Basal Cell Carcinoma during Hep C treatment

[Wildorchid1121]

Thanks to all of you for your response to my question, and for your comments.

Here is an update:

Just got back from the dermatologist's office. She told me everything is well with the first lesion, and that it has responded very well to the cream. On the second lesion I used the cream for about 4 days, she said I basically treated it already and by the reaction I had to the cream it basically lets her know it's the same thing as the first one. BUT she told me not to worry, according to the biopsy results I do not have BCC, it is only a patch of precancerous cells that has not reached the stage of BCC yet. I was so glad about this because all this time I understood and thought it was BCC, because of the paper she gave me with instructions on how to treat BCC, how to use the cream, and info on what to expect during the treatment.

I asked about the possible relation between Riba/interferon treatment and BCC, she said there is no evidence to support it. BUT with such harsh drugs as we are taking, our immune system goes crazy during treatment, and basically anything is possible.

So of course I feel better, soon the lesions will fade and I just pray I don't get another one.

Thanks again to all of you for your wonderful comments and support!

[Wildorchid1121]

Absolutely, but melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer, so I understand why it is used.

But as far as I understand it is not used on precancerous lesions, that's why they freeze them, remove them, or treat them with cream, like in my case.
I would think that if it works on precancerous cells, then I would not have them now during treatment. It has definitely been an annoying situation as a woman, having these lesions on my face. Not a happy camper!!! LOL!!!

Thanks for your info.

[FlGuy]

Actually, interferon alpha 2b is used for some situations with melanoma.

[Wildorchid1121]

I am hopefully 3 more weeks away from ending the study. During my appointment for week 20, my doctor told me everything is looking great and that he is almost sure I will be done on week 24. Of course, he told me they don't get any results of viral loads, or any other tests done during the study, but there are levels he does receive and by the result of those he is almost sure I will only be on it 24 weeks.

I will definitely know on week 24, but for now things are looking very good.

If he is wrong, and I have to stay 48 weeks I don't know how I will handle it, it has been too harsh for me this second time around, so I stay positive and I am holding on to his words.

Take care!

[Wildorchid1121]

Thank you!

You definitely have to, many people love to be outdoors, enjoy the beach.....and who doesn't?
But unfortunately too much of a good thing is not good for you!

I do feel better about all of this, but I'll be happier when all of these lesions are gone. The cream is great, it doesn't leave any scars like other methods used, and it slowly fades it away.

Take care, and protect yourself from the sun.

[cakes8267]

you mentioned you are almost done on this TMC345, did your doctor contact you after your lab visit on Wk 20 and tell you that you would be finished on wk 24????

[flcyclist]

Very good to hear such good news for the follow-up.  With our harsh Florida sun, I also need to keep an eye on the skin.  Sounds like some great cream.  At least one less thing to be concerned about for now.   Hope all is well with you.