Skin Cancer Treatment Levulan Blue Light Therapy | My Full Experience
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- čas přidán 2. 08. 2024
- I discovered a couple of spots on my face that turned out to be pre-cancerous. My dermatologist, Dr. Zimmerman at Golden State Dermatology in Walnut Creek, CA (I've been going there for about 15 years) recommended Levulan Blue Light Therapy to get rid of the pre-cancerous areas rather than cutting them out. In this video, I'll take you through the entire process (I was able to get footage of each step) and give you my take six months later. I hope this is helpful for anyone else dealing with this. Don't forget to wear sunscreen!!!
UPDATE: I had to have a second round of Blue Light Therapy and had a 100% different result - I ended up in the ER! After this video you may want to watch this one: • Skin Cancer Treatment ...
In case you wanted links to the items I ended up using in terms of skincare afterward and more info about the silk pillowcase, here you go:
Purlisse Blue Lotus 4~in~1 Cleansing Milk: go.magik.ly/ml/r8ln
DHC Super Collagen Mist: go.magik.ly/ml/g327
Samudra Skin & Sea Moisturizer: bit.ly/2WiVNuf
Find my favorite 100% mulberry silk pillowcases by Slip Silk here:
Dermstore (they often have 20% or 25% off on this site): rstyle.me/+dBng4_CS1qNv-Xiz_J...
SkinStore (often on sale here) rstyle.me/+BqAT7ahA-NPSDuEP6F...
Beautylish shrsl.com/1wuh3
Sephora: rstyle.me/+2_u0FxgLOVb4GTH4zM...
Nordstrom: rstyle.me/+7U_IYiKhJf1Mf8J9ei...
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►Hi, I'm Nicole, thanks for watching my video! Make sure to check out my other videos where you'll find my best skincare and makeup tips, subscription box reviews, cooking fashion and more.
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Age: 52
Skin Type: Dry
I try to post as often as I can but CZcams is not my full-time job, I work in tech marketing. Beauty and cooking are my passion.
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f you are having this procedure, I would highly recommend sleeping on a silk pillowcase regardless of what you use on your skin as it is so much gentler than cotton as your skin will just glide across the fabric rather than hanging up on cotton. I have videos about silk pillowcases, here is one of them if you want more info: @. I also listed the skincare products that I talked about that I used and put links to them in the description area. Wishing you all the best! -Nicole
I'm having it jan 7 cause I have a few of those spots..thx for the vid
I’m having this done on December 23, 2019. Thanks for the tips!
@@holdem5180 Hi, I hope it all went well and that you are feeling a lot better! I have since had it again and it was a totally different experience - awful and painful! I just put up that video today czcams.com/video/DMrSi8tr1os/video.html. I hope yours was like this video not my second one. 🙏
@@stilts34711 Hi Richard, I hope your procedure went well and that you had a great holiday! I had it done again since I put out this video and I ended up in the ER! I just put that video out. Fingers crossed that yours was more like this first video that I put out.
My experience wasn’t as bad as some I’ve seen. My procedure went just as yours did. There was tingling and some minor burning during the process. After the process there was some minor burning and the lotion I was given took care of it. Overall, the hardest part of the whole treatment was getting my insurance company to cover it. Which they finally did. Am I glad I did it? Yes! Thanks again for posting your experience. It made me less apprehensive about going through it.
Hello dear Nicole! I'm so pleased that you are so skin cancer conscious! I wish all my clients were this diligent!
Soooooo glad that you were so vigilant and observant to catch this my sweet, sweet friend ❤️ Thank you for sharing with us.So that we shall know what to look for. So happy you are doing well👍 Luv ya girl 💕
Thank you so much my friend! If my friend had not told me about her experience I never would have known what I was dealing with so I wanted to put it out there. Hope you are having a great weekend! ❤️❤️❤️
must be leading a charmed life. so many of these videos talk about the extreme burning sensation, which is admittedly why I came here, to hear about side effects. Your experience seem to be so mild that turned into a skincare and cosmetics video. Best wishes and stay well.
