For the benefit of many out there who are facing skin cancer treatment with the use of Flourouracil (also called Efudex in its commercial form), I felt compelled to share my experience. I hope this comes across as both realistic and reassuring. Realistically, it's not a comfortable experience--for most people it's downright painful. It feels like aBut it's also temporary and leads to much healthier skin. This is truly chemotherapy. Skin cancer is nothing to treat lightly.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll do my best to answer. My total treatment time was 19 days. I would say that the most painful and debilitating portion of that was from about day 9 to day 25--about a 2 week period. So, be prepared that during that time, you may not want to go to work, you may not want to use your glasses for long (because of the pressure on your nose and temples), you may not feel comfortable in public, you should avoid sun exposure and you will want a good supply of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen for pain relief (alternating back and forth, so you don't overburden your stomach or liver). Find a gentle facial cleanser with no unnecessary dyes or fragrances (I used Vanicream Gentle Facial). And feel free to moisturize your face 2 hours after your treatment using something petrolatum based (I used Aquaphor). Don't be afraid to get slippery!

Stay in touch with your Dermatologist. He or she has seen this many times. And God bless.

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