Hi Everyone

I've just finished my first week of radiotherapy on both hands and I'm wondering what to expect!! So far I've itchy, hot hands and the nodules seem harder than they were before my treatment. I'm using lots of cream, so everything I touch is covered in slime!

I'd love to hear other people's experience of general side effects, how long they last and of course when to expect any improvements.

Thanks Gary. Have you had any improvement though. I know, like me you are seeing Dr Shaffer. Have you had your second week of RT yet?

Good luck, Gary. Here's hoping.... My next session is at the end of August but I'll report any changes/improvements along the way. What a trial this Dupuytrens/Ledderhose is!!

Hello,

For some reason, your question appeared in my email inbox as a reply to one of my posted questions (??)...I haven't had RT, nor would I as I don't believe in it (Just my opinion) I have read too many accounts of bad complaints about this method of treatment. I have had several surgeries over the years on many different parts of my body, including my toes, and EVERY one of them were successful. When it comes to my DD & LD, I will treat it the same and have surgery too on that. I do not fear surgery like many do, however, people can chose what is best for them, but with me, Surgery is the only route I would go. I do not want injections, RT, Steriod inj, etc.....I want it dug out, or cut off, period!....Surgeries, for me, have always been successful and solved the problem, without having to go back again, and agian, and again, like all the other treatments do. I realize most do what is best for them, but for me, I'm going with what works. I would even have them cut my hand completely off, if need be, and I'm OK with it. I wish you the best of luck and I hope you find the relief your looking for...Best wishes, Metzie.

Hi, I just discovered this blog, having signed up yesterday to receive radiation therapy for Dupuytren's. It is in my left hand and in the early stage with a lump and a cord. I noticed it three months ago and have seen two orthopedists who advised the "wait and see" approach. I read Judith Proctor's article on RT, however, and decided that it would be worth it to see if I could stop the progression of the disease with RT before a contracture occurred. I play the violin, so the complete use of my left hand is very important to me.

I am seeing a radiation oncologist who has not treated Dupuytren's before, but has treated other benign "fiber" issues with radiation with good results. In case anyone is interested, I will be treated at Suburban Hospital affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine at 6420 Rockledge Drive in Bethesda, MD. Tel: 301-896-2012. I had to do considerable research to find a location in my vicinity. On the Dupuytren's website the closest locations to me appeared to be in Virginia or Delaware.