switcombe:

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So far, my skin doesn't seem to be significantly drier, but it does seem to be thinner and more fragile, like there's not as much subcutaneous fat. My palm appears to be more cupped. Maybe it's just my imagination, but it does cause me to be somewhat fearful of my second course of radiation.

Cyclist:

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Hi SB
Do you think maybe your hands felt better and that's why you had the wishful thinking? I know my feet (though still not 'normal') feel a lot better now, despite no significant shrinkage.
Cheers
Di

spanishbuddha:

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switcombe:

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So far, my skin doesn't seem to be significantly drier, but it does seem to be thinner and more fragile, like there's not as much subcutaneous fat. My palm appears to be more cupped. Maybe it's just my imagination, but it does cause me to be somewhat fearful of my second course of radiation.

I photograph my hands monthly. I recommend you do this.

After I had RT I was certain there was a reduction in nodules and cords, but the photographic record showed it was just wishful thinking.

Hi again SB
I understand.. today my foot nodules are really soft and other days they're raised and swollen again and sometimes I dread the worst too. I actually dreamt that I looked at my feet and there were nodules right down the length of both feet, which was horrible and so real that I woke up really disappointed!! Several factors seem to contribute to the swelling including stress, lack of sleep or too much time standing or walking (or when I'm reckless enough to run on them, which happens sometimes after too many 'good' days). Have you noticed any patterns with your good or your bad days?
Overall, I'm satisfied that the condition has stabilised.
All the best
Di

spanishbuddha:

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Cyclist:

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Hi SB
Do you think maybe your hands felt better and that's why you had the wishful thinking? I know my feet (though still not 'normal') feel a lot better now, despite no significant shrinkage.
Cheers
Di

spanishbuddha:

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switcombe:

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So far, my skin doesn't seem to be significantly drier, but it does seem to be thinner and more fragile, like there's not as much subcutaneous fat. My palm appears to be more cupped. Maybe it's just my imagination, but it does cause me to be somewhat fearful of my second course of radiation.

I photograph my hands monthly. I recommend you do this.

After I had RT I was certain there was a reduction in nodules and cords, but the photographic record showed it was just wishful thinking.

Yes, for a while the symptoms I had been experiencing, tingles, aches, cramps were reduced and I would seek for a physical reduction.

Take today for example. I'm sure the nodules. cords feel softer. Maybe they do. My hand also has no funny sensations. But on another day my hand will be sore and perhaps I'll be thinking the worse again about the nodules and cords.

It is one year this week since my RT, so it's difficult to say if it has been successful. My objective was to delay contracture, if it would occur, and since I have no contracture I'm glad that I had the treatment. Was it the RT though? Who knows and I do still have occasional pain, cramps, aches, tingles etc.

Edited 06/05/12 16:11

switcombe:

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spanishbuddha:

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It is one year this week since my RT, so it's difficult to say if it has been successful. My objective was to delay contracture, if it would occur, and since I have no contracture I'm glad that I had the treatment. Was it the RT though? Who knows and I do still have occasional pain, cramps, aches, tingles etc.

Do you find that the pain is related your activity level? How many minutes a day do you play the keyboard? I find that the cords in my thumb web swell in relation to my hand usage. I play the piano approximately 30-60 minutes a day.

Edited 06/05/12 17:12

I understand about the plumbing. I had to replace 2 faucets. Gripping the wrench about made me want to permanently shut off the sink. It was that motion of gripping combined with the tightening of my hand that about did me in. I might not call a plumber in the future but I am pretty certain the gutters will be cleaned by someone else next year. 2 hours of work cleaning the gutters is not worth 4 days of pain.

Lori