Hi Beth,

I had trouble with the mask my first time through radiation. I had a panick attack and started to cry when they clamped me down for the first time. So they pulled the mask off anf cut the area over my eyes out. That felt so much better! I could open my eyes and see things normally instead of through plastic mesh. Ask if they can do that for you.

As far as treating your skin from the radiation, I tried Biafine but it felt like it was burning my skin. What worked the best for me was Palmer's Lotion with Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E. That was recommended by my plastic surgeon after surgery to lighten scarring. I continued to use it after each radiation treatment because it moisturized my skin so well and gave me such relief. My radiation oncologist says that also helped prevent scarring from the radiation. The area of my neck that was radiated went back to my normal skin color after treatment ended and I never had that leather look. I swear by that stuff and will be using it again with this next radiation treatment.

Good luck to you. I'll be thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.