'm not sure whether this is healing day 9 or 10. I seem to be a day off somewhere.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Either way, today is the first day where I'm not in any pain, though I was still flaking like a snowsquall this morning. The itching hasn't been too bad either. Mind you, as I've mentioned before, it seems to get worse in the evenings. Fingers crossed it doesn't tonight!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">I didn't have to use any Aquaphor today, which is good because it really does block your pores. I used some calendula cream that I got from the homeopath. Today is the first day that I've been able to use it without it stinging.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Most of the feeling in my chin has come back and my forehead isn't feeling nearly as tight either. My face is still pretty light red/pink but it looks like I've just had a reaction to something or perhaps a bit too much sun (no comment). What a difference<a href="http://efudexed.blogspot.com/2011/11/day-33-healing-day-3.html"> 6 days</a> makes!</span></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-84114872045819332082011-11-27T10:00:00.000-08:002011-12-15T22:06:51.800-08:00Day 37 - Healing Day 7<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFseuO7868UEVaFT60Hsrh2jdBSt098yBiGUBDkcAIEbPUOICxcvdXzRlmguCIpDciL2t8SNRsgKe_xpi5yG2Wg2DbjlqXzHaHiQG6WwOxNzKi8WhSi5Jj_9k9vx8tBR8sjvYv0xrY4zoE/s1600/day+36.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFseuO7868UEVaFT60Hsrh2jdBSt098yBiGUBDkcAIEbPUOICxcvdXzRlmguCIpDciL2t8SNRsgKe_xpi5yG2Wg2DbjlqXzHaHiQG6WwOxNzKi8WhSi5Jj_9k9vx8tBR8sjvYv0xrY4zoE/s200/day+36.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680117542239710002" /></span></a><div style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I woke up this morning with a forehead many Hollywood-types would be jealous of. Well, except for the red color and dry skin flaking off that is. There was not a wrinkle on it. It was very painful to move and my chin remains very tight unless lubricated with Aquaphor. So much that it's hard to move my mouth to even speak. The skin is not coming off in chunks anymore, but in annoyingly small pieces that are hard to get off. Very itchy too. </span></div><div style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">The center of my forehead and my chin are still somewhat numb, leading me to think that there is still considerable peeling to happen in those two particular spots.</span></div><div style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Two different people this past weekend suggested Cannabis oil would have been a much better way to do this than the Efudex, making about 4 people this week that mentioned it. That <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPm0Jq9bj98">video</a> sure gets around. I first heard about cannabis oil about a week before starting treatment. I asked around and no one seemed able to get me any. At the time I chalked it up to some of the other alternative therapies everyone and their uncle seemed to be putting forward. Perhaps I'll put some feelers out again.</span></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-78717388118168540172011-11-26T11:00:00.000-08:002011-11-28T18:48:43.624-08:00Day 35 - Healing Day 5<div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">It's quite interesting so see how fast some of the red is fading. People are commenting that I look better than I did yesterday.</span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I suppose thats good. I don't necessarily see it, but showers are somewhat less painful, and sleep is becoming easier to get.</span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I'm still using the Aquaphor to not only combat dry skin, but to relieve the pain that comes with the extremely tight feeling I have across my forehead and chin.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-58918904883541829132011-11-24T12:33:00.000-08:002011-11-28T10:36:15.972-08:00Day 33 - Healing day 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnKT0CtSXM3z29CoopeE5DIMAzQ3ucaNfeB2DTFObU6mB9zD2yMNV5jBWPqC8QPQfD10U1mVG8hLpU_9QiuSzgwpjvexOayhASHOvxZ5MiQ7HtGzmvHJC0GXFmp5XvhqaBut0gIRWSVQt/s1600/day+33.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnKT0CtSXM3z29CoopeE5DIMAzQ3ucaNfeB2DTFObU6mB9zD2yMNV5jBWPqC8QPQfD10U1mVG8hLpU_9QiuSzgwpjvexOayhASHOvxZ5MiQ7HtGzmvHJC0GXFmp5XvhqaBut0gIRWSVQt/s200/day+33.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680117178344707186" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Well, those who've walked before me are right.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">You struggle through 30 days of applying this stuff to your raw, sore skin - only to discover that it doesn't end then.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I think I got a total of about 45 minutes solid sleep last night, thanks for the constant itching/pain. People have asked what the pain feels like. I can probably best describe it as that feeling you get when you first realize a mosquito is biting you, but all over your face.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">For whatever reason, as I've mentioned, it gets worse at night. My chin feels fine during the day, relatively speaking, but last night the pain was radiating through my jaw. Very similar to the feeling you get when you bite into something really sour and you get that achey feeling and produce excess saliva.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Again, I did the running back and forth to the sink splashing cold water on my face, followed with Aquaphor (I don't own stock in this stuff - honest!) and then laying in bed with a cold towel placed over my head/face. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Fun times. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">On the positive side, I have noticed that some of the reddening is less intense, and fading from parts of my cheeks.</span></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-56745235519875489762011-11-22T14:45:00.000-08:002011-11-22T11:53:54.412-08:00Day 31 - Healing Day 1 - Could be graphic...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I could also name this "the lost day". I didn't get a wink of sleep last night until about 6 am. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The itching and the burning kept me up, applying cold compresses and Aquaphor. Unfortunately, this makes you an itchy, gooey mess. My face was sticking to the pillowcase (which you go through many of when you do this) As a result, I think I dropped off about 6 am and napped until about 1 pm. The day goes pretty fast when you do that, with it starting to get dark already at 2:30 in the afternoon. (cloudy and grey outside).