Hi, does anyone know of (or have experinece of) the side effects of radiotherapy on hand-nodes and in general on the whole body after such a procedure. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!. Thank you.

I have dry hands, a little atropy. but other than that the hands are good to go!

For me, slight fatigue the week of treatment. Redness and peeling in the treated area, especially the folds of skin, about 16 days after the 2nd week, like a sunburn. Nothing bad, far better than any other treatment you can imagine.

More serious side effect issues are long term. Tenths of a percent risk of cancer, same for nerve damage, that is what my doctor said for me (I am 55).

mbird,

Surgery should not even be in the picture at this stage. RT, or doing nothing are your options now.

I also agree, RT if the disease is very active or watch and wait.

I had RT on my left hand 12 months ago and on my right hand 2 months ago. The only side effect is redness and dryness on the irradiated area that lasts for a few months and is treated by moisturiser. The positive side for me is that the progression stopped and cords and nodules regressed to some degree.

The cancer risk is only marginally increased for a person about 60 years old. This has been discussed at length in other threads.