Thank you for posting this video as I've learned a lot from it. I will keep an eye out for these types of dry patches in the future. Best of luck going forward! :)
Thank you so much for this, Nicole. You're raising awareness and possibly saving lives. Skin cancer is no joke. Proud of you. - xx, Carla
Hi Carla, Thanks for the kind words! If it even helps one person be aware, it's 1000% worth it to do the video. Not a "trending" or sexy topic but SO important IMHO! BTW, I so love my ABH Riviera palette. I keep reaching for it. I can't wait to see your video on it. ❤❤❤
Thank you for posting this video. I am having this done Tuesday on my entire chest and i have been really nervous about it. This video of your experience has eased my mind about it. Hopefully my experience will be good. Take care!
Hi, I wish you all the best with your procedure. I hope that is goes very well. I'm so very glad that this video was helpful to you. I'll be thinking about you on Tuesday! xoxo, Nicole
My mom is having this procedure done tomorrow. This really helped to put things in perspective and to know what she is going to possibly be going through during the treatment and recovery process. Really helped to calm the nerves from the series of "Holy S**t moments" I have had since first hearing that this was going to be happening. Thank you for posting. Be well, everybody!
Hi Will, I wish your mom all the best. I do not have the video up yet but I had the procedure done again as my spots came back and they left the medication on for 3 hours this time (instead of 1.5 hours) and they let me go home in between and I had a completely different experience. My face got super swollen and red and peeled badly. In the end, it turned out OK and I looked totally normal again but it was a rough few weeks. I'm sure your mom will do great. Make sure she really stays out of the light as long as they tell her to.
So glad that it was discovered so fast. Good luck,lovely.
Thank you Tove!!!❤️
Thank you so much for documenting your experience with this treatment option. I have been given it as an option for treating a BCC along with my whole face and the other YT vids have been super scary with blistering and “burn victim” results.
Hi Stephanie, I do not have the video up yet but I had the procedure done again as my spots came back and they left the medication on for 3 hours this time (instead of 1.5 hours) and they let me go home in between and I had a completely different experience. My face got super swollen and red and peeled. Whatever you do, when that medication is on your face before they hit it with the lights, stay out of the light. When I went home I used my computer and that was a terrible idea. Wishing you all the best!!!
Soooo glad you’re ok! Thank you for sharing, I learned a lot. 🥰
Hi Veronica,
I was truly expecting it to be worse from some of the images and videos I'd seen. I'm just so thankful that I caught it early. Hope you are having a great weekend. Bet you are cooking up a storm! :)
Thanks for posting this,Nicole!! About 15 years ago I had 4 pre-cancerous moles removed from my back. Skin cancer is a major concern. My Grandfather died from it over 25 years ago. Like you, growing up in the 70's and 80's I used to fry myself with baby oil to get that California tan!! We had no idea what it could do!! Stay out of the sun, guys!! Wear sunscreen!!! A tan is not worth it!!
Nicole, you handled this with such grace. I have Barrett's esophagus and I used to use baby oil as a sun screen 😫 Thank you and your dermatologist/staff for this video. You will be helping many people! Including me😁
Hi Debbie, I used baby oil too and sometimes added iodine to look more tan. We had no idea until the 80's when the sunscreen info finally came out and was well publicized. I've realized that I've been apply ing the sunscreen to sloppily and was missing those two areas. Now I'm really paying attentin when I apply. I'm so glad that you found the video to be of value. :) xoxo -Nicole
I am less than 2 weeks away from my dermatologist appointment ... so glad you posted this today since I have a couple of suspicious spots and had a previous surgery to remove something on my nostril. So yes, I am very intrigued by this.
