Dup's not giving up

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 That's me making a gritty smile at the camera this morning. James and I were waiting for my followup with Dr. Brian Fricke with the Department of Physical Medicine at the Mays Cancer Center in San Antonio. The news was not good, and I wasn't surprised. I'd had high hopes that the two rounds of low-beam electron radiation would put Dup into remission, like it's done for a lot of patients. But instead, my nodules have increased and grown. I know I shouldn't give up yet. But dang, it's hard to stay optimistic when you can feel your hand tingling and tightening. 

I hate looking at my left hand. Makes me feel squeamish. Yes, I'm a wuss – the pits and grooves in my hand rank right up there with blood and guts. 

And Dup is starting in my right hand, too. Lovely.
I know there are so many other people with worse Dupuytren's than me. But some days, I just have to have a little cry about the future. What will my hands be like next year? In five years? Ten years? Dr. Fricke said surgery's ahead for me. Bummer. In the meantime, perhaps we can try enzyme injections (OUCH!!!) and/or low-level laser therapy. I don't know. More research ahead.

If you’re reading this, then you must be dealing with Dupuytren’s, too. My heart goes out to you. It is such a mysterious and frustrating disease. If I can be of any help to you, please let me know. I’ll sure listen if you need an ear!
 

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