Hi TrevB,

Thank you so much for sending the link to that article....I looked over it quickly and plan to read it more carefully tonight.

On a fast read, it did ease my concerns. After I read your last posting about this subject, I talked to my husband, and he hypothesized that there were other factors to consider than the amount of radiation (i.e.: the intensity, the frequency, etc.).

quote: I suppose if you haven't seen anyone close to you affected by cancer then you might perhaps be more open minded but if you have then it certainly makes you think!

I agree with you about that! Both of my parents died of cancer. On the other hand, I have known a lot of people who have received radiation for cancer and they are all doing really well.

Thanks again for sending that link....even though I am open to radiation, I am by nature a worry-wort.

- Megan -

Well I've gone through my first week of radiation. A little different than the photo, I'm lying horizontally with my arms outstretched above me. The first visit took awhile in that they made a mold for me to place my hands in. But each actual radiation treatment has only taken about 15 - 20 minutes. Most of that was positioning. The staff has been great. Hands don't seem to glow in the dark. Seriously I've not had any side effects that I can discern. My next series is in about six weeks. Obviously I'm hoping for the best. Will let everyone know what developments I see as I go along.

Quote:

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Hands don't seem to glow in the dark.

Ha! That's great! I'm glad it's going so well and that you haven't had any side effects. I hope for the best for you, too!

On my way to Boise tomorrow to see Dr. Kline, and will also pass on any new information. Best to all of you,

Megan

Megan -

I'm so glad you had a good experience with Dr. Kline. Thank you so much for remembering about me. I really appreciate it. I am 46 and with my luck my nodules WILL be this awful disease and will be aggressive. I'll have to keep Dr. Kline in mind though I am in Michigan.

I hope to be able to go in for an official diagnosis within the next two weeks. My husband has an interview next week for a job with good insurance & no "pre-existing" waiting period like individual insurances, and there is a really good chance of him getting the job. If he does get it then I will go in for a diagnosis right away and wait the 3 months for the insurance to kick in before going for any treatment like radiation if need be other then maybe steroid injections. What I thought was perhaps the start of a cord seems to have developed into another nodule right above the first one.

I have a 26 yr old disabled daughter with Spina Bifida to take care of so I have to have full function of my hand(s).

All,

I was initially diagnosed with a ganglion cyst. Yesterday, I met with a specialist who immediately diagnosed me with DS. I have nodules in my left hand - first discovered 3-months ago and seem to be progressing quickly. I am male, 37 yrs old. At present no contracture. Questions:
1) How quickly does the disease typically progress? Will it be months years or more before I notice contracture?
2) My doctor did not mention radiation as an option. I live in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. How can I go about finding a doctor in my area that is using radiation? dwilson540 - how did you find your dr. in KS?
3) Is radiation considered experimental - will insurance cover this treatment? It would seem less costly than surgery, but is that right?