Do you count rads beeps (buzzes)? Did the count ever change?

MochiPie

Today I had #14 of 15 whole breast treatments. I realized by treatment #2 or #3 that I the machine beeps (or buzzes) four times for varying lengths of time, then the gantry rotates and it does the same thing four more times. I began to mark the time by counting the two sets of four beeps. Today, however, my second half of treatment involved five, not four beeps.

When the team came in to tell me I could get up from the table, I mentioned that the second half was five and not four, and that every other treatment was two sets of four beeps. I feel like the team was curt and almost defensive with me. Th e woman in charge said, "I don't even know what you mean by beeps. What beeps?" and "You got the same amount of radiation today that you always get." I felt like they were trying to get me to STFU and leave.

Before I create some drama and raise this with my RO, has this ever happened to any of you? Can I request that my RO review treatment #14 to confirm that nothing odd happened? I'm assuming there are backup records of every treatment received; is that correct? This is a teaching hospital and there are often students in the room who might adjust my position prior to a technologist verifying the position. I have never felt like a student was in charge of any treatment aspects, however, I don't know what happens when they leave the room and go to the control room.

Thank you in advance.

AliceBastable

I don't remember hearing any beeps.

moth

I tried to count my rads beeps but lost count every time. I have a feeling that the number of greys dispensed are not related to the pinging and beeping and buzzing we hear though. I think it's just the machine making its own noises.

You can always follow up with your RO or go early today & ask one of the technologists to speak to you about it. I've always had people who were willing to explain extra things to me so I hope you find the same.

(just a btw, always call them technologists and not technicians. Technicians fix the machines. Technologists operate them. It's a whole thing lol)

MochiPie

Moth, you are a fount. Thank you for the tip. I was kind of hoping you'd chime in.

Spookiesmom

I'm another who would loose count. Decided I'd say DIE CANCER DIE each time it made a noise.

edj3

I counted seconds because I was curious how long I held my breath; the last five treatments were boosts and were shorter and I almost felt disappointed because to Spookiesmom's point, DIE CANCER DIE!!

Poppy_90

Mochi—just to let you know, I also counted all of the beeps and noises and knew the exact order that they came in. I guess it was my way of focusing. I just wanted to let you know that you’re not the only one—I would’ve also definitely noticed the change. Ask your RO—if only for your own peace of mind. Hope you’re close to being done!

panout

I am a counter too.......It's not like there's anything else to while you are laying there!!

SparkleTBD

it’s my opinion that you are paying for the service - so if you have questions, concerns etc it is your right to ask. If anyone starts getting huffy with me I’m going to try and talk it out with them and if that doesn’t work I’m leaving.

Too much is at stake to trust everyone and not ask question if I am concerned.

MochiPie

Update - I called my RO's nurse this morning and she spoke with yesterday's team prior to today's treatment. The lead technologist (thanks, Moth!) escorted me to the changing area and apologized profusely for her less than compassionate bedside manner. One of the higher-ups reviewed yesterday's treatment and it was all according to plan. My nurse met with me afterwards and said that the technologist in question has a bit of an attitude with patients sometimes and they've spoken about it with her before. Evidently she had no idea I felt so slighted, and she was sincerely remorseful, and I get it - her style is not one of nurturing and patience, and that's not my style either, but I don't work in a caring profession for that reason. Yikes.

All's well that ends well. I have four boosts next week and rads are done. To date, every step of this process has had exactly one incident where I was treated poorly or incorrectly, so I hope that is it for this phase.

ctmbsikia

I count or made note of the MRI machine noises. Three different swipes/noise, then contrast goes in, same three noises and done.

I had a weird radiation experience. I was mortified/terrified and still have some ptsd. My first simulation failed so I had to get re mapped and I was treated in the prone position. The table goes up high and the machine zaps you from underneath and I believe one side. I was so glad to get out of there.

Afterwards, I had a strange rash on my upper left arm. The BS saw it and said, "What'd they do, miss?" I tried to take that as a joke, cause I really don't want to know if that is possible. But, yes, wholeheartedly agree if you have questions, ask! Good luck and glad you're almost done!