RT is clearly somewhat effective of knocking back existing nodes, but does it help diminish the formation of new nodes in the future? When I was speaking at my consultation with Dr. S, I mentioned that I thought new nodes could form after radiation, but he stated something to the effect they shouldn't, which surprised me. I thought I've seen several instances on this forum of people with RT having nodes show up in the radiated area. Is this rare?

Wach has said a few times that radiation is best in the first year after nodes show up. Dr. S frequently sends tells patients to come back when the disease is a little more advanced (I think about 25% or so). These positions might be somewhat counter to each other -- or maybe not. It seems like if RT diminished the likeliness of future nodes, earlier would seem better. But if not, later would be better to kill more nodes.

All this is mute for me I guess, since I already had be first week of RT. I pass the table top test easily, but do feel some tightness when I do it.

I had RT on the left hand by ProfS a few years ago. Since then the nodules and cords that existed at the time are still there but are softer. However, there have been other changes including minor skin dimpling and a new flat, diffuse and quite soft nodule. I showed it to the Prof when I later had the right hand treated, and he was not too concerned since it was soft and pain free, but told me to keep an eye on it.

I showed my hands to the Prof this summer at a meeting, and he briefly felt them, lumpy but soft, and he was unconcerned.

This last month on my right hand I have a 'nodule' developing below the PIP of the middle finger. This is on the margins of the radiated field, and is bothering me since it is sore and interferes with tennis grip. Not sure what to do about it at this stage since I am not sure it is a DD nodule, but it's an unusual lump, not a developing wart or callus, so we'll see. No sign of a cord. I would think the Prof would agree to treat it with 15 Gy if it is a DD nodule but I'll tackle that bridge, or not, if it comes to it.