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Query about dry hands after radiation, etc.
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11/02/2008 09:34
Sam216

not registered

11/02/2008 09:34
Sam216

not registered

Query about dry hands after radiation, etc.

I'd be interested to know if anyone is experiencing long-term hand dryness after radiation and if it is very uncomfortable--also any other long-term hand side effects from radiation?
Thanks.

Although one finger has contracted, and therefore probably won't benefit, I'm considering rt for an old finger nodule (about 4 years) that has now become larger and also for a cord in the palm of same duration which has not contracted and has no nodule. Is there anyone who has had something similar and can comment on their experience with radiation? All the experiences I've read so far are for radiation on "newer" nodules or cords.

Thanks

11/02/2008 16:02
Issleib 
11/02/2008 16:02
Issleib 
Re: Query about dry hands after radiation, etc.

It's been over two years since I had radiation to my hands and more than a year and a half for my feet. I have a little residual dryness but it is very mild and not at all uncomfortable. At first I used lotion regularly but now I mostly forget. But Until very recently I was really hard on my hands needing to wash them 2 or 3 dozen times a day. And the moment I'm home I'm barefoot. So someone who was kinder to their skin would probably have even less dryness than I do.

11/02/2008 19:19
kiwideb 
11/02/2008 19:19
kiwideb 
Re: Query about dry hands after radiation, etc.

I finished my radiation therapy just over a month ago and had no real dryness to speak of either during or after treatment. I don't know if it would have any bearing on this, but my doctor followed a conservative treatment regime, so the total radiation dose I received would be less than some others.

I did use aqueous cream, but not every time I washed my hands.

11/03/2008 10:04
newman 
11/03/2008 10:04
newman 

Re: Query about dry hands after radiation, etc.

Quote:



I finished my radiation therapy just over a month ago and had no real dryness to speak of either during or after treatment. I don't know if it would have any bearing on this, but my doctor followed a conservative treatment regime, so the total radiation dose I received would be less than some others.

I did use aqueous cream, but not every time I washed my hands.


Australia Calling,I am interested in your quote of receiving a 'conservative treatment regime' Could you advise what was the total dose or radiation administed and over what period.ie how many Gy was the total-which protocal did you receive. Regards.

11/03/2008 15:27
kiwideb 
11/03/2008 15:27
kiwideb 
Re: Query about dry hands after radiation, etc.

Hi newman,

Quote:



[ Could you advise what was the total dose or radiation administed and over what period.ie how many Gy was the total-which protocal did you receive. Regards.



My doctor went with the more conservative of the two protocols described in the Seegenschmiedt et al study - 7 x 3Gy treatments - so I'm assuming a total of 21Gy. The treatment started on a Friday and then Monday, Wednesday, Friday for two weeks. I've not yet had my follow-up appointment but I'm sure that I've regained much of the flexibility I'd lost in my fingers. although there doesn't seem to be a lot of change to the node in my palm.

Cheers

11/03/2008 22:35
newman 
11/03/2008 22:35
newman 

Re: Query about dry hands after radiation, etc.

Hi Australa Calling,
Next time you visit the Oncologist ask for a copy of the dose and any photos etc. for your file incase you may need to refer to the notes at a future time. The Germans keep the medical records by law for 30 yrs.
It could be important to know precisely what area of the hands were eradiated. Post radiotherapy I noted that the heat and growing sensation reduced and stopped within 6 to 8 weeks and it was up to 3 months before I noticed subjective reduction of the nodules. I am happy with overall treatment of both hands and feet. Prof Seegenschmiedt did recommend the use of a creme containing 2% to 4% of Urea, apparently this helps retain moisture in the skin. He recommended applying the creme at night and then wearing white cotton gloves overnight.Finally if you have had no problems with dryness that is good as in the Prof. Clinical Investigation he found that the 7X3Gy was slightly more ' acute toxiicity than the 5X3Gy' .However the dose rated is lower. Thanks for your information Regards.

Edited 11/04/08 00:44

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