Radiation Techs

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Cmcgr05
Cmcgr05 Member Posts: 6
edited November 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

This may be a non-issue for most of you but I had childhood issues that I will not go into and this is bothering me immensely. I have been undergoing radiation for 2 weeks now and on the first day 2 female techs in scrubs were with me and there was an older man in a Hawaiian shirt writing at the counter. I thought he was a vendor. Not true- next day he and a young man and awoman were hanging over me and shifting me on the table. The women all wear scrubs but the men do not. I had two older scruffy looking men in jeans and casual wear in the room alone with me today and I was near tears. One of the older men told me he had been a chef for most of his life which prompted me to google to see what training is involved. It can be minimal and this Radiology Oncoligist has an ad for entry level tech needed-"no security check" is mentioned.

Please dont mock me for this, I have low self esteem when it comes to my body and this is really bugging me. I have been exposed many times during my journey and Drs and Nurses are fine. If they had appeared in scrubs, I would never have thought about it. But, I don't appreciate someone who is dressed like the guy at the bus stop reaching over me to change something on the machine with his face 2" from my exposed breast. I will put up with this-I have no choice. But, I was thinking of giving the Dr constructive feedback at the end. Maybe a lot of cancer patients get tired of medical environments, but this is the most humiliating experience I have ever had. Is it common not to wear scrubs? Or to have male techs only in the room?  

Thank you.

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Comments

  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited October 2014

    I think you need to tell somebody at the hospital how you are feeling. 

    They would not want you to feel this level of discomfort and upset if it can possibly be avoided. 

    If you don't feel you can advocate for yourself face to face, then can you ask a friend or relative to intervene on your behalf, or put your feelings in writing. There should be a patient advocate you can approach. Don't leave it until after you have finished treatment ..... 

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  • Cmcgr05
    Cmcgr05 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2014

    thanks-I will look for an advocate. I like my surgeons nurse.. But they are all interconnected and I think it would be awkward at this point and frankly too late. My husband offered to go talk to them-that wont go well, so that's off the table :). I certainly don't want to discriminate or expect the women to do all the work. Is it common for radiation techs not to wear scrubs?

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited October 2014

    All my rad techs wore maroon scrubs.  Male, female, and students. The medic personel are color coded, green for this, dark blue for that . 

    I'd speak to your RO. You shouldn't have to deal with that amount of discomfort.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited October 2014

    IF you don't feel comfortable - raise your voice.  I loved all the Techs I had.  Actually the one I probably had the most 'fun' with was a young man who had gone to high school with my Sons.  We laughed about a lot of 'stuff' from those times.  He was no longer the kid in football with my Sons but a professional doing his job for me - but it was 'fun'  to talk with him aboutt he past - a good past we shared to some degree.

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  • BrooksideVT
    BrooksideVT Member Posts: 2,211
    edited October 2014

    Do speak to your RO.  If you feel this way, it's for sure that others do as well.  It might be the attire, it might be the way they present themselves, and either can be adjusted.  Also, if your facility has enough techs, maybe you could request a change?  

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  • Agent99
    Agent99 Member Posts: 118
    edited October 2014

    I tried to respond to this last night and my computer froze,  if you aren't comfortable speak up!  What you are going through is hard enough!  You deserve to be confident in those treating you and if you aren't then find another radiologist.  I am sure others going to the same place feel exactly the same as you   And think about this, if they are unprofessional about their appearance what else are they unprofessional about? I don't say that to alarm you but you should talk to someone!  You hang tough! 

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  • zha-an
    zha-an Member Posts: 31
    edited October 2014

    absolutely speak up! I worked for a large HMO for 9 years and I can say that care only improves when concerns are voiced! It is very unprofessional for a tech or any other care profe to be in street clothes and I can certainly understand how this would increase your anxiety, especially with a history that makes it even more uncomfortable. Just reading your first post gave me the same reaction...please ask for different techs. Don't suffer in silence .... Zha-an

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  • Cmcgr05
    Cmcgr05 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2014

    Thank you all for giving me your perspective on this topic. I will let you know how my conversation goes....

    This site is a great resource! Stay strong, be well!!

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  • Cmcgr05
    Cmcgr05 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2014

    Hi Everyone,

    I wanted to update this in case there are others wanting ideas on how to approach the topic.

    So, when I came in for my weekly RO appt, while the nurse was taking my vitals,we were chatting and I asked her why do the women wear scrubs and not the men?

    At first she thought I was questioning why the women had to wear scrubs. I clarified by saying that I thought it was kind of weird to have my arms pinned over my head and my feet secured with a rubber band and a guy in street clothes hanging over me, but maybe it was just me...

    She said they do not have to...but we don't want you to feel uncomfortable... I stated that I certainly didn't want preferential treatment, I was simply surprised...

    Next day, I expected to be greeted by the Ebola team, all gowned up. They were not. However, 2 days later everyone is wearing scrubs and its the same three techs for the past week. My friend who goes in the morning said they are wearing scrubs too so it is not just for my benefit. I am much more relaxed and talkative now.

    I appreciate all the feedback from you guys! Your comments helped me find a path to approach this issue and get it resolved. With all the rape and sexual abuse out there, I think its a good idea to keep the environment professional. I want my healthcare providers to look like healthcare providers! Bye for now...

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  • TarheelMichelle
    TarheelMichelle Member Posts: 871
    edited November 2014

    I am so glad your situation was resolved to your satisfaction. I feel so defenseless on the radiation table. Just started my second radiation treatment, it's for spine pain relief. First was post-lumpectomy. I commend you for taking action even as you felt vulnerable. Way to go, warrior. :-

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  • Cmcgr05
    Cmcgr05 Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2014

    Thanks Michelle!

    Two more treatments and I am done with radiation! The turkey is not the only thing I will be basting on Thanksgiving! I appreciate all the support-good thoughts and prayers for your back..

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  • Beachlady28
    Beachlady28 Member Posts: 54
    edited November 2014
    I asked for only female techs and for the request to go in my file. We are going thru enuf without having to be uncomfortable while so exposed on the table. Besides the fact that now we are reminded daily by getting rads that we are fighting cancer. All techs should be dressed in scrubs both female and male.
    We are warriors!
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