Towards the end of last year, I was diagnosed with a Squamous Cell Carcinoma (skin cancer) on my nose.
As it was still in the very early stages, I was prescribed a topical chemotherapy cream – Efudix – rather than surgery.
I was warned that my skin would blister and look terrible over the six weeks of treatment, but that this was a good thing as it meant it was working.
So here are the pictures of before, during, and after my Efudix treatment … as I wasn’t able to wear makeup, they are not the most flattering of photos, so be kind 😉 !
It doesn’t look like much, but that slightly darkened patch was a skin cancer
The dermatologist took this picture to show me how far I needed to apply the cream, around the biopsy site.
Five days after starting treatment, and I was wondering what all the fuss was about!
At the three week point
By 3 1/2 weeks, it was raw and sore
I took this photo straight after a shower, as it was oozing and horrible looking … however you can’t really see it in the picture.
After six weeks of treatment it was looking pretty nasty, but with the help of a steroid cream it healed up really quickly …
Just over a week later and you can barely see it!
Ten weeks after finishing treatment – skin cancer? What skin cancer?!
I experienced some mild side effects from using the chemotherapy cream Efudix – my nails have become terribly brittle and weak (worse than normal!), and I do feel I’m losing more hair than usual, but nothing major.
I got off quite lightly really. In November, the hubster was diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma on his ear, and he had surgery – including a skin graft – to remove it, early in January.
Fortunately both of us have now been given the all clear – for now. We have both been advised to have skin checks every three months for the next little while … although we should seek medical advice earlier if we notice any changes in our skin.
I hope that by sharing my story, and the not very flattering pictures of my Efudix treatment, that I can help others to recognise and seek treatment for skin cancer!
Have you had any experiences with skin cancer?!
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Great post Janet and so very important…..I’m back to the skin clinic tomorrow for the results of two biopsies on my arm. I have had a couple of BCC’s removed including one on my neck which was very painful. I have also used Aldara cream which reacts very similarly to the Efudex.
Effudix cream is nasty, BUT produces such a great result. It’s amazing how quickly it healed. Did you feel ill at all? I used to work in pharmacy and had opportunity to see this amazing cream working it’s magic. Thank you for sharing your honest photos, this is really important information for other who might be facing the same situation. xx
Janet I am involved with Can Too and we fundraise for cancer research. Thank you for sharing this because you show the importance of research and how far treatments have come. And a reminder to us all to check our own skin. You are lucky. Best wishes with the healing.
Great post, Janet and a good reminder that we all need to be mindful about the dangers of skin cancer. Thanks for sharing this.
I’m a bit concerned about a couple of spots on my upper back. I am so careful but in our climate, it can easily be a concern. I must make an appointment for next week some time. Thank you for reminding me. It’s something we try to be on top of in my family – we lost my brother in law to melanoma in 2010 and ever since, I reckon he’s saving lives because everyone gets checked out at least once a year now x
It’s awful but necessary to do this treatment where its offered. We are in a country where we can so easily be affected by the sun if our skin and heritage make it so. I am fine but my dad who has the ‘english’ skin of his forebears has regular checks and cancers cut out. Glad this has worked for you this time. I still get skin checks every 2 years.
I’m off to have something weird on my wrist checked tomorrow. Your earlier post actually inspired me to have it looked out so thanks x
I have e just started with efudix on my nose am terrified of the crusts and pain and hair loss but your story has given me hope and strength
Sue, it will get a bit tender but it’s not too sore. I feel sorry for the people who have to put it all over their forehead or faces, I think that would be a lot worse.
Hi Janet,
I am going to start Efudix soon for a SCC on my cheek. I appreciate the photos to give me an idea of the reaction and the timeframe. A lot of the other photos I had seen had been for whole face treatments which look quite painful so I’m hoping my reaction will be not much worse than yours.
Hope all goes well for you Richard! I was diagnosed with a BCC on my face just before Christmas and this time will need surgery 🙁