Jennifer, I hope you are still monitering I am wondering how your radiation treatment worked for you. I was just diagnosed yesterday with Dupuytren and I too don't yet have any noticeable contractions yet I am early 50s and just found a small lump and the cord going down from my middle finger. So i was not even sure it was this until since my primary care doctor thought it was a Cyst. I was diagnosed yesterday by the specialist. My Doctor talked like nothing could be done until it was time for surgery. But I am hopeful about some of these early treatment options that I am reading about... I hate just waiting for the inevitable. I am not sure what direction I should take.. but I could do Germany. any idea of the cost since I am sure my insurace will not cover going to Germany for this.

Hi Ivy- Australia Calling. Welcome to the forum.
I had RT on both hands and feet in Germany late 07 . (2sessions)(5X3GY) The cost of treatment 2000 Euros. If it is one hand i would count on 500 to 600 Euros. In Essen they helped with the names of hotels which work with the hospital and gave discounts to patients. I used the time to travel and enjoy myself having the treatment first thing . Regards.

Hum I am in the states, KC so 500 euros.. is about..humm exchange was..1.75 a year ago when we went to Italy, so now probably closer to, 2 so I could count on 1000 or more I guess. plus the cost of travel.. I heard some went to NY. I wonder if i just start calling all the cancer treatment centers in my city if I may hit on one that would be willing. Not sure how much experiance plays in the radiation doc part of this.

Thanks! I sent the email.... I have been reserching the NET till my eyeballs are dry trying to see anything that would help me make up my mind about the radiation route. I have not seen anything american on the con side except some vauge references to it not being effective. But I have not seen any thing on the pro-side either except on this site. but I am hopeful. I don't want to just sit on my hands (bad pun) and wait. I hear that it progresses slowly and it may be years before it really affects me. I am only in my early 50s though I dont' want to wait til I can't type anymore.

Hi,

This is the first time I'm posting and I have a question with Wolfgang in mind. I'm a classical "pianist-in-recovery" meaning that I'm working now towards regaining my performing skills after a 5 year hiatus, age 58, living in China with confirmed symptoms of Dupuytren's in both hands, but more prominently in the right. That sounds like a challenge, doesn't it? Well, life is full of them! Rather boring otherwise, I'd say.

Last summer I visited the Hand Center in Jupiter, FL, USA and spoke with both Dr. Zidel and Eaton. Dr. Zidel recommended a watchful waiting approach since my condition is in its early stages (how "early" I don't know) and to follow the progress of the clinical trials using collagenase to see how things develop as a potential therapy for a later stage, should it become necessary. He didn't mention radiation therapy, as I recall.

After reading several postings, radiation therapy sounds like it could be a good option for me. Wolfgang mentioned that he had it 25 years ago. I'm curious to know where and under what conditions. Whobesides the ones in Essen, Germany, are the most experienced doctors with significant specialization and experience using it now and where are they?

Any other words of wisdom, comfort or advice would be appreciated.

Best,
Lea in China