Oh my goodness! I wish you all the best at your appointment. Saying a prayer that all goes well. ❤❤❤
So happy to see your post. Thank you for sharing this post. I am in Australia, the land of sunshine and have super fair skin. I was also allergic to most of the sunscreens on the market when I was young so I have to be diligent in getting my skin checked twice a year. I have had several cancerous and pre-cancerous areas cut out. I have not yet had light therapy though.
Hi Tamara, it is on my bucket list to go to Australia! It looks so beautiful. I'm sorry that you've had to have them cut out. I hope that you stay cancer free!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much for documenting your experience with this treatment option. So glad I saw your post. I am considering doing this therapy. But like most of us who do research first see all the worst that may happen. Could you tell me please...how intense is the heat from the lamps and how long are you under the light? How long till the redness calmed down?Thank you again!!
It wasn’t painful? My sister says it hurt like hell - her words. I’m having this done in 2 days and I have spots all over my face and no idea what’s underneath. Yikes. You make it look so easy
Hi Toni, That first time it was so easy and really did not hurt. I have follow up video to do though. I had it done again and this time they left it on my face for three hours and let me go home in between for a couple of hours and that time it really hurt and peeled terribly too. Totally different experience. I wish you all the best.
Nicole this is/was so scary and this was very informative, I have never been a sunscreen person but I am going to find one that works for me and start using it! Sun cancer is so scary! Love and Hugs! XOXO
Hi Susan, Oh my goodness please do find one. BTW I have a video of my favorites that work well under makeup. I did not mention it in my video, I did not realize until too late, when you apply make sure you get everywhere. I realized that I am missing part of my upper lip when I apply and I think that is what led to my problem. ❤❤❤ -Nicole
Dear God Nicole 😯😯. This must have been THE most awful time (for you and your family).
Like you I never bothered with sunscreen and I've only just started this past year. Summers are not the same in the UK as they are in the US, however, I now understand the importance of it. Ignorance was certainly NOT bliss.
Thank goodness you were diligent and caught it in the early stages. I'm sooooo relieved and ridiculously happy that it's gone. And it can stay gone. Your husband is such a sweetheart covering the windows. Bless him. Wishing you bucket loads of good luck. Much love to you Nicole, ❤🌼❤🌻❤
Hi Chrissy, It was rather unsettling, especially since I have been pretty vigilant about sunscreen for a long time. The problem is, I realized that the way that I apply it, my fingers miss those two areas. I've had to retrain myself in the way I apply. Makes sure you get it everywhere when you apply. Thank goodness for my friend telling me details about her experience. It was SO cute of Steve to cover the windows like that :). Thanks so much for all of the kind thoughts and words. You're a gem! ❤❤❤
Hi- Thanks for the video. I'm having this done soon. You went from a few days to eight months. I'm wondering how long it took to heal completely. How long did you have to call in ugly ?( I Love that reference by the way.)
I had one of these dry patches on my cheek last year and my Dermo froze it off. I still have a red mark from it so I wish this procedure would have been available. I will ask about it when I go back this month. Thanks for this video Nicole. It was very helpful. xoxo Cindi
Hi Cindi, If you need more taken care of wouldn't it be nice if this worked for you. So much less invasive. My fingers are crossed that you need nothing! xoxoxo
actinic keratosis? my mom is about to have this! thanks for sharing
I just saw this ... It's now Sept. . are you ok now ? I'm rootin for ya. . Namaste
Thank you for this video. I'm also in the SF Bay Area. My plastic surgeon recently recommended that I start the Levulan PDT. He's had the treatment 4 times and has found it very effective. We both have the same ethnicity (Northern European), skin type (pale, burns but doesn't tan), and eye color (blue), making us high risk for skin cancer. We are both outdoor people who never wore sunscreen until recently, so lots of potential damage from our younger years. He also has AKs. I don't, but I do have a history of skin cancer in the immediate family (father and sister). I've also had several skin cancers myself.
