Sorry you're having a bad experience with your rads, @Temple - such a shame, as it is quite an intimate relationship that develops over the period of a month or more. I had a few different staff over the period, but more times than not, I had the same ladies, which was terrific.
Like @Mira and @Anne65 - my experience was quite comforting and whilst there isn't any chatting once on the table, everyone was very friendly and chatty upon arriving & before leaving! They even asked my preferred music on my first day & always made sure they had 60s-90s rock playing for me! They even remembered personal details that we'd discussed previously too .... I was amazed, given the numbers of people that they must see.
I did my best to get 'into the position' correctly every time .... I made it into a bit of a game, really! They would say "Just wriggle over here a tad" and I would. They were very gentle with me - lots of 'stroking' and gentle pushing to get me into the 'zone'.
Like @Anne65 - I also cried on my final session - it was whilst sitting in the change room that it dawned on me .... they had become my 'security blanket' more than any of my other experiences since being diagnosed (other than my wonderful GP who found my lumps initially.) So it didn't look very professional, with me being face down, with a snotty, running nose, trying not to sniffle & move from position!! And I got lots of hugs when I left.
Being rural, I was lucky & was staying on the hospital grounds for the month as well, at the Cancer Lodge - so just had a 3 minute walk to & from the department every morning or afternoon - so no need to drive anywhere.
As @JoeyLiz (who is a radiologist) says - it is really only the 'before & after' where chatting can go on .. and they take their cue from their patients.
I hope the rest of your rads becomes 'easier' for you as you continue. Take care xx
