susie:

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I had my follow-up visit with Dr. King in Grand Junction, Colorado today, 5 months after RT for both feet and my right hand. I am doing incredibly well. I have a very physical occupation where I use my hands and stand on my feet all day. I was worried about losing function in my feet and hands.
My hope was to just stop the rapid progression of the disease, but it seems I'm getting better results than I expected. I no longer have pain in my feet and the nodules are softening in both feet and my hand.
I feel positive about my experience and I'm glad I went through with the treatment. Dr. King is so caring and knowledgeable. And the staff is wonderful.
If anyone lives on the western side of the state of Colorado and is in need of RT, please feel free to contact me. I'm happy to refer you and give you support.
All the best to everyone.
Susie

Susie,

Thank you for the update and for keeping us informed.
Well done on your good news to date!
Can you advise on the RT treatment, in terms of number of days and the Gy dose per day.

Best wishes for the futire!

Hi Cherise,

are you aware that radiotherapy won't help anymore if your fingers are in stage 4? It is only effective when the disease is starting and you have an initial nodule or a still very small cord and no contracture. It is most effective if treated within the first year after the nodule appeared.

Your doctor is right that RT has side effects http://www.dupuytren-online.info/radioth...de_effects.html . If the radiation is applied in the proper way and dose, the side effects are very minor. Still, RT is usually not recommended for teenies but if you are beyond 50 it shouldn't be a problem. I myself had my first RT with the age of 35 and that finger is still disease free and without any problems (after more than 30 years).

Wolfgang

Cherise:

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... I am in stage 4 and tried everything except RT. MY doctor said my disease was level 4 to far advanced for help.
All 4 of my fingers are effected. I had surgery anf Xiaflex on my pinky. I must wear a splint every nite and daily except for exercises. If I don't the finger will curl bak up. Then it's so painful to force it back in the splint.

I also have severe arthritis in my hands and fingers and palmoplantar psoriasis which complicate the treatment,

My doctor was skeptical of RT due to injuries from raidiation in the bones years down the line.

How long have you had DC and what stage are you in?

Kind Regards,
Cherese

Susie,

Thank you very much for your reply.
Your doctor seems to be following the so-called German procedure for RT treatment - i.e. two treatments of 5 days each separated by some 2, 3 or maybe 4 months.

I wish you every success into the future and thank you again for your input.

Lanod

susie:

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Cherise:

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You have been very lucky. Great that you have had so much success with your fingers thru treatment. I lived in Englewood CO for 20 years and have family still living there.

I am in stage 4 and tried everything except RT. MY doctor said my disease was level 4 to far advanced for help.
All 4 of my fingers are effected. I had surgery anf Xiaflex on my pinky. I must wear a splint every nite and daily except for exercises. If I don't the finger will curl bak up. Then it's so painful to force it back in the splint.

I also have severe arthritis in my hands and fingers and palmoplantar psoriasis which complicate the treatment,

My doctor was skeptical of RT due to injuries from raidiation in the bones years down the line.

How long have you had DC and what stage are you in?

Kind Regards,
Cherese

Hi Cherise,
I'm sorry about the complications you've experienced with your hands. Your concerns were already addressed by an expert here, I see.
To answer your last question, I noticed the nodules on my feet several years ago. They became painful after standing all day just in the last year. The nodules on my hand appeared about a year or so ago. Then, it progressed to a cord and slight contracture. That is when I went to my physician and was diagnosed.
Best wishes to you,
Susie