About 2 weeks ago, I went to see Dr. T at Scripps, La Jolla for a followup after the RT done on my right palm in
July /09. He checked my hand, palpated it thoroughly, asked if it was better after RT, marked 3 places and took a picture, felt both feet for Ledderhose's and told me that we don't need to do anything now. He said, "Don't look for trouble."

This was the first time he has seen me since RT. He was very interested in whether it had been effective in improving use of my hand. I told him that my grip is better, no itchy/crawly feelings and less tightness. He was very interested in validating that I had better function in my hand after RT. I do give RT the credit for stopping progression as well as some unanticipated improvement in function. He said that the places he marked in my hand may be spots that didn't get completely stopped. The places marked were harder nodules or cords. They were not at the surface but were a little deeper. He didn't say that, but that's how they feel to me. He did say that he noticed that there was thickening in my right foot as compared to the left foot, but that he really doesn't know what it is. He doesn't want me to look for trouble on my feet either.

So, I'll put my hypochrondriac (sp?) side away for a while. If progression becomes more evident, I'll probably consider NA for the cords that are visible. Dr. T thinks the dimpling in the first joint of my pinky may be from a cord in my palm that is pulling on it. That cord can be felt fairly deep in my palm.

I find him very professional and he doesn't rush to do RT, wants to be sure the symptoms indicate active Dupuytren's for doing RT and a low dosage. If in doubt, he is for waiting. I like that.

From what I read on this Forum, there are other radiologists in the U.S. who are equally capable and professional. More and more, we are getting the word out about alternative treatments. Some of the naysayers will never want to hear it, but for those of us who have this weird disease, we know. Thank you Wolfgang and this website. This Forum saves hands and feet.

Maxine,
Did you have only one treatment per day? I had radiation at the Oklahoma center and it has not helped at all, in face things are definitely worse. But I was not thrilled with the experience and I feel that several things that occured during treatment might have affected the outcome. I am wondering if you can have repeat radiation treatment. I had treatment twice a day four four days, but I am still not sure of exactly how MUCH radiation they gave me each time.

If anyone has had repeat radiation therapy please let me know.
Thanks

Paula