I had RT with Dr. Tripuraneni at Scripps, San Diego on my right hand. He did 5 days x 2 gy for two consecutive weeks for a total of 20 Gy. It was effective. Stopped the progression of my disease. No more nodules in the irradiated area.

On left hand at Loma Linda UMC, Dr. Katerelos did 3 Gy x 7 days in a two week period. It stopped the progression. My choice is less is better if it works. It worked for me.

I go Monday to for consultation with Dr. Katerelos about Ledderhose on my right foot. We'll see what he thinks.

Why did I switch to Dr. Katerelos? 2 reasons: #1 - the medical billing to Medicare at Scripps left much to be desired. They did not know how to or didn't want to bother to appeal a denial by Medicare. LLUMC was very well versed on Medicare and insurance in general and took care of everything. Between Medicare and my supplemental, all was covered.

#2 - Loma Linda is 30 minutes/25 miles away vs. 2 hours/85 miles to San Diego/La Jolla.

By the way, I loved Dr. Tripuraneni. There should not have been a billing issue.

Hi Australia Calling.
There is good reason to wait as in my case back in 2007 I had both my hands and feet treated by Prof. Seegenschmiedt in Germany. My right hand only received one protocol of 5X 3 Gy Total of 15 Gy. whereas my left hand had 30 Gy. Another reason is that it allows the oncologist a chance to examine any new reoccurrence of the disease.

Edited 03/25/13 06:23

wach:

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Another point, additional to newman's comment, is that the fractioning gives the skin and connective tissue time to recover and reducing side effects.

Wolfgang

stephenp:

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The variable treatment regimens is interesting. The radiologist said that he uses the published schedule of 5x3Gy followed by a six week break and a further 5x3Gy but cannot see any logic in this. Other more convenient/shorter schedules clearly work.