Radiation treatment spanned from mid-December to the end of January. During one of my visits, I payed close attention to every detail. After my daily waiting area experience the nice technicians would come and get me. They were always nice. I actually missed them when it was all over, but I didn't miss the treatment.
Before long, I hear footsteps from down the hallway. Its likely my turn since I’m the only one here. They smile and tell me they are ready, as if this is going to be fun. We walk beyond the sign that says “this is a treatment area, please don’t come back here” (my paraphrase). This room, or enclave, has a long tall counter and 2 computer screens where they will monitor my treatment and watch me. They ask for my name and birthday. They already know the answer. It’s how they identify that I am the right person. I think this is comical. Who came up with this system. Are there a lot of people trying to get radiation treatment under someone else’s name? Is that why they started this protocol in the first place? Are the technicians having difficulty with their memories in that they wouldn’t recognize a patient from one day to the next? If these are really problems, is my recitation of my name and birthday really the best way of identification? Couldn’t I easily tell another person the answer to that?
I recite my name and birthday. Sadly, it takes me a moment to remember, then it flows off my tongue quite easily as if I’ve always known the answer to that question.
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