Squamous Cell Carcinoma post transplant

Yes due to an ongoing tendency to a virus called parvo B19 I had a pretty bad bout of it and it caused my blood counts to get too low. So I was taken off of the other commen one I'm trying to remember the name it starts with a M so to help keep me from B19 from coming back they only have me on Tac

Hi @danab
It sounds like you may have been on Mycophenolate or Myfortic. My story is similar. After each infection, my immune suppression has been reduced. I currently take Envarsus XR and Myfortic. My guess would be the Myfortic may be switched after I speak with my doctor regarding the squamous.
What is your target range for Tacrolimis? Do you also have Allosure tests every once in a while?
After 7 years, it sounds like they have everything perfectly adjusted for your system. Wonderful!

Yes it been very stable at 1.5 twice a day. Once in a while it may get below the trough of 5-6 range at they may add an additional 0.5 but it's rare.

Yes I am on 2 week blood draw to get sirolimus levels. So far they have been perfect with the initial dose of 2mg dly.

Hi all Transplants and skin cancer posters,
I have not been on this site for a while. I am going on 4 yrs post kidney transplant in Sept. My fight now is with Skin Cancer basal and squamous cell carcinoma. I am on Tacrolimus and Prednisone. I see regular Dermatologist every 3 months. He does cryo, scrapping, I have had numerous Mohs procedures. I also had a blue light procedure on my face which was so so painful. It helped for a while. The procedure was so so painful I do not think I could tolerate it again. My questions are; has anyone had any other alternative procedures? Also, I have read about a Transplant Dermatologist. Is anyone seeing this type of Derm? Thx everyone.

@ckomis I know exactly how you feel!
I am 5 year post kidney transplant and my basal and squamous has fired up too.
I have had multiple MOHS on my scalp and face in the lasr coupleof years. Matter of fact, I have MOHS scheduled on Thursday for another squamous on my scalp. It takes months to heal, so I dread it.
My dermatologist is recommending that I do not change my immune suppression meds. Currently, TAC and Cellcept.
He feels that he can manage what's going on with the skin. He wants me to start using EFUDEX once a week on my scalp and face for the rest of
my life.
Have you used EFUDEX cream? Has anyone in transplant or your dermatologist, discussed the idea of changing to a different immune suppression med like sirolimus?
I am afraid to change immune suppression, but I am also afraid of squamous and all these surgeries.
What is your dermatologist and transplant saying? Just stay the course for now?
I wish I could find a good solution to this too. It scares me to have all this scalp squamous.

@ckomis Also, I forgot to mention that my dermatologist mentioned that maybe I should take oral retinoids. Did your dermatologist mention any supplements like that?

@hello1234 wow! Hope all goes well on Thursday. I have been on Sirolimus and it did not agree with my belly. Derm wants to stay the course of cryo. I will ask about Retinoids and Efudex. Thanks for the tips.

@ckomis . It is good to her from you!
Since I did not have a dermatologist at home. I used to get scheduled to see a dermatologist " in the transplant department" during my annual chck-ups. It was a convenience that was offered to streamline the visit/appointments. He was not a "specialized" transplant dermatologist. You've got me curious! You might want to ask your transplant people if there is such a specialty.

Hi Rosemary, the specific transplant derm was mentioned by another poster . I will be asking my Transplant Office team . Hope all is well with you.