</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 161px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacAixs1d7wFfPnmBLXrs1H6ssOWhRNDWLum3jeS9FWoHZcItiiJVDNDOT_QR7_OkUfBlj_Q4GOcTvgaoaPSojLjAjqwO2JmOlIUyY2qaj1lxMd1qhUavb26zhaa6BkqfunBY-B19gC8I-/s200/day+31.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677905113506587170" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">After slopping on this vaseline-like product called Aquaphor several times overnight, THIS is how dry my skin was this am on my forehead.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I had a shower and let me tell you, I could very easily live in there right about now. Once the skin gets moist it doesn't crack and hurt and I get some relief. Several minutes out and the tightness starts again.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">While I was in there, I gently tried exfoliating as much as I could without rubbing my skin raw. The skin was coming off in chunks. It's no wonder my chin doesn't have any sensation, the dead skin there is similar to the heel of my foot.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I got out and immediately put more Aquaphor on it. It still hurts, but not nearly as much as without it.</span></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqyl1IqHvgPe4ngtyDkPbKfhu8nmIyjpAyiepyLsIBGMaGgWRwVDf1kxtc8XpIqxMx9LaDFsshxCAbFJUUXnBhHaVfwHN29Jbca4U-A_hn2Pn0LoJHksY3TP8v3_t7d1rogINptl1D-dQ/s200/day+31-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677906760297150530" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 177px; " /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">On one of my visits to the washroom last night, I noticed several dark spots appear that are dried blood that has scabbed over. They just seemed to come out of nowhere. I'm assuming these are the nastiest bits that we're trying to kill off. This one here is located close to that white spot where my first AK was burnt off a year or so ago.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-82088517859293423572011-11-21T17:30:00.000-08:002011-11-22T11:28:21.884-08:00Day 30<div>Today is the last day of applying the fluorouracil (Efudex) to my forehead. I can't believe I made it. There were so many times I was ready to quit, said "enough is enough" and a few days where I put it off for an hour or more while I debated about it. I probably should do an extra day for good measure, but I won't.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've got one more application tonight to do.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Already, I can see where the rest of my face is getting redder/dryer as the cream does its thing. Apparently, like most chemotherapy, it is cumulative, so it's still working even though I stopped two days ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>My chin doesn't hurt as much today, which is great, because anything brushing against it, being clothes, blankets etc, hurt like the devil! Yes, shaving hurts, but not shaving drives me batty because it's almost as if the facial hair in that area is now super sensitive</div><div><br /></div><div>For some reason, the pain and itching is the worst in the morning and then starts up again in the evening. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-69784221725991159122011-11-19T23:00:00.000-08:002011-11-21T13:50:46.264-08:00Day 28<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNT0kOrMwVhj6IWYNxcBeken8O80at6yM0N9tQcEKrBnINhOrE2KuTDwzFVCkB3dr3rdvJ99NaapVf-t8jghB36IVuFcn0LaPxF7iA6XZZ40mrtHZlyYcTLj5dCLl3DcXVrtEIEOKps1wz/s1600/day+28-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 137px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNT0kOrMwVhj6IWYNxcBeken8O80at6yM0N9tQcEKrBnINhOrE2KuTDwzFVCkB3dr3rdvJ99NaapVf-t8jghB36IVuFcn0LaPxF7iA6XZZ40mrtHZlyYcTLj5dCLl3DcXVrtEIEOKps1wz/s200/day+28-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677479651866748658" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Tonight was my last application on my face below my eyes.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Overall, a fairly good day with very little pain, except while in the shower this morning. I</span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXN6LnTdlssvj9x4kxKQDVgSpDc1sgHP9lm-brVgoYZubzzVGBZZiZDNxSZDRQjejwjd0bF2iRJZqKdmRjDfxaZH1TP2HYM-9vR5iqj0tiznw6sDAW4tTkhfky2QhQg5fFE2dZApOmTdg/s200/day+28-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677479866404499618" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> tried not to touch some of the skin that was falling off.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">If things go the way they have been, I should start feeling more pain tonight after midnight.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">My chin has been very sore as there's some very deep-rooted action going on there.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Shaving is very painful, even with a new blade. Especially on the chin area thats </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; ">swollen. Note: I only use triple bladed razors. I can't even imagine attempting to shave, even under normal circumstances, with a double or even single bladed razor. I have an electric somewhere, but can't seem to find it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Only two more days for my forehead!</span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe31a_KDPGp7T6nKxNMxB_Ni1VSrFqCk5g9jK3xD9ul0b8GQ3L-woChyQfenNcPqZKlpL2A6nQ7doNpLY6O1E-yznwTdoNvW6mJt7YFF-fAdQlvf-R3I_yozdOWfcJkIYcK_IBHXAh-ZXE/s200/day+28-3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677479871384261042" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px; " /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Interestingly, the lone, circlish, whitish spot on my forehead <i>(seen at top photo on the right)</i> appears to be where my first AK was burnt off (2 years ago?). There is a smaller white spot under it that appears to be damage-free area from the first spot being burnt off.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The bottom photo shows the inflammation in my chin. It's very tough skin and feels similar to how your cheek feels when you have freezing at the dentists. Also darker than the red around it. </span></div></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-15820026995046299452011-11-18T13:41:00.001-08:002012-10-06T13:04:16.061-07:00Day 27 - Dear 16 Year Old Me<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjuhIFDO4DFFnplPwNB42AVCPbdVp507oIhvT1iwTeo70XKQmsoKNiF5umdWoZ2P3BeOnMUf0hkOTPGsFDOBRmgbShoCNXjjZGW1KA5QbvEPk2pcqgct4I4ev0wZIXHEQEsbWev1opdxf/s1600/day+27.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676454982330995010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjuhIFDO4DFFnplPwNB42AVCPbdVp507oIhvT1iwTeo70XKQmsoKNiF5umdWoZ2P3BeOnMUf0hkOTPGsFDOBRmgbShoCNXjjZGW1KA5QbvEPk2pcqgct4I4ev0wZIXHEQEsbWev1opdxf/s200/day+27.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 166px;" /></a><br />
