In 2005 I had surgery for DD on my left hand, pinky and ring finger. I had let it go pretty far, and unfortunately my body doesn't heal well, it forms near keloid scars over the incision. The recovery was horrible, and the 5 months of time consuming PT with nothing to show for it was depressing. It's been 5 years and my left hand looks like I never sought treatment with a 40%+ angle to my pinky.
About 10 months ago I noticed the same growth appearing in my right hand. Rather than get a cord in my palm, I get nodules in my knuckles. I went to a surgeon who assured me that surgery on my right hand would bring the exact same (undesirable) results as my previous surgery on my left hand. I then contacted Dr.s who had been involved with the trial for Collagense and was told this treatment would not work for me, it only works on cords. Ditto for NA. Last resort - Radiation.

I went to visit Dr. Weiss in early March and set an appointment to come back in early April and go through the 7 treatments (Monday to Friday, then the following Monday and Tuesday). I spent the first week assuming I was wasting my time and money, but by the last two treatments I could see the nodules shrinking. Its only 48 hours later but the larger nodule on my right pinky has shrunk to the size it was back 5 months ago. I had no pain, no problems and hopefully no long lasting effects from the radiation.

The staff of VCU Massey Cancer Center is marvelous. Dr Weiss is easy to deal with. Her Radiology Assistants, Kelby and Tammy were friendly and professional. I would do this again if I have to.

Hi all

I have just yesterday finished with seven sessions of radiation theraphy at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center with Dr. Herman. The treatment was for my feet. In the time period between my last post and today's date, I now have DD in both hands.

Unfortunately, I do not see any difference in the tumor in my left foot. It is really sore now and do not know if that is from the radiation or if the tumor is is active and expanding.

I do hope I see some regression with my left foot. I had pinned great hope on the radiation, which by the way was 9 electrons. Have no idea if that is the normal amount or not.

Dr. Herman did say that it appears that mine is a very aggressive form. Sooooooo, pretty beat right now - off to rest. Will post more later.

Aloha and thanks for the upbeat recount of your own radiation therapy, LulaB.

Gives me great hope that my own will follow suit. How strong was your electron radiation, if you don't mind my asking?

I am scheduled to go back in May for the first treatments in my hands. The growth there is quite rapid. I have been experiencing complete numbness in the three fingers (minus the thumb and forefinger) in each hand. When I spoke to Dr. Matheson about this - his reply was that he felt the numbness had absolutely nothing to do with the DD. I am talking complete numbness, folks. He suggested that I see a neurologist and that there might be something else going on.

Anyone else had this problem. The numbness subsides throughout the day - but, is there for several hours during the morning time.

I also have tendinitis in my thumbs. Hmmmm........what else can happen? LOL

Thanks again for your post, honestly.

Did they radiate specific areas of your hand or the whole palm? Just wondering what the mapping looked like for you RT.

From all I have read, you can't go wrong with Dr. Eaton.