Advocate for yourself

grandmaadams

I'm so thrilled with my RO I had to post. I am a sexual assault survivor from my college years in the 70's. I honestly thought I had put all that behind me, then at 62 I have been diagnosed with BC. I have tolerated, with tears, all the testing, biopsies and exams because only one side of me was ever exposed at any time. Now comes radiation ... they tell me I have to be naked from the waist up for set-up and tattooing ... with MALE technicians. At each treatment sessions I have to be completely uncovered, from the waist up, to line up the tattoos then my left side can be covered. I was completely blindsided by the overwhelming emotions flooding over me from the past. I told my RO, sitting in his office sobbing, that even though he wasn't holding a gun, it felt the same. I had to take off my clothes in front of male strangers in order to get the treatment I needed. I went for the CT simulation crying but thankfully the techs were ladies. In the mean time I decided to be pro-active. I made what I can best call a "modesty band" out of a very soft t-shirt. The material is very lightweight, is just wide enough to cover my nipples and drape over the lower part of my breasts. I folded down the section between my breasts to expose my breast bone and anchored it with a couple of stitches. By rolling the material in the back, when I lay down on my back, some side boob is exposed along with my body below the armpit. I discussed the "modesty band" with my RO today assuring him it was loose enough not to constrict or change the shape of my breast when laying down. He said "We'll make it work" That simple, that caring, that considerate ... I can stay minimally covered during the entire process.

Please don't hesitate to advocate for yourself. If that curtain isn't completely closed, point it out. If someone extra is in the room and it's not necessary for them to be there, say no they have to leave. I have been told the male techs I will be dealing with are really nice guys but up until he pulled a gun on me, so was the guy from college ... you can't just dismiss the trauma. I've read some posts by some who aren't bothered by nudity and an audience. Please understand that because it is easier for you, that in no way makes it easier for me. I am thanking God for the the acceptance of my MALE RO. Good luck to all on your journey.

Skwashie

That is great you advocated for yourself and made your own modesty sheet. A modesty sheet should be provided as a standard part of the process for all women (and those men who may too feel self-conscious about their chest area). For other ladies reading grandmaadams' post do advocate for yourself and do ask for a modesty sheet or make your own. I mostly had female radiotherapists for my treatment (finished last week) but had two male therapists, one was gay (and the least aware of how I might be feeling about being half dressed) and the straight male was very sensitive to my needs. Everyone was very professional and I covered up for their sake as much as mine!

SunnyInSummer

I, too, must say that one of the most disturbing aspects of breast radiation is having male technicians. I applaud you for creating comfort in your clever modesty sheet. My ‘guys’ have been super at giving me a warm blanket to cover as much of me as possible and the minute they say all done, I cover myself up! They have been good about getting me ready quickly & getting out of the room quickly, but nothing prepared me for the fact that I would be partially naked in front of strange men. In fact, until this cancer thing, I only ever had female doctors. I guess a positive is that, even though my heart still sinks a bit when I see them, I am adapting. You are an ispiration. Go, Grandmaadams, Go