Welcome, but sorry that you had to join. Before cancer, I never went to any support group, FB, and didn't join one until a year after cancer in 2010, and here just a year ago, which makes all the difference since I felt like the lone ranger, and didn't know or speak to anyone about my type of cancer, which is tonsil or oropharyngeal cancer. It's good to do so, and hear all the different input, support, and up to date medical news, procedures.

You're not the only one who had difficulty with the mask. Some take anxiety pills to help. I didn't, but not saying I couldn't use them, but the pain pills I was taking helped. If I didn't have cancer, I would have went for a stiff drink right afterwards lol. Some play music or can bring your own cd disk to play, some meditate, use visualization. I counted my zaps to keep track, know when I was nearly finished. Whatever helps get you by use it. It does get easier after a while. I kept a wall calendar at home, and after each day put a big X in the box, which somehow help get me through.

The tongue depressor is used to keep your tongue immobile since you are getting the most radiation in your mouth, so it doesn't interfere with the radiation direction or keep zapping your tongue.

Good luck.