Biologics & Skin Cancers
I have had 2 yrs of continual skin cancers, both basal & squamous cell carcinoma. Some of my surgeries were pretty intense (4" incision across my face, 6" incisions on each shin). I have been forced to stop my Enbrel injections not only because the risk of infection during all of this surgery & treatment, but my physicians are afraid the Enbrel is contributing to the rather rapid onset of the cancer. First question. Has anyone been forced to end their biologics because of skin cancer? 2nd question. Has anyone experienced the fluorouracil 8 week Una boot treatment? I would like to know how well it was tolerated. Were there any side effects from the topical chemo? Was there itching & the inability to get a good night's rest. Was it difficult to ambulate? I am going to be wrapped from toe to knee on each leg for a period of 8-12 weeks. Each wrap is left on for a week. I can only shower once a week the night before the wraps are changed. It starts tomorrow. This is going to be an interesting bunch of upcoming holidays for me, from Thanksgiving through New Year. Ugh!!!! Not looking forward to this. But I'm confident that if I've put up with PsA for over 4 decades, I can do this!
Hi EINNA, thank you for reaching out! I have heard that biologics can in some cases increase non-melanoma risk, as may have occurred for you. It will be interesting to see if anyone else has experience with this.
I'm sorry the timing is so bad for your treatment! These things are so unpredictable, but as you say, you're already a pro at making it through. I hope you find an answer soon as to what treatment to continue with for your PsA. Continual skin cancers are not something to get used to!
While I cannot speak personally to topical chemo, nor to the specific boot treatment, we do have a couple articles on our sister site about one person's experience with Efudex aka fluorouracil: https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/tips-for-efudex-users/ and https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/my-journey-with-efudex-in-photos/. Keep in mind that she used it on her face, which could be somewhat different.
So glad you asked this question, and perhaps you can share as your treatment begins. When do you go in today?
Thank you so much for reaching out to me. And thank you for the link. I just had my first application & so far it is not bad other than I look like I'm walking like Frankenstein. The boots should be completely hard in another 45 minutes to an hour. I'm curious to find out what it is going to feel like then. My husband rescued my snazzy walker (lumbar discs issue) from the guest house garage in case I am a little unsteady while I'm getting used to them. Unsteady? Who am I kidding? I can trip on air, lol.
Haha
, it sounds like you're armed with a great sense of humor! Frankenstein never was one for jokes, so you're still a cut above. How is it feeling now? While there might not be anyone here to advise you on the boot, you can be a resource for others in the future - perhaps that has some reward. Thanks for being so willing to share! Keep us in the loop as you're able! Best, Nina (SkinCancer.net Team)
If you don't keep a sense of humor this disease can get the best of you. I don't mind being the "test subject". I so appreciate it when someone sheds the light on something for me. Reciprocating is the least I can do. In fact, I had a friend on another support site years ago. She had so much trouble giving herself her Enbrel injections. So we timed our shots for the same day & I would talk her through it. I was at the point that I lived just to stab myself each week. When you start looking forward to injecting yourself it becomes really easy to do so.
I agree with you about the importance of humor, EINNA. And thank you for paving the way on this! Perhaps, when you're further along in your treatment, you would want to submit a story on the experience. We could share it on SkinCancer.net as well.
And what a fantastic solution for you and your friend! It's pretty incredible to hear about anyone looking forward to shots in that way - I'm so glad you found her.
