Hi Cave,
I had a horrible first experience with the mask but surprised myself with how quickly I made myself adjust to it. A good portion of my fear came from me not being informed when I went to my simulation appointment. No one had stressed to me that I would be bolted to a table, with this very tight, very restrictive mesh mask over my face, hands restrained, with a mouth piece in my mouth. I left that appointment VERY shaken up and terrified, told my daughter on the way home that I just could NOT ever do that again. But, Monday morning I showed up, dug deep for courage and did just fine. Each time was easier and I needed no medication. I found that if I counted to myself, kept my mind occupied, that it was easier. After the first few weeks, I didn't need to do anything mentally as I simply wasn't afraid of it anymore. My appointments (time on the table) took all of 15 minutes per day, unless it was the once weekly xrays.
You can get through this treatment, even if the first day scares the you know what out of you. Keep us updated.
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.