joshlin9693:

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Hello all!
I have a question. I showed up for my second consult before the 2nd round of treatment (12 week spread) and found that they didn't have an appointment in their system and none of the docs were there to do the measurements:/ The head of the oncology/radiology dept happened to be there yesterday so he looked over my files and decided he wanted to see me. Now, I was supposed to have my second set next week. He has decided that he wants me to see a hand surgeon first to "get it on the books" as seeing one. My original doc did not tell me to do this. He was just going to do the second set without that. Some of this is because I mentioned that I was feeling that same dull pain sensation in my left palm (untreated one with no cords or nodules) that I am having with my treated hand (one cord and nodule.)

I cannot get into see a hand dr. for 2 weeks -will there be any problem with this?
Also, have any of you had your doc radiate a hand that has no visible cords or nodules, just the ache/pain?

Thanks!

Confusing. You have DD diagnosed in the hand with nodules and cords. But, AFAICT it is not diagnosed or confirmed in the hand without nodules and cords but just an ache. RT is not recommended on the hand based on just that, the condition in that hand need to be diagnosed, and preferably signs of early nodules via palpation and differentiated from other possible causes before considering RT. Even then it may be too early and if it is DD it could settle and go dormant.

You may need to be quite assertive in getting progression to the second round of treatment; it sounds as though the oncologist is not in favour of RT and the hand specialist may not be either.

On the question of symptoms in the other hand that does not have nodules or cords; it is possible that there are systemic inflammatory mediators in action. I had RT on my left hand about 2 yrs ago which seems to have halted progression. About 12 months ago my right hand developed a nodule and tightness. At the same time I noticed similar tightness in my left hand. After RT for my right hand the tightness disappeared from both hands.

Having said that I would not suggest any treatment unless there are nodules and active disease.

Question again. Seegenschmeidt always does two rounds even though the hand now no longer has that itchy crawly feeling, right? I called the original Dr back. He said now he wants me to see the hand dr., too, To see what our treatment options are. I said I thought we were doing the treatment option so that I would not have to investigate further. Very confusing dealing with him. I don't know if the head of oncology radiology told him to do this or what- I am pretty certain that he never told me to see a hand specialist after the first round of RT. They make me feel so dumb...anyway I am going this Wednesday. I am betting that the hand dr. Would not even suggest RT and would say wait until it gets bad and do shots or surgery. Or better yet, wait until Obamacare takes over and " you'll get nothing and be happy with that!" I am ticked off, too because they didn't give me any other good doctor suggestions within their system so I am going to the one suggested on this forum- he's 50 miles away. I guess I will find out Wednesday.

Hi there is no rush to have the second round of 15 Gy. If the progression has stopped wait and see. In O7 I had only 15 Gy to my right hand . 5X3Gy , however on the left I had the 30 Gy. It gives you another option for later if needed.