<div>
<a href="http://laughingsquid.com/dear-16-year-old-me-a-psa-for-skin-cancer-awareness/">Dear 16-year-old-me</a>:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, I know you just got your drivers license and you think that the most important thing is getting a car. Pfft. Save your money. That first car you get in two years will be great, last a heck of a long time and will take you all sorts of places.</div>
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You'll have great experiences and meet some great people along the way, but one of the most important things I could tell you will seem stupid to you right now.</div>
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Okay, two things. One: yes, you'll lose your hair at an early age. Don't fight it. Give in to it. Some people actually find bald heads a turn-on.</div>
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Secondly, and most importantly: Wear sunscreen. Every Day. High SPF. It doesn't matter if its winter or summer, sunny or cloudy. <b>Wear it.</b> </div>
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I know you're a sun lover but the sun is <b>NOT</b> your friend. It's your skins' enemy. It will kill you if you give it half the chance. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Wear sunscreen now, and perhaps you can avoid having to do a month long course of chemotherapy on your face and forehead to kill off all the precancerous nasties because burning carcinomas off with liquid nitrogen isn't enough any more. This month long course is extremely painful, include many sleepless nights of pain and itching, followed by at least another month of looking like something from a horror movie and getting all sorts of side-eye from others. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Worse yet, you go through all of this only to be told that this isn't just a one shot deal. There's the possibility of having to do this again, and the rest of your life is going to be dealing with sun damage, and watching out for spots that develop.</div>
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Thankfully, you'll never like tanning beds, but do yourself a favor - wear hats, take Vitamin D supplements and stay the hell out of the sun!</div>
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Signed,</div>
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49-year-old you (yup... you'll eventually be <i>THAT</i> old)</div>
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ps. buy as much Apple stock as you can and hold on to it. </div>
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Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-4522331692566929792011-11-17T16:10:00.000-08:002011-11-18T13:59:17.947-08:00Day 26 - A night of torture<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FddGR6gtoEEl99st2AVWwZPD8yaL7MmpaxYrDHAAR-zvIsnnpiD_C9JwrTkU7TsXeXBQDbMDUx630CiyI2mSBhzjNy0svqtpQRX1IAKBiZZduoz32Qa4DAm56byZGkQVv13hWJ57TKQ3/s1600/day+26.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FddGR6gtoEEl99st2AVWwZPD8yaL7MmpaxYrDHAAR-zvIsnnpiD_C9JwrTkU7TsXeXBQDbMDUx630CiyI2mSBhzjNy0svqtpQRX1IAKBiZZduoz32Qa4DAm56byZGkQVv13hWJ57TKQ3/s200/day+26.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676452940261747090" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I can say that last night was a night I won't soon forget.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I went to bed about 10 and tossed and turned until about midnight, when my face started to feel as if someone was going at it with a blowtorch, and then fire ants had a picnic afterwards.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">It was, in a word, horrific. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Who came up with this idea of a treatment? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I am in awe of anyone who has done 30 days of this. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I read somewhere recently: "its not hell, but you can see hell from here".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Very apt. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I put cold facecloths on my face and eventually broke out the ice packs and crawled into bed with them. It offered some relief, but not enough where I could fall asleep. Even my usual 2 allergy tablets, which normally knock me out - did nothing. I finally dozed off at 8:30 this am... just in time for the phone to ring at 9:15. I couldn't muster the strength to answer it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Eventually I had to get up to put more of this stuff on my face. I did everything south of my forehead and thought "enough is enough". I can't do this anymore. I left my forehead without Efudex but put some Aquaphor on it to give it some moisture. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I eventually felt bad and put some efudex on very sparingly on top of the aquaphor. At this point, I don't know if I can tough out another two days for my face, and 5 days for my forehead. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">My chin doesn't even feel like my own skin. It's thick and my dimple is almost flattened. It's so swollen I'm walking around with a perma-smirk.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-12120541312011709752011-11-15T15:24:00.000-08:002011-11-15T16:24:12.569-08:00Day 24<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UiiToIolKe2GW2CeGL7ZNF0LvC_HPUYd8HmcbM8TxJtezET-1x5dVT3BxKpOpfCaHZLgcToJu7bhGzL0psXD8N3qvCeimRgv-3esx-nQXCXiXFZb1WJb2huwpG1ANDt5iJPZtU9FJchS/s1600/day+24-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UiiToIolKe2GW2CeGL7ZNF0LvC_HPUYd8HmcbM8TxJtezET-1x5dVT3BxKpOpfCaHZLgcToJu7bhGzL0psXD8N3qvCeimRgv-3esx-nQXCXiXFZb1WJb2huwpG1ANDt5iJPZtU9FJchS/s200/day+24-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675371925181129074" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I think my shower today was about 45 minutes long and in two phases. After the first shower, I looked in the mirror and my face was grey. (Note to self... start showering with the phone) All the dead skin on the surface had sopped up water and I looked like something someone had dug up after being planted for a few weeks. To be honest, even if I had taken a picture, I'm not sure I'd have posted it here. It was <i>that</i> gruesome.