Pain from positioning during radiation therapy

I had three weeks of boost radiation therapy back in October. There was one therapist in particular who positioned me in such a contorted way that I could barely withstand the pain. My neck and shoulders in such a twisted position that after a minute or two, I felt as if I were giving birth through my neck. Remaining still for the 45munute sessions was almost more than I could endure.

I complained to my radiologist, who dismissed my concerns with, “Try getting a massage.” (I did. It didn’t help.) I also discussed my concerns with the nurse practitioner. She told me she would “try” to schedule me with a different therapist. Well, apparently she did not try very hard, because that same therapist was the one who positioned me for the remainder of my treatments.

Here it is, four months later, and my neck and shoulder still bother me constantly. I take Tylenol and Advil around the clock, and it’s difficult for me to do everyday activities such as driving and housework.

I am going to have x rays taken to determine if there’s been damage done to my muscles and/or vertebrae. If there is, I am going to sue.

My treatment took place at a hospital that’s considered one of the premier breast cancer treatment centers in the USA. I’m livid about having such a horrible experience.

Has anyone gone through anything similar?

I'm not sure what type of equipment was used. You only had 15 minute sessions? Were you undergoing boost radiation or just regular? I think the boost radiation sessions are longer. I know they are more frequent. (I had them twice a day.) Anyway, not to be rude, but...what does that have to do with my post, anyway? The point is, I was experiencing significant amounts of pain, from ONE professional in particular. I voiced my concerns, and they were ignored. And I am still suffering as a result.

Do we deserve a reason? My impression was, I should have just been grateful for the treatment I was getting. I didn’t have the right to complain. I should have just shut up and climbed up on that table.

I begin rads tomorrow. My intake day was a week ago, and they made a foam form for me to lie, in so I can relax in the position they want. I am sorry your body is still hurting. A sports medicine chiropractor might be a good person to help you...