Days 1-2 | Fluorouracil with calcipotriene Actinic Keratosis treatment

#fluorouracil #actinickertosis #calcipotriene
I have had squamous cell skin cancer and Mohs surgery twice. My last visit to my dermatologist I was diagnosed with actinic keratosis. I was prescribed a chemotherapy compound cream of fluorouracil and calcipotriene. After searching youtube, I only found horrific videos from users who used fluorouracil to treat AK. There treatments were long and painful, but I’m told this new advanced duo cream will be faster and less invasive. I will continue to document and upload videos as I progress through this treatment. I will see my dermatologist on Day 10 to determine if I can stop or continue more days. (You can find all the videos in my “skin cancer” playlist: • Skin Cancer )
Here is an article of the Harvard study on the advanced therapy: www.mdedge.com...

[@jamesrae7597]

I think Kathy's doc had her doing her twice a day applications for far too long. She certainly could have stopped at day 5. She stopped at day 8 although the doc I believe had her going to do this for 10 days before he reviewed the results. Crazy. That would be the amount of time necessary if she were only doing one application a day. I think the doc misread his own instructions. Keep in mind that with this duo cream once you have stopped applying it after 4/5 days it still continues to be working and you will be reddening up for another week or so until it peaks. The cream works from the inside after 4/5 days of being absorbed into the skin. Hope that makes sense.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

This is correct and I did this treatment again this year (2024) and documented again.

[@SuperGonch]

Thank you, Kathy! I am doing the treatment now and your videos really helped me.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

Please let me know how you are doing! I’m so glad my videos helped!

[@davidboyd374]

I can't understand why people would be worried about how different they look while using this types of creams. Myself I have used it on my nose . And just went out there Many many people have worse looking faces. Just enjoy life in 3 months it's all over. 🙂

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

I do understand. I also think it is great that you have confidence in your appearance. I think for me it was more of being concerned with how others would feel sorry for me and uncomfortable looking at my sores. Women typically wear makeup on the daily just to improve their appearance. Men do not concern themselves with their appearance quite as much as women typically do. Thank you for your comment.

[@charlesbroadwater2956]

@@Kathysvlogchannel What a great response. Measured and kind. I started typing a response that was not that AT ALL then read yours and stopped. Ty for the good example I am going to start the combo treatment tomorrow so thank you for all your posts.

[@ccollins9981]

This combination should be applied twice a day for 4 days maximum! Look at the studies that have been done online and learn from them while also questioning your doctor as to why?

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

Yes I switched dermatologist - I documented my second time doing this again several months ago - only 5 days necessary

[@wilfredmorrison63]

HOW I GOT CURED: Thanks for the Dermatology video most internal medicine guys are weak in Derm but, this stuff is really important. Skin cancer is no joke I got cut twice for premalignant cells on my left arm around 4 years ago... Yes the pathology biopsy came back nevus but, the dermatologist look at the histology printout and said it looked like premalignant cells. He recommended surgery and the first surgeon was wonderful but according to the pathologist she didn't get all of the premalignant cells so a second surgery was ordered and this surgeon was a butcher, she was terrible. Just goes to shows that all doctors are not created equal. What I found out later is the hospitals and doctors in Tampa Fl and the whole United State involved where playing political games and I never needed any of the surgery. At the same time a neurologist at the same hospital diagnosed me with Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.), which I didn't have and he wanted to start me on 6 shots of interferon a day immediately. Good thing I went to another hospital for a second opinion where that neurologist said I definitely did not have any signs of M.S. I also found out that these doctors work with corrupt lawyers to make money off insurance companies, pharmaceuticals etc... This is the reason I don't tolerate any corruption in medicine. My mom's doctor got 3 years in prison for fraudulently falsifying medical diagnosis's with a lab and treating people that didn't have those illnesses. I have worn long sleeve shirts and hat's ever since and the premalignant cells have never returned... This video could save some life's, very important. I decided to dedicate the rest of my life to studying natural herbal herbs which lead me with the contact of Dr Abiola who was able to cure me of this Skin Cancer. All human lives have value and should be treated like a reasonable person and everyone who want to be cured should be told the truth. Dr Abiola is a credit to the Herbs community as an outstanding educator and herbalist doctor. Contact him via: ([e-mail] )...

[@TheOfficialRemiMoore]

Aquaphor is a barrier that keeps the medication from drying and evaporating away. I'll be praying for you. I never noticed the AK in any of your videos. Hopefully you can get it resolved quickly with little side effects.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

Thanks Remi! I had been dealing with dry flaking skin on my forehead and down my nose for several months that I could not figure out the cause. I thought it was hormonal but after my dermatologist saw it, she knew exactly what it was so I’m glad I may have caught it early.