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">So it was then back into the shower to GENTLY exfoliate some of the dead skin off. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">As I finished and it started drying, it really started to hurt. You know you're in trouble when putting chemotherapeutic cream on your face feels good. At least it was moisture of some sort.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccTulzk779yqvq-1taxWdE95vZbkiI-hcZCSkFIhDMNY3uVOGaEOSl6dYze_UuTEw92YCn8upbieCZu3tT21xc2WAy0EHQdJjDPwPTT2UmKbPG655ojP8hVK476BZPsdXTLdMV9lY4guw/s200/day24-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675372091456194738" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 200px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I had a great lunch with friends, with lots of laughter (which REALLY hurt btw!)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Every time I look in a mirror I can't help but wonder, like many have before me I'm sure, how will this ever turn into something normal looking again?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I also hope that I can somehow skip the crusting phase that comes the week after you stop treatment! I know, not likely.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Two things I mean to mention before I forget..</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Last night I went out after it got dark (as you do while you're doing this) and was checking my neighborhood Rexall drugstore to see if they have Aquaphor (now that I know what it looks like). They do. While I was there, I was checking out the sunscreen section. They only had one product that does not have Oxybenzone in it. Ombrelle makes a product with Mexoryl. For more information on Oxybenzone and good sunscreens, go <a href="http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/">here</a>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">From there I went outside to have a veggie hotdog from a street vendor. (no comments about the health implications of eating street food please!) While I was sitting there, someone came up and tried to give me money. I guess they thought I was homeless or down on my luck (well, 1 out of 2). I was taken aback at first and started to protest but then took the money and gave it to another guy around the corner on my way home who is always asking for spare change.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-36314430333312510042011-11-13T18:12:00.001-08:002011-11-13T18:29:01.638-08:00Day 22<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSQRhvtzh1IHSgcaDsBJCnDVVCuvvFXEjKb9Jkm2gUTPK14mW05O9otsyhQ4GTJ82Eb0JygRmrS8Ooro5qAcEwinqnhMkKTa9GjBfba5oreRh_MMBp_EFX2izEKWZAdB3913QHhByNvWG/s1600/day21.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSQRhvtzh1IHSgcaDsBJCnDVVCuvvFXEjKb9Jkm2gUTPK14mW05O9otsyhQ4GTJ82Eb0JygRmrS8Ooro5qAcEwinqnhMkKTa9GjBfba5oreRh_MMBp_EFX2izEKWZAdB3913QHhByNvWG/s200/day21.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674668791399408770" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">And so begins what is supposed to be my final week. At the <a href="http://dermatology.cdlib.org/rxderm-archives/efudex">link </a>a friend brought to my attention, at least one Dr. advocates 45-60 days of this for facial treatment twice a day. I can't imagine. Though I suppose being delirious for the better part of a month and a half would be good to help the time pass.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">"Movember" is supposed to be where guys grow a moustache in support of prostate cancer awareness. I can't help but chuckle at the irony that I shaved my moustache off to do this, and it appears to be the only place on my face that doesn't have precancerous spots. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">It's a "virtual mo".<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I'm also treating a spot on my left shoulder that is getting cranky, but does not hurt.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Not a bad day today. Mornings seem to be the worst. My forehead is starting to peel again, and since I've been avoiding my nostrils, the cracking there is healing. I had the pain under control pretty much for the rest of the day. I didn't sleep much last night at all, so I've taken something to help tonight. I'm hoping it'll kick in shortly.</span></div></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-40808561278126018992011-11-12T10:42:00.000-08:002011-11-12T15:59:39.356-08:00Day 20/21 - Still think a tan looks healthy?<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 169px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCESVHmElZpjq1IDUnMRZs8ska5PgeeMFE2VBaltQT58bUXWGkzCtEYY5kfK3HVWXdRhcsgvp6uurZsYvXYFenQv0ruBX4yND0HV2mq4Ygvdq1QnPpGnbfp3UZ-X7lR2X2XGui1QSTucX-/s200/day19.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674183006426905970" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:85%;">I read today that WAY back 9 days ago I said that this whole thing hadn't been as bad as I expected.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">What a difference a week or so makes.</span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Okay, I admit </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">it.</span></span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">It is now as bad as I thought it'd be. I don't know how some patients have gone 30 days or more of doing this.</span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Yesterday, I was again, ready to give up. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">These first two photos are from Day 19. Yes, that spot to the left of my nose down towards my mouth is as cranky as it </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">looks.</span></span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdQjgzLXv9xb8fYcilUiQi0TPC7-pNsHEvehST3SgoL5qMyRAMKVmE2e4SRGquVCtj3n-2p7-QtMrJxe0aKXPW6fHOaQz6TZO4ozd5x4tDE9V48qvHbjh0cAhUj1DACA8v1tJyk9gPXXo/s200/day+19-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674183011316636322" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 200px; " /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I'll be honest, the pain itself isn't what is killing me... it's that it's constant. 