Radiotherapy planning scan

I am so so sorry you had to go through this without being previously told what to expect.

I had my planning appointment this morning and thankfully had been given a leaflet on what to expect and a brief overview by the oncologist so I knew exactly what was coming though was very very nervous about being so exposed.

So no your experience wasn't typical and I wonder if it would help if you could contact the breast Care nurses at your hospital to tell them how distressing you found it. Sadly it is a bit like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted as it wont help you personally but might be something that if explained might help others in future.

I am surprised that even the radiographer did not have a pre chat with you to tell you more and explain about the tattoos. I did not need them but knew I might from the information leaflet given ahead of time.

Be warned that I am guessing we will go through the exposure gain during our actual treatment as well though I was told that would be shorter than the 30 minutes we just endured.

Once again I am so sorry you had to go through such distress. Good Luck with your treatment next week.  Sending you a virtual hug. x

Thank you very much for your reply, and I need that virtual hug :) 

I have mentioned to breast nurse, but she is at a different hospital, and she said she thought that they would normally move 1 side of the gown at once.  I think you are right about next week, but as you say, not for as long, and at least this time I will be expecting it.  Best of luck with your treatment Rx

I'm not bothered about my boobs hanging out.    I'm a G cup so you can't miss them.  I had to have a mould made to hold in place during each daily session!  That was an experience lying topless while two people placed warm, wet bandages over whole chest to make a plaster cast!  I found the feeling of wet bandages quite pleasant.  I was shocked at size of clear mould when made - thought of asking  to keep after treatment to make a fish pond ! My planning session involved 3 tattoos only one is noticeable if I look closely if wearing V neck top.  

I lived close to unit and on day one they gave a gown to use for 3 weeks.  As I lived close I wore gown to/from hospital so didn't have to faff with bra.  Just put zip up hoody on.  With my unit everyone male/female sat in waiting area in gown if you'd been given one so zip up hoody protected accidental flashing .!  Once in therapy room lights dim, you remove gown and lie on bed.  For me they collected my mould from shelf, lined me up and left room.  Took 10 minutes max.  Then put on gown and leave .  

I suggest if you feel uncomfortable say " I'm feeling cold and exposed can I put my jacket on for a minute"  this might just make them more aware not everyone comfortable.

Having had so many biopsies and 2 ops, to be quite honest I'm beyond caring about modesty when I'm being examined by the medical professionals. I just want the whole procedure done and dusted properly in as short a time as possible. I had my radiotherapy planning appt today. I was worried just about the fact that my right arm won't go above my head as they require, even though it's only the left breast being zapped. I felt the female Radiotherapist was very matter of fact, whereas the young male one was more caring. It was suggested I do see a Physiotherapist, whereas I had been putting this off. I prepared by reading the literature sent to me by the hospital and practising the deep breathing techniques beforehand, as requested, so I was very good at holding my breath for 30 seconds. I am less worried about modesty and more worried that the technical procedures are done properly and my cancer does not return. I was told to put the gown on, not to do it up at the back and then slip arms out of the sleeves. Couldn't have been more simple. All these medical professionals have seen all sorts of things - that is their job. My only comment would be that I felt a little that I was just one in a conveyor belt and that the female radiographer had said the same thing many times to many people - I'm sure she had, but the male one was much more human. 

I read my literature twice, it didn't prepare me for the scan.  It only said with regards to undressing that i would be given a gown to wear.  Not that I would be asked to remove it as soon as I sat on the scanner.  Hardly worth putting it on at all. 

I well know the anxiety of wanting the best treatment and worrying about cancer returning.  I was diagnosed with 2 separate cancers within 2 months of each other this year, the first being stage 3, for which I have previously had 7 biopsies during the 4 years surveillance and 2 previous surgeries, and this one.  My care for this was excellent, the medics gave me coverings and at all time protected my dignity without being asked.  I therefore expected the same from this team.

As I mentioned, it's not about being "seen" its about feeling less than a human being or a person when I am asked to remove my clothes which as humans, I feel give us part of our identify.  I find it very intimidating, but thank you for your comments, it's food for thought.

Did you find that you were stuck in the corner of the room used for the CT scan behind a very small screen though, with the Radiographers actually in the same room -  whereas most hospitals have a cubicle for changing in ? I thought that bit to be a bit strange......I expect though that they have to see so many people now that it's quicker that way. I don't feel less than a human being, my over riding feeling (and I never actually want to go to my appts) is that the treatment will benefit me and stop my cancer returning - (hopefully). If you are worried maybe you should say something next time, as you will presumably have to return for more appts. I asked if I could keep my glasses on and was told I could.

Now this will make you laugh.....when I had my op the sheet given beforehand said to take slippers or shoes. The Nurse who looked after me was really anxious that I had no slippers with me. She then decided to stick a pair of bright yellow and tiny childrens' slippers on the ends of my feet - I felt not human at all, but knowing full well she wanted me not to slip over I wore the damn things with dignity, so as not to annoy the Nurse, feeling exactly like a frog with the green compression stockings on as well. 

It's good that you seem to have a healthy attitude to the treatment.  I think had I been told what to expect, I might have got my head around it, before being in the situation, and that may have made a difference.  I did mention something at the time, and I was told that when I am on the scanner I am a patient, and that they look through me, when I get off, I am myself. 

In fact I am me all the time, and just happen to be a patient.  I think that comment illustrates why I feel dehumanised and like a piece of meat on a conveyer belt, as I have heard other patients say before.  In all honesty, I expect the other cancer will kill me, rather than this one, so I if I need to withdraw from this radiotherapy, I don't think it will make a difference.

Hi

Same here for me. Both CT room and RT room had a chair in one corner with screen around for patients to undress behind. You are probably correct that it is to save time, I noticed that the changing rooms next to the RT rooms in our hospital are closed off at the moment. No gowns, I was offered a large sheet of paper as cover but I didn’t see the point as it was only a few steps from the chair to the treatment bed. I was given lots of info in the pre-treatment phone call. I was also asked if I objected to a mixed team, but so many medical staff have seen my boobs since diagnosis that I’m past being embarrassed. I’ve had both male and female radiographers and also a male student present in my sessions, I’m too focused on keeping still and not moving to be worried about the other stuff. I’ve found all the staff to be extremely pleasant and they always tell me in advance what they’re about to do, whether it’s measuring/marking me up or physically moving me to the required position.

Thanks all, I have the answer to my question.