Ditto on the 1 mg of Ativan, Jack would never have gotten into the mask if he didn't take it. Xanax is very similar but if it doesn't work, tell them you want the Ativan. Double up on the xanax if you need to for the first couple of treatments, also take one the night before so you can get a good night sleep and then take it about 30 minutes before your treatments.

Jack said to make sure there is music. If you can't bring in your own CD ask what they have so maybe you can pick something you like.

One thing that was very important for Jack was to tell the techs that he had this issue. You want to make sure that they continuously talk about to you about how you are doing and how much time you have to go. He needed to hear you're halfway thru because he had no concept of time and that provided a focus.

If you need to be zonked into lala land with anxiety meds don't worry about it, get thru the first few treatments and it starts to settle down. Then you can do the visualizing yourself in another place. I think what you are experiencing is perfectly normal.

Jack also said to tell you to ask them to cut out eye holes, nose and mouth openings. It really helped him with that sense of not being able to breathe.

Hang in there and good luck tomorrow. This too shall pass.

Regards JoAnne