24 hours a day. It really wears you down.</span></div></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I don't know what is in this Aquaphor stuff, but it feels </span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">like there's sand in it when I apply it. Yes, it brings some relief, but it just dulls it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">With a bad sunburn, it lasts maybe two days and then its done (or so you think!)</span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">If you're using Efudex for the first time, make sure you give your lips a wide berth, unless you're told to apply it to them. Two nights ago, a chunk of skin fell out near the corner of my mouth. Wow, that was painful. I'm sure it was not 100% healthy skin but I could have done without it. <i>Perhaps</i> once this is all over, I'll revisit applying it closer to my m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">outh for a few weeks. One problem area at a time. Right now everything is sore. Especially the area around my nostrils (another area you should give a wide berth to!) You know that cracking you get with a cold and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">blowing your nose too much? Multiply that by about 10. But much like having my experience having my wisdom teeth removed, one spot hurts more than all the others, which can be distracting. In this case, it's my forehead.</span></span></span></div></div><div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiao4DgFvAfULamowEkCsO3zrGKyp_APEW3ikiqh5G-HwWZuFbhC_ckZNzpbhvK-WaYVoC1ub5tOKymS1GYS49VxKTb_Bpo8O10o9CWUuQFCWAnqVTYQMRm3RWVld-SxjD-Ir4LDO_tFwq2/s200/day+20-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674183486124793378" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 200px; " /><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Then there are the bloody spots that are now occasionally popping up on my forehead. Those, I'm used to. I can also feel that I'm in for another big peel in a few days. The tightness is incredible, and even biting into food is, if yo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">u pardon the expression, an eye opener because you get a shooting pain from the skin on your forehead stretching. So obviously, smiling for a photo is out.</span></span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I've noticed that my nose and eye area is swollen, which may or may not be the reason my vision feels a little wonky. I recall reading about someone else with this side effect. </span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Tomorrow is the 3 week point (of 4) for my forehead. Two weeks for the rest of my face. By the end of another week, I expect that my entire face will be red. Every day brings a spreading of the existing red, or spots popping up on my cheeks. Strangely, the area where my moustache would be hasn't got any. Strange because I only started wearing that once I hit my 30's, after most of the sun damage would have been done (I'm guessing, based on my scalp and it being relatively clear)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">One thing that has been interesting is watching how others treat you differently when you look like this. Not that salespeople these days in Canada could ever be classified as friendly, but its even worse. Putting your change on the counter rather than putting it in your hand, being very terse and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">not very friendly, even when they have always been before (like at the local coffee shop). People that look like they're going to hold the door for you, look back and see you coming, and then run off so as not to have to have any interaction with you at all. </span></span></div></div><div style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-58958349108478421662011-11-09T14:51:00.000-08:002011-11-09T16:29:23.930-08:00Day 18 - Help me Obiwan Kenobi!<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BqZEmTT6nxqZBR31rVkAUheDOMPGrNJAsQd_IFRzClBlkKd1VsWO1HP6um37hlXux6Z6cBMj0cJLLuoJy4GZMRdN8_EFaQUXKMRv60LeF5zeyn5oyaO8379V2o_AOkJoT5LWRZ584PvX/s200/aquaphor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673134573614490114" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px; " />I will add to this later, but if you've stumbled across this site because you're going to be doing Efudex treatment, do yourself a favor and order some Aquaphor in advance. If you are in Canada, it can be hard to find, but I know at least one Shoppers Drug Mart has it. If you cannot find it anywhere, let me know and I will send you some. I've seen it for sale on line for 5.99 US.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">It's way overpriced here in Canada - $11 for 1.75 oz and you might have qualms about putting what is essentially vaseline on your face. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b>Do it. </b>Do not even <i>think</i> of trying to "get by" without it. Its pretty amazing.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Note that in Canada, the "Eucerin" name appears in larger font at the top of the tube... Aquaphor appears smaller in the middle of the tube.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I was rea</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">dy to commit several different types of homicide/manslaughter today, tore a bank appraiser a new one (he deserved it) and I think I scared the bejeezus out of one of my neighbors because she didn't recognize me. Pain and discomfort.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I called the Shoppers near me and they had it. The young woman that worked in the cosmetics department couldn't have been nicer (she was amazed that the "healing water" tester she told me to try, stung.) I got my Aquaphor (made by Eucerin) came home and put some of it on. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I won't say it was like dipping in an alpine lake, but some of the pain and tightness has diminished. To the point where I am up and not feeling too bad. However, if I were that bank appraiser, given his attitude today, he shouldn't expect to leave here on Monday unscathed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I was ready to crawl up into a ball and self medicate for the evening... how was I going to get through another 12 days of this before the healing can begin?? This stuff may make it possible.