They clamp you down? OMG I think I may pass out. I think some sedatives are in order. UGH

Angelia,

My hubby is very clautrophobic and was worried about the treatments and how he was going to get thru them. First of all, the mask is mesh so you can see thru it and they cut openings for your mouth, etc.

Bill was able to go thru the treatments just fine as he learned coping skills and going "somewhere else" during the treatments. He did it without meds which is good as his treatments were twice a day and that would have been problematic.

You can do this...you are stronger than you think!

Deb

Angelia, I think you'll be all right after the first few sessions. My doctor let me take some Xanax to calm my nerves before treatment, and that worked great -- just zoned out and watched the big machine move around my head. If you focus on your "out breaths" it can really help, too.

Remember, too, that the techs will be watching you the entire time. If you feel panicked, you can raise your hand and they'll come in and un-snap you very quickly.

Visualize those rays cooking away your cancer cells one by one -- it's all for a good cause!

You can do it!

Angelia,

Look at it this way, at least you can prepare yourself mentally knowing what to expect. I was clamped down during a trial run without any advanced b notice. That's what shook me up more than anything.

Angelia, I didn't feel clamped down so it must not be that bad of a feeling for most of us. You will do it the 1st time and not panic. Just reach out and hold my hand as I will be there in spirit. Jim Anyone that has to teach kids has to be tough. LOL

Angelia and Bloop, Steve always said the radiation was relatively easy for him (mind you everyone is different). He said it was easier than he thought and over with pretty quickly each day. His biggest complaint was that he was uncomfortable on the hard table because he was so thin and had no padding on his bones. His mask didn't have a hole where his mouth was but was made of a mesh he could easily see and breath through. He wasn't a fan of the chemo though but still he got through it, just as you both will. As tough as it may get you have to get through it because the alternative of giving up is far, far worse. Hang in there both of you. And like Jim, I will also be holding your hands in spirit so you are not alone.
Wendy

Angelia and Bloop,

I made a science out of observing the machine as it moved around my head. I counted all my breaths when the machine made the humming noise that signaled that the radiation was flowing. I memorized all the small adjustments the machine made. Mostly I did this to keep my mind occupied.

As the sessions moved on I found I was getting a little more comfortable each time. The last few weeks I was actually falling asleep during the sessions.

When my treatment started, I asked the technicians to cut a hole for my mouth and they did. My center also offered warm blankets that they place over you at the start of every treatment.

Kelly

In addition to the mask I had to lie straight with my feet pushing against a flat board with ropes attached to each end which I gripped with my hands to keep my body as rigid as possible.

Hey David,
I had almost forgotten about the straps they tie us down with
amazing how after 3 and a half years we rem the good stuff now.
Fleetwood Mac was my music Dont Stop Thinking About Tomorrow.

similar to bloop I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago via a biopsy, stage 3 base of tongue carcinoma, getting feeding tube next week and starting radiation in under 2 weeks. how does one prepare for this, outside of positive attitude?