At mid-life I realize that all of our past sun-sins come home to roost and it's common to experience skin growths on the face. So far most have been harmless Seb-K growths that can be removed with liquid nitrogen and leave no scar. But several were stubborn and resistant to treatment, so my dermatologist took biopsies. The result was one SCC and one BCC. I had Mohs surgery for each, then down the hall to a plastic surgeon to close the wounds. I really don't want to do that again and am hoping that Levulan PDT can help destroy cells that may contribute to future cancers.
My procedure is scheduled for January 8, 2020. I'm having my entire face, ears, and neck done. I've been told that the medication will be on my skin for about 2 hours. Then off to the blue light. It's hard to know exactly what to expect, as every person's experience with the pain is so different.
I live in a dark house (by choice) so the first few days shouldn't be an issue. However, I am on the computer for nearly 18 hours a day. I've been told that if I severely dim my display, the light shouldn't be an issue. I suppose I can always wrap a scarf around my face just to be safe.
Hi CJ, Oh my gosh I'm sorry, I just saw your comment. I was on vacation. Wow, you have had to go through a lot! How are you doing? I hope you dimmed your computer and wore the scarf. I had it done a second time where they left the medication on for 3 hours and ended up in the ER that night. 100% different experience than this video. I used to bake in the sun in the 70's and 80's and that is totally coming back to haunt me now! I pray that your procedure worked for you and that you are feeling OK. I just posted the video about my second experience. Here is the link in case you want to check it out: czcams.com/video/DMrSi8tr1os/video.html. Since it is the 12th hopefully you are through the worst of your recovery. Sending 💕 and prayers.
@@TheNicoleSanchez Thanks for your response, Nicole. I hope you had a good vacation. I will go and take a look at your link in a bit.
My experience with PDT was unremarkable. Levulan was applied to my face, ears, and neck all the way down to my shoulders. The medication was allowed to incubate for 2 hours under an overhead light. I expressed concern about the light and was told not to worry about it.
After incubation I was placed under the blue light. I expected it to be very warm and wore only a camisole so I wouldn't overheat. Instead I nearly froze in the air conditioned treatment room as the blue light gave off no heat that I could detect. Thus, I declined the fans. I experienced no discomfort to the treated area while under the blue light. I did have a minor tingling sensation on my lips even though Levulan was not applied there. The tingling sensation was similar to a cosmetic lip plumper.
After the blue light treatment, I was reminded to stay out of the sun and to keep my windows covered. To my surprise, I was told that I could use normal household lighting and that my computer screen required no dimming.
When I left the office my face was mildly red. My ears and neck were not. I wore a wide brimmed hat, large sunglasses, and a lightweight ski mask to make the drive from Sunnyvale to Fremont. Once home, I applied Cerave and spent the rest of the day sleeping.
I checked my skin the following day and the red had intensified, but only between my cheeks and my chin. My forehead had a faint pink glow, as did my ears and neck. So faint it was hard to see. There was no discomfort or swelling.
The red had mostly disappeared by the second day. No peeling yet. I almost look normal. So I continue to reapply Cerave and wait for something to happen. I'm on the third day, and no change.
Compared to the experiences of others, I'm not sure what to make of my experience. I watched the Levulan applied to the areas I requested. I incubated for several hours. The blue light was intensely bright. Yet still no major reddening, discomfort, or swelling. I don't know what to think. This was all too easy. I'm considering calling the office tomorrow and talking with one of the nurses to get their feedback.
Same thing with me. Will be doing it again once I get another appt.
Just had it done. For me no pain. Barely any redness, but this is only day 1. I think I’m getting more red as each hour passes. Already made appointment for 2nd treatment in 2 months. So I hope you post your 2nd treatment experience too.
Hi Toni, I am very glad to hear that it is not bad! How long did they leave the medication on your face before they put you in front of the light? I was a lot redder the second day. I need to finish up my second experience video for sure. Wishing you fast healing and sending positive vibes and prayers!
Hi Toni, I just posted my second experience video. Ugh, I ended up in the ER the night of the procedure. I had a horrile reaction. SO glad that so far you are doing well! How did your second procedure go? Sending much 💓!
