okay - since he is having IMRT done, they told him that he needs to shave prior to having the mask made so they could get a good tight fit when making the mask. the area of concetration will be the neck from my understanding, but i could be wrong (it wouldnt be the first time!!) so i guess it is off to the store to buy an electric razor - altho, i will be taking the beard off initially, it sounds like he can maintain it with the electric razor after that. remember, this is a man who hasnt shaved in 32 years. i did shave his neck and "french braid" his beard across his chin for the surgery and we were able to save it then. for him it's like a comfortable pair of shoes that you dont want to get rid of......