Hi AndreaEve-

I just finished my radiation and I was very nervous about laying there in the mask. Getting fitted for the mask was much more stressful than any of the actual treatments, and that was because I had no idea they were going to make the mask, I thought I was just getting a CT scan.
My radiation therapists cut out holes for the mouth, eyes and ears to poke through which helped a lot. Also, the radiation therapists leave the room during the radiation but they are watching and listening very carefully and if you need a break or you're feeling sick you just wave your hand and they come running. Once I had a coughing attack and they came right in and got me out of the mask right away. I think they are some of the most upbeat and kindest people around.
Hope that can ease your mother's mind a little bit.
Mel