Hi Nicole, I'm having this done in Dec. could you list all the products you showed on your video. You went thru them so fast.
Hi Jan, I wish you all the best with your procedure! What I ended up using was the Purlisse Blue Lotus 4~in~1 Cleansing Milk: go.magik.ly/ml/r8ln, DHC Super Collagen Mist: go.magik.ly/ml/g327, and the moisturizer was Samudra Skin & Sea bit.ly/2WiVNuf. I would highly recommend a silk pillowcase regardless of what you use on your skin as it is so much gentler than cotton, (I have videos about silk pillowcases, here is one of them czcams.com/video/xHLWtxrBgFw/video.html) and you can find my favorite one here at any of these stores: Dermstore (often has 20% off) : go.magik.ly/ml/a272/, Sephora: go.magik.ly/ml/a26v/, Nordstrom: go.magik.ly/ml/a272. xoxo -Nicole
I’m going to have my IEC skin cancer taken off my nose with 2 sessions of this light therapy. Am nervous but has to be done. 😊
Wishing you all the best! 🤍
@@TheNicoleSanchez thank you. Luckily it was caught early and has not spread so should be fine once healed 😊
@@seany3303 that’s fantastic!!!
Please is not worry about it. It’s a minor process and relatively painless. It just feels like light snapping rubber bands. Make sure they have a fan for you to use while under the light. Lastly, follow the no light as directed. I had no side effects. Just keep the Aquaphore
Aquaphor on religiously and stay completely out of the light.
Hi Tina, It was SO much better than I expected. You are so right, keeping out of the light and keeping the ointment on really helped. The one time I accidentally was in the light I could feel it burn a little on my skin. So weird. Thanks so much for watching! ❤❤❤
YayOrNayNicole thank you for your reply. I am glad to hear you are doing well. I remember scaring the heck out of myself researching before I had the procedure done. The one consistent piece of information that stood out was to stay out of the light. It is my understanding that the light continues to activate the trace amount of topical chemotherapy over the 48 hours following the procedure. It makes sense. Stay healthy and beautiful.
Hey
You look even better without makeup.
😍
I'm having this done in a couple of weeks (first treatment). I'm very nervous. My 26 year old daughter sent me this video, along with your second one. She is hoping she doesn't have to go through this in the future! Anyway, thank you so much for the great information and 'visual.' My dermatologist plans on leaving the meds on for one hour, and I am to stay in the office. I'm happy to hear this after watching your second video. Phew! The thing that you didn't mention is the nurse/doc scrubbing your face. I hear that is a painful process, and done before the acetone is applied. Can you speak to this? I'm sure I'll have more questions, but will find you on IG too. I'm @bodyfundamentalsllc.
Hi Kelli, What a sweet daughter you have! If yours ends up like my first experience, it really wasn’t bad at all. The second one was crazy. My fingers are crossed that since your doctor will leave it on one hour and you get to stay in office it will not be too bad. When they cleaned my face with acetone it was a little stingy/burny feeling but really not bad at all. My face felt very dry afterwards but honestly I didn’t think that part was bad at all either time. Please let me know how it goes! Sending prayers and good vibes for an excellent, non-painful result. I’ll look for you on IG. 🌸💗🌸
My dermatologist recommends I do PDT for my acne...Supposedly this treatment reduces oil production and shrinks pores. Nicole, did you notice that after having it done?
Thank you, this was very helpful and we have similar coloring, even though I am wearing lots of self tanner and bronzer in my profile pic. I would love to see a side-by-side picture of the before and after without makeup. Do you have that on instagram or anything?
Hi Renee, I love bronzer and self tanner too! I have plenty of videos I start without make up on but I didn’t actually do it side-by-side like that. That is a really good idea. I do have makeup-free pictures on Instagram too but not a side-by-side before and after this procedure.
Does blue light therapy help prevent melanoma (or even treat premelanoma)?