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOm90vqf2AfhZlMaxivubb-YuEXPiOnAQ6Mr3Oy4oaUODPg-ZyIqHQejPs1AK6k9oQMfjad3LMTZ5a6h7BlUWzv9vFiagp14Os3d1C-xBPrIsJ6omeGdgcuYrg1JE4E2NoIXSIgvGqLSf/s200/day+18.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673156597177970322" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 153px; height: 175px; " /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">B</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">e warned, it will amplify your redness and I noticed that a few minutes after applying it, some of the skin on my forehead had "bubbled" to the surface. However, I am hoping that I'll be able to sleep better tonight.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">NOTE: As you know, you are not supposed to apply anything to your skin within two hours of Efudex application. Make sure you apply the Aquaphor AFTER the two hours have expired.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Day 18 </span></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-32370065016482861732011-11-08T13:52:00.000-08:002011-11-08T19:39:08.426-08:00Day 17 - Worst day yet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWilSm7xGPpTc3s9bsZgz2OcrFCSShb__Er-1yQgdkLPJyqDug1_48MQlEsZ_n3fD6T5FuiXovHfhuYizpK-50RFW3_exWZnzUs_GC9jD7_xw7kT3JpFdPS9rRH5E_Rg9s_g13mu6t7WNc/s1600/21-24098.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWilSm7xGPpTc3s9bsZgz2OcrFCSShb__Er-1yQgdkLPJyqDug1_48MQlEsZ_n3fD6T5FuiXovHfhuYizpK-50RFW3_exWZnzUs_GC9jD7_xw7kT3JpFdPS9rRH5E_Rg9s_g13mu6t7WNc/s200/21-24098.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672756804921670770" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In the name of all that is holy! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Not a good day.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">There are some negatives about being a bit of a pack rat/hoarder. Yes, I have a hard time throwing some things away.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">However, today I'm SO glad that I kept the Tylenol 3s that I never took after having dental implant surgery. I think I'm tired because the pain i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">s constant. It doesn't seem to come and go in waves. </span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I have visions of F Murray Abraham in that Star Trek movie where his facial skin is being stretched and at one point, when he gets upset, sprouts a leak from his forehead.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I've tried Aloe Gel... 99.9% pure, thinking it would help... but it did not. Stings like hell once the cooling effect wears off. I was reading somewhere today where people seem to get better relief with ointments rather than creams/gels. In the meantime, its back to cold compresses.</span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5_qHjDo4mjPCbqU7P06khPoL0oPdDXVpT53_com3rNlSjTzXH9VL_bt8J0bbcMnZr7yjYvrwr52lVE8BaOW9UtLuN__uhIWb9PyA1YmLhkQq2-TnaUxubchY-ZAm8Nfm8P6gdx90YVx2/s200/day+17.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672758464846112082" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 195px; " /><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The worst part is the middle of my forehead, which is VERY tight, and I can tell that there is going to be some major peeling in very short order. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">You can't really tell in the photo, but the center of my forehead is a bit darker than the red around it. Almost a purple color. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"> Followed by the corners of my bottom lip, which have become inflamed. I haven't been putting the stuff on my lips but its had an effect on the bottom lip.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Someone asked me today if I was wearing lip-liner.... uh, no.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I'm trying to keep a sense of perspective though... (there's that word again).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The friend of my brother and his wife - who was so ill a few weeks back, passed away on Sunday. Discovered an odd-looking mole less than a year ago. The funeral is tomorrow. I'll stop kvetching. My condolences to his wife, children and family.</span></div></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-76462215174876813022011-11-06T09:16:00.000-08:002011-11-06T10:57:16.451-08:00Day 15 - Halfway point<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Ouch.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I had a good night out last night. Wearing a hat is very uncomfortable. It itches and keeps the heat in, which makes things even more uncomfortable. So I went hatless at a fundraising function with some friends.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I got some stares, but no one said anything. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I was doing great today until I had a shower. When I got out I looked like an extra from the "Walking Dead". Lots of skin peeling off. A particularly weighty piece was from the spot where all of this journey began several years back. A spot on my forehead that started bleeding for no particular reason while washing my face. Fast forward and here we are today.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So I took some Advil and then it was back into the bath to try gently rubbing some more of it off. This took about 10-15 minutes. Then I had to wait for it to dry and put the Efudex on and get on with my day. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I've been meaning to post full-face photos but it's pretty time consuming to get one where I don't look like the mug shot of an axe-murderer (with no slight intended to axe-murderers).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMJRXKYByq_iQWYGlKM81XNz3JxGU-d7AmTlDjej0pEnBoofZkZxPc8nC1YqN13-VME_zgYT4jcbhiMd_8Jd_Jp2hTwAjYVryrjHtXywg7x1lLZCR6iXHrQoLEAHekUa4xQjRgQR5-dR-/s200/day15.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671934465185558114" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Perhaps its not possible ;-)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I've read where people doing this treatment count down the hours towards the last application, or give up after 2 or three weeks. I can very easily see how that would be possible. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">After I put the Efudex cream on, I noticed that my skin was kind of weeping. Much as it does when you have a bad burn. