Members and friends: Well, I finally got everything ironed out. I am meeting with Dr. Terrence Herman at Oklahoma University's Oncology unit Monday, January10th at which time I am scheduled for RT for one week (seven total treatments) on both of my feet. I am bilateral (have nodules in the same areas on both feet), I am moderate to severe, years of new growth and some are in the progressive stage (getting bigger). Pain = I have taken pain meds because it hurts now just too much, but I have the growths from under my middle toes, down the tendon in the arch, and even a couple in the heel area.

As far as pain goes, the more you do, the more sore my feet are the next few days. I am not in misery, but I cannot do certain things (ladders, running for long distances, anything that requires pivoting and twisting on the nodule area). All of you know exactly what I am talking about. So, here's what I am going to do:

I am going to report on this forum daily from the time I meet with Drs. Herman and Matheson, until I am finished which will be on Friday, January 14th. I will give a detailed description of the treatment, how it is done, how I feel, everything that I would want to know about RT. I will probably be the most advanced case they have treated. My expectations are optimistic, as I know this is experimental and new = it is not surprising that NO ONE, except the Dr's and their assistants know what the hell I am talking about = it took about 8 months and hours of talking with doctors and insurance company to finally agree to pay for this treatment. I will tell you the cost(s) once i know = they can't tell me yet until diagnosed fully.

I have had several surgeries on my hands with a very good hand Dr. in the Dallas area, Dr. Richard Burkett. Thank you Dr. Burkett for jobs well done. Hands are good now. So, check back with this forum every day if you are interested and I will update for those interested. This is cutting edge, but I think Dr. Seegermeister has been doing this in Germany for a few years. If the progression can be stopped, that will be A+ and even some of them disappearing would be even better. I will keep you all updated on this RT procedure. I know what you are going through. It really does feel like hell sometimes, and what makes it worse, is that not even the experts, doctors, or ANYONE can help you. Surgery is just bad = period. If you are reading this? NO NO NO NO NO to surgery. This stuff can come back with a vengeance. RT may stop this re-occurrence, stop the progression of nodules getting larger. Who knows? It is my best chance, IMHO.

So, if you have ANY questions, I'll be reporting everything to you as I find out and if you have any questions, fire away. I will do my best to answer you. I will say this = I don't know the exact cost yet, but I was told that insurance is almost always necessary, unless you use your feet for business and can write off the costs somehow.

Remember = check back = I will be updating a couple of times a day - from the procedure to how I feel to anything I feel that I personally would want to know about this RT. Also, as far as being dangerous? It is so low, that it is considered moot. Really no chance of getting cancer or getting sick from radiation like cancer patients. A low, repeated dose on the areas affected.

Hang in there, I'm excited and I am excited to be able to relay my experience and results to you who suffer = believe me, I understand your pain, sadness and frustration 100%

Talk to you all on Monday!!!!

Steve Crabtree
drumhead on this forum

Good luck and keep us posted. I am interested to see how it goes. thanks for the great post.

Lori