Australia Calling. It is important not to apply total palm irradiation to prevent unnecessary side effects.The remainder of the hand not treated is protected by lead shielding.
Prof Seegenschmiedt explained, that he allowed a safety margin around the visible and palpable area, when applying the radiotherapy to catch any thing ,that could not be identified. In my case they took a digital photograph of the area to be treated.This is important should an adjacent area required treatment at a future time.Otherwise the adjacent area would received a double dose of radiation. Radiotherapy was not given to advanced patients with Dupuytrens with stage 2 to 4.
We discussed that many patients wait too long before seeking treatment, which might mean You miss the opportunity. Regards.

Edited 09/11/08 12:10

Hi! A cooler head is prevaling this morning...I talked with my radiologist. I think there are differences in the types of radiation used. I received electron radiation. I'll write more about it when I get home.

Megan L

Megan, where did you have your radiation done? I am looking for a place west coast. d

Hi Diane,

I had mine done at St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Instiute in Boise. Initially I saw Dr. Kline at the Dupuytren Center in Boise and he referred me to Dr. Kuhn at St. Luke's.

I'll post a little more about the experience tonight....Megan

Hi Trev B,

Dr. Kuhn told me that the course of radiation I'm having wouldn't rule out surgery or NA, or also additional radiation if necessary in the future. I'm curious if the type of radiation used would make a difference when considering future procedures. I had electron radiation. I didn't wear any shielding.

Dr. Kuhn mapped my hand and then a template (think cookie cutter) was made. The radiation was administered through this template. My hand was held by a cast which they formed to my hand, so that my hand was always in the same position. Dr. Kuhn told me the radiation only penetrated into the upper layers of the skin. The radiologist told me that I didn't have to wear a lead shield because the radiation doesn't scatter (at least that is how I understood what she was telling me....my knowledge of medicine and science is limited!).

I have had no side effects to speak of; my skin does not seem particularly dry, although I am using the cream they gave me pretty often. I did have a very subtle tingling sensation in the days following the radiation and maybe a slight burning feeling, but it was extremely subtle. They also gave me a cream with lidocaine if I had any burning, but I haven't had to use it. I'll be back for a week in November for the second round.

Megan L (Bellevue, WA)