Day 3

Ok, well day 3 has been a little more of an adjustment than day 2. I learned today that you do NOT want to sweat, and have the sweat with the efudex in it get in your eyes. I thought sunscreen burned your eyes, doesn't even compare to this stuff on the pain-o-meter.
As you can see, I got a buzz cut today, and the application of the medicine is a lot easier, and I feel like I am able to actually cover the entire scalp fairly evenly now. There are quite a few red splotches showing up this evening, mostly on my forehead, but also on my neck and in my beard. my nose has also gone pretty red.
I noticed today, even this morning on my way to work, that the sun seemed really bright, and the thought of allowing it to hit my skin was repulsing. When I did have to go outside today and the sun hit my head, it felt like my skin would tighten up and start on fire. I am going to keep my head out of the sun.
I also felt a bit nauseous today both times I applied the medicine, but only for about ten or fifteen minutes. I am going to ask my doctor if this is normal.
Overall, today was ok, but I see the progression of this happening faster than I want it to. We are going to try and move out of here a day early, and we may need to drive at night if my eyes and skin are going to be this sensitive to the sun.
I will see how tomorrow goes and report again.
For those of you reading this blog, I need your prayers, I knew from the beginning I wouldn't be able to do this without the blessings only my Heavenly Father can offer and through the atonement of my Savior Jesus Christ. I am keeping the faith.

Day 2

Today was pretty much uneventful, two applications 12 hours apart, no change in my complexion
today so I didn't take a new picture. I have decided to cut my hair off though because applying on my scalp is tedious and messy with a full head of hair. I had grown my facial hair out to avoid the itchy part of the beard during the worst time of the healing, and I didn't want to have to shave a scabby face to avoid the itching, I am going to stick with that plan for now as my beard is beyond the itchy stage.

Day 1

Ok, well, I've never made a blog before so this will be another first for me.

A little background to start I guess. I am 43 years old, and have been battling with skin cancers and keratosis for 15 years or so. I have had the MOH's surgery 4 different times on my lower lip, and have had lots and lots of smaller cancers cryo'd or biopsied off of my face and head over those years.

Recently, I had 4 different biopsy's taken from my forehead and scalp, and after determining the type of cancer and its malignance, it has been deemed necessary for me to go through this process of topical chemotherapy known as efudex treatment.

My doctor has prescribed this treatment to be self administered twice daily for the next 3-4 weeks on my entire face, scalp, the sides of my neck, and ears.

He has asked me to document the progress with photo's and my remarks, as we are moving back to Utah in 5 days and he will have to look after me through the pictures I take and send to him.

I also wanted to document this process, and my progress through it, as a way to pass  the the lessons that I learn through this process on to those who might be able to use it during their own battle with this nasty cure for this nasty disease.

I applied the first treatment about an hour ago and it is Saturday the 28th of sept. 2013

I will tell you that I am afraid of the next few weeks, but that I have faith that my father in heaven will be with me throughout this treatment, and that I will be blessed with good health when I am finished.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) and tonight before my first treatment, I was given a Priesthood blessing by my former Bishop and my Elders Quorum President,(both very good friends of mine) and I am feeling very confident that no matter what comes over the next 6 weeks, my Savior, Jesus Christ will take from me that which I cannot handle myself.

I will update this blog daily, or as things change, whichever seems appropriate.

Darren