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">But I'll press on. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Fortunately, I have the next few days off work, so I won't be assisting anything to fall off. I'll let it fall naturally. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">I'll just concern myself with the move, which is progressing. Off to do a cold compress.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">On the literature that comes with this stuff, it says that it might make you sensitive to sunlight. They aren't kidding! Even with the sun low in the sky today, simply standing in front of a window is uncomfortable. I feel like I should dig out my vampire teeth and black cloak from the Halloween supplies box.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">By the way, the indentation made by the chunk of skin that fell out the other day appears to have leveled out with todays sloughing.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Tomorrow, I'm off to Costco for another tube of chemo cream!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-72292246764646935602011-11-04T21:11:00.000-07:002011-11-04T21:45:55.988-07:00Day 13<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I don't know how they got here, but welcome to those visitors from Russia!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div>Things are progressing. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Warning... this may be a little too descriptive for the squeamish...</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">As I washed my face this morning (with a Spectra-gel-type cleanser) a piece of my forehead fell off. Not a large piece, but a chunk of skin fell out, leaving an indentation where there was not one before. No bleeding, just an indentation. About 1/4 inch wide by 1/8 inch high. </span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The skin below is red (as is most of my forehead anyway). It doesn't hurt. Well, actually my entire forehead hurts, but this spot in particular doesn't hurt more than the rest of it. I've heard of this happening to others who've done this treatment, but still, it took me by surprise. Perhaps this is the beginning of a "shedding" phase. Much of my forehead is very dry now and some areas are starting to crust - which is expected. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I have noticed that the spot on the center of my forehead that is the reddest, is very much where I had a sunburn-induced blister back in 1976. I remember that burn VERY well because I could barely talk, that's how burnt my face was. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">There are other spots on my face below my eyes that are starting to "light up". Not nearly as much as I expected, but around my mouth, chin and nasolabial folds (laugh or smile lines). I have every expectation to see some more spots appear next week.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I also found it interesting that my scalp hasn't been as affected by the chemo-cream as much as I thought it would be. You can almost see where my hairline used to be, when I had hair. So I would assume from this, that a good portion of the damage done was started more than 20 years ago.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I've received emails from a few people who've stumbled upon this blog, who were given a prescription for this drug by their Doctor but were not told what it was, or what it was for. This seems to be very common, and not limited to any one particular country. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I've also heard from someone in Florida that the same tube of Efudex that costs me $39 at Costco here in Toronto, is closer to $300 in Florida. Thats ridiculous, but seems to be fairly indicative of some of their particular health care system problems.</span></div></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-81450302111385598982011-11-02T12:25:00.001-07:002011-11-03T06:30:16.130-07:00Day 11<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVaaDfCbO213LqQnJ3kNDCKQ5tBDx_b3Se3u44a9lPYhUv3ZSMV5dXNvRaYAQsuK4jq5R0o7OciR1IU-CXSlEKgyCpihDcSNUD36F1YfUbTCrqTFHdX5MNs3JvhVeghFpEYVTbb2goDH6/s1600/day11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVaaDfCbO213LqQnJ3kNDCKQ5tBDx_b3Se3u44a9lPYhUv3ZSMV5dXNvRaYAQsuK4jq5R0o7OciR1IU-CXSlEKgyCpihDcSNUD36F1YfUbTCrqTFHdX5MNs3JvhVeghFpEYVTbb2goDH6/s200/day11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670481864946876962" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Okay, today having a shower was very painful.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The water felt like acid on my skin. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Putting the cream on afterwards was painful as well. Time to start taking some Tylenol. Lets put it this way... I had extensive gum surgery a few years ago and didn't take the Tylenol 3s and Percocet I was prescribed. I'd be taking smaller portions of them starting tomorrow. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">All this being said, it hasn't been as bad as I suspected - so far. I keep trying to keep that final goal in mind - having skin that has much less pre-cancerous spots and less likely to develop melanoma at some point in the future.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">My visit to the Dr. yesterday was interesting. He doesn't want to prescribe me anything to relieve itching because "we're looking for a histamine response". His solution to that and the pain was "Tylenol and cold compresses". He said that I should continue until I get blistering/scabbing and then stop - not necessarily going by the 30 day instructions he initially gave. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">He suggested that it was "my call" to do the rest of my face at the same time, and that perhaps it would be best leaving it until after we're finished on my forehead. Who wants to go through 4 months + of this? Given that I'd already started, I figured I may as well persevere.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Meanwhile, I see things are starting on the rest of my face. Particularly near my mouth. Oh joy. That means more of me to see for anyone reading this. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">It's interesting (in a way) that the angry spot in the middle of my forehead corresponds to where I had a sunburn blister back in 1976. I remember that. I got burnt so bad I could barely move my face and mouth. History repeating.