[@petermulheron9000]

Been using efudix for some time.a wee bit painful at times. Doc told me to persevere with treatment and skin will clear up after four weeks. Found your video very interesting thank you

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

I documents the entire 10 days; I highly recommend the compound cream vs just efudix.

[@davidcorrell9758]

Thanks for the videos Kathy. I didn't really know what to expect, other than my dermatologist warning me it would make for a good Halloween mask. I've had 3 BCCs removed from my face with Mohs over the last 7 yrs, and just started the Fluorouracil/Calcipotriene treatment yesterday for my face and scalp (SCCs there). My dermo Dr didn't say anything about vaseline/aquaphor, so if I'm able to get ahold of her, I'll ask.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

I highly recommend the Aquaphor… It’s kind of a greasy mess but it was Very beneficial and helpful with healing and peeling process.

[@kristamccrory4162]

Thanks for the videos Kathy…..I have just finished my 3wk treatment of Efudex/ Dovonex and on day 3 of my post treatment. As much as I almost declined doing the treatment after watching all the videos, I was certainly glad that I did my own research and knew what to expect. My dermatologist was pretty vague about what could potentially happen. So thank you again for taking the time to document your journey. Ive documented mine not with videos but with daily pictures and notes in my journal. Day 3 post op and it still looks a hot mess.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

I’m glad my videos were helpful! I only wish you did not need to treat for three weeks. That is a long time. I was understanding the compound with calcipotriene was for a much shorter time of treatment; usually a maximum of 10-12 days. I stopped after 8 days.

[@jendix1984]

Thank you for your videos. They are helpful! You gave me more information on what to do and what the process is then my dermatologist did or the paperwork that came with the compound. I am curious what face soap did you use during this treatment and recovery time?

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

I feel ya on the lack of doc instructions; that was so frustrating for me as well. I used liquid dove sensitive skin to wash daily during the treatment. I am unfortunately getting ready to do this treatment again over my Christmas break. I feel I have some areas that may be cancerous again on my chin and ear. I see my dermatologist on Dec 11 and will try to make a new video update on my channel. Good luck and if I can help, I will certainly try, so you can message me.

[@beckyc.5743]

This is so helpful. I’ll be aiding my husband who will begin application of this med tomorrow. Thanks so much. I’m guessing the aquaphor is to keep the med from drying out.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

Glad my video is helpful! The aquafor was very helpful and benefited in the healing stages too!

[@Tomzzzzzz]

How many days in a row did you apply the Fluorouracil (Efudex) and Calcipotriene (Dovonex) treatment? I have been prescribed the same treatment (Efudex + Dovonex) 2x per day for 4 days and that the worst inflammation will be 1 week after stopping the treatment and complete healing in 3-4 weeks. My dermatologist instructions say to apply Vaseline after the treatment course and that I can use hydrocortisone cream twice a day for up to 5 days to soothe the skin.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

Check out my playlist in the description box for each days video. I applied for 8 days twice daily. I skipped a pm dose on day 7 and I applied aquafor three times a day from day 1-day 12

[@mjhrpgiv]

I think I did this 10 years ago and have to do it again now, but I forgot how I did it. I've had 6-7 mohs surgies over the years. They just froze a bunch of stuff and now I'm supposed to do this for 4-8 days. I guess as long as I can take it. From what I remember, it gets sorer each passing day and then you have to go and rub this stuff in!

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

This cream compound is more advanced and I recommend you trying it if your needing to treat again.

[@mawakeen]

The Harvard study says to use these creams twice daily for 4 days only, which is what my dermatologist prescribed.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

I think my worse day was day 8; I probably could have stopped earlier. I’m just grateful I was prescribed the compound with calcipotriene and not just straight FU 5% as I’ve seen horrrible reactions in videos from other who used 30 days plus.

[@catm71]

My dermatologist had me do five days and no more. I suppose it’s based on how bad your issues are???

[@52mamasue]

Hi Kathy. Thank You for posting your journey. I have had a red area on my nose and finally went to a dermatologist-1st time. After a quick look, she determined it's pre cancerous and prescribed the calci/flu5 cream. The only instructions were -twice a day for 4 days. I got home and looked up the treatment and my anxiety started doing cartwheels! I've gotten more information about treatments and side affects on the side of an ibuprofen bottle. Anyway-that happened last Thursday & I've been afraid to start the cream. I've messaged her to get more info about the side affect's. Glad to hear you talk about the aquaphor to easy the cracking and peeling. Your videos give me hope and is guiding me as to what questions to ask her. Again- thank you. Hope all is well you now in all your ailments.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

If you are only spot treating the area, you will be just fine. Doing my entire face was scary, but I would do it again if necessary. I have spot treated an area on my forehead since these videos and spot treating was not bad at all.

