The radiation treatments have started but it has not been without some glitches. The first appointment went long (an hour) as they fiddled around for with my positioning. They ended up having to take 3 xrays to help and staying absolutely still with my head in a very hard, uncomfortable block just about drove me crazy. Day two... the machine broke down! So I sat for an hour waiting before they sent me home. I never got back to the clinic. Today, one hour wait to be told it was down again!!!!
The clinic called and I did get in later for my second treatment. The staff in this department are not friendly. This experience has not been like the chemotherapy. The staff (reception and nurses) in the chemotherapy clinic were amazing and as much as I did not like the drugs I did look forward to seeing the staff. I hope this is just a rough start and things will get easier.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
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I am so sorry the machine is acting up - and to have the staff make you wait before telling you is unacceptable - grrr.
ReplyDeleteThe only time that I had to wait was when the technicians were so friendly to the person in the appointment before me, that they kept talking to her well into my time. But since I am off of work, I had no where to go and didn't mind reading the new magazines in the waiting room.
At the end of my treatment, they gave me a surprise going away party (and told me never to come back)!
To be honest, I did get stiff (some pain in my shoulders) from being on the table - but they used a foam block for my head, so that wasn't so bad. I had to learn to relax my head and shoulders by doing relaxation techniques and visualization. That healped a lot.
I know it will get better and you'll get through this, too.
All the best,
Jane
P.S. I start round 3 of chemo on Friday.
Dodi,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry it has started out badly for you. I am so shocked the staff isn't friendly! The staff in Kingston were like seeing friends everyday!! I agree it was painful the lying flat for so long for me too...my back was killing me, the second day I had to take an Advil before I started treatment. The first couple of treatments are the longest because they want to make sure the coordinates are exact.. It will get easier...:)
Hugs,
Jackie
I'm sure they are having a tough week with the machine breaking down twice. Let's hope their attitudes improve when the machine starts working.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear things didn't quite go the way you would have preferred, and as Johanna says, maybe it will be better once things are working properly!
ReplyDeleteContinue to think of you daily, and keep you in our prayers.