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">A note to any Doctors that happen to be reading this: </span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Don't treat your patients as a number. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Give them more than 3 minutes of your time. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Listen to them. We're people and don't have all the knowledge you do.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Having Interns examine and deal with us is fine, but you walking in for the last minute of our appointment time does nothing to instill confidence. Especially when a good deal of the first two minutes was spend clarifying/correcting details in my file.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Don't lose your patience with someone asking what you seem to think is a silly question. This is new for many of us, and we're scared.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">If a patient asks about pain meds, or something to make the process easier, don't pooh-pooh the idea and suggest cold compresses. Some of us won't ask unless we really need it. Not everyone is a drug addict looking to score a fix. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">GPs.... please do NOT refer your patients to specialists who are so busy that a patient can never get through to their office by phone, or those that only hold "clinics" once a month at a local hospital. Nor should you refer them to Drs. who are more interested in selling Botox/Restylane and other cosmetic fixes than dealing with problems that could kill you. </span></li></ul></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-14775663888121781532011-10-31T12:20:00.000-07:002011-11-02T12:51:17.949-07:00Day 9<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghy26EydnaI4QLlkGDF3vjOsZ1225ZSAHLGh2SeFyQKLHf0p7-xMQvX_UvsXwlpBYeFfoa9lpkjkXkSps7KXrGbRbNf7Cc7qJxGjLd8RZtYqoD4-Xe0MnMRiJJQTwqsCDX56mDjhE8S5Cm/s1600/day9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghy26EydnaI4QLlkGDF3vjOsZ1225ZSAHLGh2SeFyQKLHf0p7-xMQvX_UvsXwlpBYeFfoa9lpkjkXkSps7KXrGbRbNf7Cc7qJxGjLd8RZtYqoD4-Xe0MnMRiJJQTwqsCDX56mDjhE8S5Cm/s200/day9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670480561616611506"></a><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial">Happy Halloween!</font><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial"><br /></font><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial">Things are progressing well now, as is the pain. </font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial">I find its at it's worst in the morning as you start moving your face/forehead muscles. It's like having ground glass rubbed into an open wound. I'd gladly advocate having Botox done before doing Efudex... but I admit that having this stuff on my forehead means I don't move it around as much.</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial">As the day goes on, it gets better painwise, and I find that some of the redness tames down a bit. </font></div></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial">I'm SO glad I started doing this in the fall and not at the beginning of summer. Even sitting in sunlight through the car window is very painful.</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial">I started putting the Efudex on the rest of my face and ears two days ago, and I'm off to the Drs. tomorrow.</font></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-32439701649533436132011-10-28T12:16:00.000-07:002011-11-02T12:51:17.960-07:00Day 6<div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial"><br /></font></div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial">Things are starting to happen now.</font><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-5fFIdNt9KJlBXxDkX7ecfO5qDsDakxFuyQg7-snPCkd01XB7YLJ-M7wHRpvia7pVngyJkzNvlP09uz2N4r67qq6nP34KGGQbYD9MTvCbaSIu_P54MN67I5t1IB3oPA51awQSLOJtEt9/s200/day6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670479687381990066" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; "></span><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial">For a while there, I thought maybe I got a bad batch of Efudex.</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial">Not too much burning/pain but I can feel and see something happening. </font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial">I was nauseous yesterday and today. I'm not sure if it was something going around, or from the cream/ointment I'm putting on twice a day.</font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial"><br /></font></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151271412508841929.post-1130504369159436382011-10-27T11:43:00.001-07:002011-10-27T12:29:54.744-07:00Day 4 and 5<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Now that I have a couple of official followers (welcome/いらしゃいませ!)I guess I'll have to be better at keeping up.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Day 4 - yesterday</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">About the same - the spots on the side of my head are getting more prominent but the worst pain was from where I knicked my scalp shaving. ;-) Others have said that once they get into this, they have to stop shaving. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Day 5 - Thursday October 27th - Only 25 days to go!</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">The mottling on my temples is getting redder, and a few spots have cropped up right where I expected. The areas around the spots that were previously burnt off are clear so far, so I guess all the nasty stuff was killed off in those areas. Pretty amazing when you look at it and think that this is all sun damage. The AK spots (actinic keratosis or "solar" keratosis) spots on the top of my head aren't as rough/scaly as they were before. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">I tried taking some photos this am but no luck... I had to get to work. Perhaps I'll work on it tonight or tomorrow. Other than that, just the occasional itch and a dull headache. Others have talked about a burning sensation (like sunburn) but I haven't experienced that yet. I'm not feeling great today and am quite nauseous. I can't be sure if its from the cream or perhaps the flu bug that seems to be going around. Time will tell.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Two more days until I start doing my entire face - for 3 weeks. </span></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159644731525438318noreply@blogger.com1