I just met my RO yesterday to discuss my upcoming rad tx. I'm going in for my simulation and mask creation this Thursday. Can anyone tell me what to expect from the simulation and mask creation process??

I am a little scared about the whole mask thing and think I may have a panic attack while they are doing it and during treatments when they lock my head down.

Any info you guys have having gone through this before me could really help relieve this anxiety. I've not slept well since 'touring' the radiation suite at the hospital my anxiety is so high.

It's not that bad but I'm not claustrophobic. If you are try to close your eyes and try not think about it. The mask making isn't scary - you lay down like you would for regular treatment - and they place the material over your face it stretches to fit you then dries - it's holey - like a strainer - they will cut out holes for your eyes and mouth after - I kept my eyes closed through all my treatments - just listened to the cd of the day. Being locked into place isn't fun but it's meant to keep you still so he radiation hits the right place.

You'll be okay try not to worry... Good luck

I'm having rt now and found the mask making not do bad at all. I close my eyes and play games or count in my head. It's not great and the mask is tight and I have a mouth piece too, but it's doable!
I'm on my 12th today and will be half way through.
It's worth it to beat this thing! I feel really really tired after treatment and have a strange smell whilst it radiates? I have no smell or taste buds but I'm praying it comes back after.

Jayne

And I look like a snake for a while after from the mask imprints lol
Makes for strange looks in the supermarket!
Jayne x

Been there - funny - but not!!! half way through Jayne - that's awesome!!! Hugs!!

Just wanted to wish you good luck. Let the nurses, doctors, techs - anyone who will listen know your fears. I know some patients here have been given mild sedatives to get them through. I am claustrophic and had an anxiety attack getting an MRI last December. Just let EVERYONE know your fears. They will work with you.

Sherry: deep breaths in and out, and count them. Slow and deep. That will help you during the mask making, which isn't terribly long... although it will seem so.

For treatments themselves I recommend you think about getting an mp3 player and small speakers. Your clinic will likely have a CD player so maybe this won't be necessary, and if you can bring in CDs you like all the better. But I have different taste in music than most so found it helpful to supply my own. After awhile in fact I started listening to a book instead. Kept my mind occupied. I balanced the speakers on my chest and used my iPod.

If you're REALLY anxious you might try an anti-anxiety med, at least for the initial visits. Ask your docs about this for sure.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll get through it with flying colors. (or, for Jayne, colours...)

Thanks everyone. I'll try to just remember to breathe and take one minute at a time until I get through this...

Good tip about the music... something that can help me recenter myself may help reduce the anxiety that I'm feeling about the appointments.

So Sherry, you should have had the mask fitting and simulation by now. How did you go? Not nearly as bad as you imagined I hope. Keep that memory because it will help with all the other uncharted waters you will sail. The fear of the unknown causes anxiety in itself and once you know how it goes that anxiety drops dramatically.

My Alex was irritable (his outward sign that he was scared) before any procedure we faced for the first time. Immediately after, he was positively buoyant and bounced around the place like he had won the lottery! Ok, maybe not quite that happy, but certainly it was clear a lot of his anxiety had disappeared.

When he got to radiation and got the hang of the procedure he found himself looking forward to it because he felt he was actively doing something to beat the cancer.

Sherry, it isn't all that bad. It gets warm when they are fitting the mask but it doesn't take them long to make it. I always listened to the radiologists shooting the bull with each other. LOL Kind of nosy but at times a chuckle. Good luck and keep smiling.