Hello Nicki,

The first steps on any journey are the most frightening. Don't let the mask on Tom bother you one bit. That mask is critical in the use of radiation treatment. My treatments were only 15 minutes long. The machine never broke, no delays at all. I had IMRT radiation and luckely had no side effects from the rad at all. I tossed my mask in the garbage today. It was sitting on a shelf in the basement. Why would I save that!!!!

One important thing for both of you to remember is to input enough nutrients to both maintain and heal. Talk to a nutrrisinist to find that out.
Another thing to remember is a general rule of thumb is one month of recovery for every one week of radiation. When the radiation ends alot of us became depressed. All of a sudden your all alone. There are no more treatments except follow up scans. Just beware this could happen to Tom. Most of us are on anti-depressants. Alot of it has to do with quality of life issues. Different for everyone but a reality to.

Remember to ask anything you want to, someone will answer. You are a valued member of this forum and I know I and many others are pulling for Tom to beat this bastard of a diaease. He is lucky to have you as his primary caregiver. Your love and caring shine through in your postings.

My wife told me something when I started all this a little over a year ago. I thought you might like it. Remember, "This To Shall pass"

Love Ya, Your Friend, Danny Boy