Barbara, we're all here to help you. The mask is indeed a scary thing! I brought my iPod and small speakers in there and listened to music or an audio book. If that's not possible you might also consider a Zen technique I learned from my brother - counting my slowly exhaling breaths slowly backward from 10. When I got to zero I started again. Just an idea.

Please keep us posted and ask any questions no matter how insignificant they may seem. Someone here will likely have an answer.

My thoughts are with you.

David 2
SCC of occult origin 1/09 (age 55)| Stage III TXN1M0 | HPV 16+, non-smoker, moderate drinker | Modified radical neck dissection 3/09 | 31 days IMRT finished 6/09 | Hit 15 years all clear in 6/24 | Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome kicked in a few years after treatment and has been progressing since | Prostate cancer diagnosis 10/18