[@too-girly]

Why did you have to do your whole face vs. spot treating? Does it affect the healthy skin or only AKs?

[@michelleheins7132]

Thank you for posting this.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

You’re welcome!

[@charliesnook477]

Hi Kathy. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I just got my prescription for the Efudex with Calcipotriene delivered to my house and I am so NOT looking forward to this. I'm supposed to do it 2x a day for four days on my entire face, my chest and my hands. Many years ago, I did the straight Efudex but only on one section of my face and it was no fun at all. I was searching your videos and trying to figure how long it stayed really red? I have some events coming up in mid-December and I'm hoping if I start right after Thanksgiving if I will look less red by mid-December. I'm going to try to do the hands and chest a bit later instead of all at once so I'm not miserable. Thanks for any advice you can offer! I did see your Day 10 video and you were looking great in that one! :)

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

You should be fine. In hindsight I could have stopped at Day 5 and been through the peeling by Day 10. I only peeled for a couple days after I stopped the treatment. I would get it all done at same time but only if you have the ability to remain home and greasy through the week, lol. Keep aguafor applied daily; it helps a ton from Day 1 until you are done peeling. It keeps it from drying and it just rubs right off.

[@charliesnook477]

@@Kathysvlogchannel Thank you so much for the advice! I'm going to the store to buy Aquafor and keep it close by for when I need it. I appreciate your help! :)

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

@@charliesnook477 yes use aquaphor even with first application on Day 1.

[@LeFemmeMonkita]

Kathy, your videos are so helpful. Thanks so much for documenting this. I'm sitting here with a tube of F5 and Calcipotriene and deciding when the heck I'm going to start my treatment. My derm's instructions were: mix 1:1 and use 2x day for 4 days. After 4 days, if there is no irritation, continue for another 4 days. She didn't say anything about Aquaphor -- just said I wasn't allowed to use any lotions, creams or makeup and to plan for a time where I won't really have a lot of "face time" LOL. So, it's a little daunting for me given all of those variables.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

I totally understand your hesitation. I highly recommend the aquafor- it ended up reallt being beneficial in the long run. I really reacted by day 5 and probably could have stopped in hindsight. Day nine was my last application but on Day 10 at her office I was glad she gave me a shot of prednisone to relieve the itching.

[@LeFemmeMonkita]

@@Kathysvlogchannel Ooof! Ok, great to know. Thanks so much!

[@Lovefreelylovefully]

Same!

[@susanbigham7726]

Very helpful video! I am just starting my 3 day regiment.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

Glad my video is helpful! Good luck with your treatment!

[@Who63]

I only have one spot between my eyes and not sure if I want to do this. I’ve already had Mohs surgery twice before on other places on face, maybe I’ll just do that. Hear this is extremely painful at night.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

I recommend you spot treat. It will not be comfortable, but it should not be too painful. Good luck!

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

Also only 4-5 days should be fine too. Much better than cutting.

[@Who63]

@@Kathysvlogchannel Thank you for the response. Cutting doesn’t bother me because you can’t see the scars. And he is that good stitches and off you go. Friend had terrible nausea from this cream. It’s potent.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

@@Who63 I’m sorry your friend had such a bad experience. I’m curious if she used the compound or just fluorouracil?

[@Who63]

@@Kathysvlogchannel just flourishical

[@jamesrodak2853]

Thank you for the video. I’m starting tonight

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

Do you have straight fluroouracil or the compound cream? How many days are you instructed to apply the cream?

[@jamesrodak2853]

@@Kathysvlogchannel just the cream on scalp. 3weeks of just a light film.

[@palomarguy347]

What happened to your eyebrows?

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

Are you referring to something in this particular video or in general? I lost my eyebrows due to a condition called frontal fibrosising alopecia. However I was not aware of this condition when I recorded this video.

[@palomarguy347]

@@Kathysvlogchannel - thanks for the confirmation- I didn’t mean to be rude- I apologize for my behavior…..

[@pamelalove2675]

What did you use to wash the Aquaphor off your face? I’m on Day 1, and it’s a greasy mess.

[@Kathysvlogchannel]

Just a warm wet washcloth. My skin was sensitive to touch so I just laid the cloth on my face in the morning and tapped and rubbed gently.