please can someone tell me more about this mask used for radiation treatment.. a bit claustro here
thanks much and G-d bless

The mask is made of a thermo formed mesh to keep your head & neck immobile during treatment. It is critical that your radiation treatment be as accurate as possible. As you loose weight the mask will loosen up a little. Maybe you should ask for anti-anxiety meds before you start treatment. I'll send you some photos if you like.

Cave,
Mine was made of fiberglass. It was like two straps around my chin and one across the forehead. It anchors your head to the table at six spots, and has small lines on it to aid in alignment. They used laser allignment to make sure the machine is aligned properly, and your treatment is highly accurate. During my treatment they also immobilized my arms, looping a line around both wrists and around my feet. The staff monitored me on 3 different cameras, and we had a signal (raising my knees) if I was in trouble. I didn't have any trouble with claustrophobia (21 years in submarines helps), but those who did were offered anti-anxiety meds that helped. In my case, I had to lie there typically for about 20 to 25 minutes. I got to the point that I could actually fall asleep like that.
You'll probably get a "practice" session when they do a simulation and make your first mask. That'll give you some idea of what to look forward to.

Good luck in your treatment. Keep coming back here with your questions. There's an incredible amount of knowledge and support available here.

Good Health

Chuck

Hi Cave,
Like Gary, my mask was also thermo-formed plastic. I hated the idea of being restrained but my best-friend and caregiver convinced me that it should be looked upon as a friend that was around to contribute to saving my life.
Good Luck and like Chuck says, keep coming back. We are all with you.

Jack
..........
Dx 1/15/97 SCC rt. tonsil met to rt lymph node Stg IV, Srgry 1/23/97 tonsillectomy & mod radical neck dissection, Radiation 35 trtmnts both sides

My mask is hanging on my wall with all the purple and red marks still on it.

Just try to relax when you're going through the radiation, and good luck.

Sandy

My mask is hanging on my wall with all the purple and red marks still on it.

Just try to relax when you're going through the radiation, and good luck.

Sandy

I found that taking a Tylenol or something similar shortly prior to treatment helped a lot because the back of my head got sore from the hard table. I did not have arms and legs restrained but promised to stay very still, which was easy because I generally dozed. And yes, by the second week, the mask which feels very tight at first, begins to loosen. You will do just fine, Cave! Oh, one more thing. It was quite chilly where I was treated and the attendants will happily cover you with blankets if you ask.

Hi Cave,
I had a horrible first experience with the mask but surprised myself with how quickly I made myself adjust to it. A good portion of my fear came from me not being informed when I went to my simulation appointment. No one had stressed to me that I would be bolted to a table, with this very tight, very restrictive mesh mask over my face, hands restrained, with a mouth piece in my mouth. I left that appointment VERY shaken up and terrified, told my daughter on the way home that I just could NOT ever do that again. But, Monday morning I showed up, dug deep for courage and did just fine. Each time was easier and I needed no medication. I found that if I counted to myself, kept my mind occupied, that it was easier. After the first few weeks, I didn't need to do anything mentally as I simply wasn't afraid of it anymore. My appointments (time on the table) took all of 15 minutes per day, unless it was the once weekly xrays.
You can get through this treatment, even if the first day scares the you know what out of you. Keep us updated.
Minnie

Cave, I found that the music, combined with closing my eyes to rest and prayer got me through the process. I had no restraints other than the mask and it was no big deal. Being strapped into a parachute is a lot scarier.

Cave: I am a family member of a tongue cancer survivor so I have never had the radiation mask, but I am claustrophobic (unlike my brother) so I can understand your reaction. When I have had to have tests (like MRI) where I will be enclosed, my doctors have offered me tranquilizers. If you are really freaked by the experience, ask for tranqs, they do work. Good luck! Candace