Wow. You have VERY little reactions to procedure. My face absolutely blew up like a terrible sunburn. Unsure if that means I had a worse condition of bcc or pre=cancerous cells or more time with my face or light
One more question... can you watch tv after the treatment? Thanks.
I'm getting the procedure done in a few days. I've been told to avoid TV and computer unless the screen is dimmed way down low. I will probably wear a scarf around my face just in case.
I am scheduled for this treatment for a superficial Basal Cell Cancer that is also in the same area (upper lip area) and in my case it's now partly on my actual lip. I was thinking they would only be treating the actual area, not my entire face. I'm really concerned and after seeing many videos not sure how well I will do with this. I will need MOHS and Reconstruction surgery later, this is being done to try and shrink the size of the BCC, so that the surgery will not have to be as invasive and complex. I am now totally dreading it. I also have a lot of windows and skylights in my home and getting any room dark, is going to be a challenge! Oh my!!
Hi, I do not have the video up yet but I had the procedure done again as my spots came back and they left the medication on for 3 hours this time (instead of 1.5 hours) and they let me go home in between and I had a completely different experience. My face got super swollen and red and peeled. Perhaps your doctor does it differently? Do try to block out the light as much as you can. I know nothing about MOHS. I wish you all the best and will keep you in my prayers.
@@TheNicoleSanchez Thank you! MOHS is microscopic surgery done very often for basal cell and other types of Skin Cancer. They take small layers at a time and send them to the Lab until they have clear margins. IN my case, because of the location and size the know it will be pretty complex and that's why I'll need reconstructive surgery to repair the area. NOT happy or looking forward to any of this. From what I have learned, your second experience seems to be more of the norm and that is not fun. Plus, it's only to try and shrink this before surgery, I will still need surgery...! And I'm already living with Stage IV Lung Cancer (which is thankfully in remission). I really have already been through a lot...so this was an added kick in the pants! Thank you for your time and for sharing your experience. I'll watch for your new video and wish you well.
@@thepurpleplace9832 Oh my goodness! I Googled it and I wish you all the best. Thank God your lung cancer is in remission. You have quite the journey ahead of you. Sending you positive healing thoughts and prayers.
@@TheNicoleSanchez Thank you Nicole -- ! I'll be happy when this is behind me too! One day, one moment at a time!!
I have decided against the BlueLight Therapy and now have opted to try the Imiquimod Cream instead, which was one of my two options my MOHS surgeon suggested to try to shrink down the BCC prior to the MOHS surgery. I started that last night and will do 20 treatments. I HOPE it works, because the PDT sounds more painful and will involve my whole face. Using this topical cream I only have to apply it to the BCC. Hoping it works well! Best wishes to you!!
@@thepurpleplace9832 how are you doing now?
how much was your treatment? hope ur feeling better now :)
chrisiden depending on your health insurance plan, you can expect to just pay for the medicine they put on your face, so for me was about $450
My insurance covered it 100%.
Medicare covers full 80% (100% if you also have a Medicare Supplement policy to cover the remaining 20%).
Will insurance pay for this?
Did you notice anti aging effects at all?
Hi Barbara, I was hoping to but really did not notice any changes. Thanks so much for watching! 😘
I had this done last week on my face. Ouch ouch ouch. Do not even walk to the mailbox after this is done. Your face will burn and blister up.
Oh my gosh Tom I agree, absolutely do not go outside. I could feel the burn at a window where the shade was up. Those first three days you have to be a mole haha. Hope you are feeling better!
@@TheNicoleSanchez its been 8 days and the dead skin is off and now my skin is very tender. I have had several moh's surgery's from squamous cell skin cancer. Now i have basal cell and they wanted to do moh's surgery again. I don't want my face cut on again so they did this treatment. This is 50% effective so i hope it works. Cutting is 97% effective.
I dont understand… the retina was supposed to prevent skin cancer…. But you have it …..😢😳😳
Your sunscreen may causing skin cancer.