Radiation bonus!

Wow - a massage!
An awesome "perk" from your rads team - good for you, teena! I bet you're actually looking forward to NEXT Wednesday!

Don't mean to sound like a broken record, again, but... Finding the best medical care possible - when facing any sort of serious and complicated disease - is at least half the battle, always.

So glad you're confident and happy with your own medical pros.

Kind regards, Susan

How wonderful, a massage!
How wonderful, a massage! Very nice! What are the 2 poles you hang onto? My right arm

rested comfortably in a sling made for it. I had an excellent, loving, caring team of techs

too! I was like some of the others here, I still stay in touch with them. They were just

great and went above and beyond.

Akiss4me said:

I am sooooooooo jealous!!
My husband calls me a massage queen (meant in a very good way!) because I would have one three times a day if I could. I am one of those people that just respond very well to touch therapy. I am so jealous of you!! I am going to bring this up with my radiation oncologist this afternoon when I go see him. Gheeesh....I'm just meeting him for the first time and I'm already asking him about a massage!! Wish I had a video cam to tape my hubby falling off his chair!! Pammy

I treated myself
After my last radiation treatment, I went and got a pedicure and massage! I didn't even feel guilty at the cost because i knew i deserved it and like the commercial says "i am worth it" lol!
love and hugs, jackie

tgf said:

Noel
The two pole things are over my head. It's like I'm on my back in in a iron bed reaching behind behind/above my head for the rungs on the iron headboard thing. I guess I stupidly assumed we were all sort of in the same position for radiation ... but obviously not. I guess it all has to do with where the tumor was... and the direction they have to aim the machine. It's all so fascinating to me.

All of us with our different diagnosis .. different treatments ... it's just amazing what medical science can do.

hugs.
teena

Hi Teena! Yea, it is weird
Hi Teena! Yea, it is weird how we all have rads so differently. I just assumed that we were all in the same position. But, I was wrong. I bet that is uncomfortable the way you have them. Good luck with your rads and your massages.

Hugs, Noel

tgf said:

Noel
The two pole things are over my head. It's like I'm on my back in in a iron bed reaching behind behind/above my head for the rungs on the iron headboard thing. I guess I stupidly assumed we were all sort of in the same position for radiation ... but obviously not. I guess it all has to do with where the tumor was... and the direction they have to aim the machine. It's all so fascinating to me.

All of us with our different diagnosis .. different treatments ... it's just amazing what medical science can do.

hugs.
teena

Noel
I was also in that same position but my hands were in like stirrups. I know it is amazing how different everyones treatment is. hugs, jackie

Jeanne D said:

Your hands were in stirrups?
Your hands were in stirrups? Wow, we do all have it different. My right arm was almost next to me, a little higher, in a very comfortable slinglike thingie too. It is amazing how different we all have the radiation treatments done. And, how are you doing Teena! Ok, I hope!

And, Jackie..HOORAY again for your being done! You had a hard time with rads, but, you did it very bravely!

Love, Jeanne

Jeanne....
Me too. We had a few adjustments to make since it was my bad arm that had to go in the air, but we managed to get it pretty much right next to me in a very comfortable padded holder. This was just for the simulation today but I think it is doable for the duration.
Also, he started me on meds for my neuropathy in that arm that he thinks will really help make it even more comfortable once they kick in. Pammy

susie09 said:

Now I am going to demand a
Now I am going to demand a massage too. Very nice Teena!

A massage? That is not
A massage? That is not fair. lol All I get is burnt!

Moopy23 said:

Same Here, Survivorbc!
Teena, a massage--how wonderful. Hope you take the offer every week now.

It is surprising how different rads are for everyone. I didn't expect the considerable pain from my arm positioning. Also, I had gotten the impression that you are positioned, then techs leave the room and you get zapped off and on for about 15 minutes during which you can just lie there quietly.

Wrong. The supervisor of the radiation therapists comes in first to make sure everything--that would be me-- is lined up. Then she OKs the zapping. She leaves,and the standard radiation therapists come back in after every zap. There are 3 of them, checking a couple of screens and the machine. I sure don't have time in between to try to relax or listen to music, even if it weren't wretched. Also no warm and friendly techs. The therapists are more polite and professional, impervious to my Southern charm, I guess. Another patient brought in homemade turtle brownies for them--maybe Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines can soften them up!

The hyperthermia treatments are better. My arm is down and the treatment actually makes me sleepy. After the hyperthermia dpt guy and therapist set things up, he leaves and it's just me and the therapist. Then we talk, but mostly I sleep.

It is good for everyone to know that rads are different, as far as positioning and staffing. It is not always a peaceful, easy feeling, though I am grateful that it can be and is for many of us.

Moopy
Yes, the facilities do
Moopy
Yes, the facilities do vary a lot. I suppose it depends on treatment methods, staff, and maybe even the size of the facility. Where I went for rads this time, the staff was great, very family-like, very comforting. I wasn't in a mold just on the table with my arm holding a bar behind me. It got a little stiff and once in awhile very stiff. The techs would tell me when they were done and would come right in and help me to move it down. I was always greeted with smiles and left with smiles. The doctor I saw was good, but very professional and a little aloof. The nurse was very helpful but not particularly friendly. The radiation was done at a smaller hospital and while busy it seemed a small facility. When I did pelvic radiation I was at a much bigger hospital in Sacramento. The doctor I saw was fantastic. Great bedside manner, very reassuring, took her time with me and saw me weekly. No nurse visits just her. The staff on the other hand, while polite and informative did not have the same demeanor as my breast techs. They would explain what was going on, but not much friendliness until I drew a shamrock on my tummy on St Patrick's Day. Then they cracked up. But I think they were more aloof because they were so busy. There would be 8 to 10 people waiting for rads each time I came compared to the 1 or 2 other that were at the breast facility. The pelvic radiation was so much more invasive and I had more burning in a very sensitive area. Internal rads are not fun. When I had those my doctor was good enough to arrange a light sedation that made them bearable. It's not that they hurt but emotionally I was freaking out about them. But all of it was doable. And in comparison they both worked fine. I do wish that each of them had offered massages. The best I got was puzzles to do while I waited for my turn.
I am sorry that you are having pain and burning. I was hoping that it would be minimal but it will pass and then you will be done with this part of the journey. Next is working on the new norm and getting back to life. And I have a feeling that you and Aortus will be as successful with that as you have been dealing with all of this and it's ugly surprises. I have you in my thoughts and prayers.
Stef

Moopy23 said:

Steff
Thanks, Steff, for your perspective and experiences and encouragement. The size of the facility does make a difference, I see.

I am halfway through--as Cat pointed out to me--so that made me feel good. Looking forward to graduation from cancer treatments, with or without a diploma!

Halfway is good. Finished
Halfway is good. Finished will be better. Home will be best.
Stef

Christmas Girl said:

Moopy and your rads...
For those of us already done with rads, your treatment is very different; so, thanks for sharing with us. I do wish that your rads team was more personable, dear Moopy.

However, I'm glad to know that you're getting the best treatment available to you. And, am always hoping for the best.

Kind regards, Susan

I am still waiting for my
I am still waiting for my massage. lol