Boy does your post bring back some horrible memories! I was not prepared for how the mask would make me feel. It TERRIFIED me the first week, I dealt with it how I deal with most things, quietly and with no fuss. I counted the entire time I was in the mask. After a week or so, I got used to it, became more comfortable with it. By the last few weeks, I was totally relaxed while in the mask.
I hope your husband finds a way to conquer his fear.
Minnie

SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.