I was diagnosed with SCC on Sept 19, 2012. Partial glossectomy done and modified radical neck dissection, left side. One lymph node involved over 3cm. BOT diagnosed on October 8, 2012. I begin rad 5x weekly for 7 weeks, Nov.12. Three doses of cisplatin -beginning, middle, end. Iv hydration therapy 3x to start and then 5or 7 x week. Port and Gtube to be installed Nov.8. I know everyone has been through the rad with the mask, but I am terrified I am not going to be able to get through it. I've never been claustrophobic, but making that mask and it tightening around my throat was awful. I have asked for some meds to relax and they have prescribed ativan. I have never taken any medications so I have no idea if it will work or not. I go for my verification simulation on Nov.9 and will try it then. I'm sorry to be so whiney, but I am scared. I wake up at night now due to nightmares dreaming that I can't breathe and that I am tied down. Have been doing meditation and yoga to no avail. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. It was Stage III. I also have a phenomenal support system with my husband, children, family and friends. I just turned 60.

Sorry you have to join this club but I'm sure you will rise to the ocassion. Everybody goes thru an adjustment when confronted with the mask. I suspect Ativan will help and after a few times you probably won't need that but as you will hear often, EVERYBODY CAN REACT DIFFERENTLY TO EVERYTHING ASSOCIATED WITH THIS TX so don't feel abnormal anytime.

Were your cells tested for HPV?

Try and clam down. The more you learn from this site, the better equipped you will be able to adjust to it.

HI there... I was very similar to you in my diagnosis... it sounds to me like it was not Base of tongue but oral tongue cancer you have. My node was a bit smaller than your's but other than that it sounds very similar.

You will get through it as your life depends on it.

Bring in some music maybe. Close your eyes and take your meds. It will not hurt - it is painless. Radiation is cumulative you will feel it likely starting at week three with the worst of it being the two weeks following your treatment. It will just be generalized pain, redness, blistering, tiredness.

Get a good cream for your neck and face area where the rads will be aimed. Eat as much as you can now, stock up on boost, ensure for later when swallowing becomes a problem etc... try to get high protein, and high calorie ones as nutrition is very important to healing.
If they give you a peg remember to swallow regardless, even if it's a little luke warm water. Preserving this reflex is imperative.

remember to make a baking soda rinse and use it frequently as it promotes healing.

I was shocked at being locked into the table too. Eventually, it isn't an issue.

try not to be afraid. you'll be okay.

hugs and sorry you have to be here.

Howdy Barbara!

I'm going to call you Bab's for short though


So welcome to our little club, a safe place on the net where it's OK to be scared. This is heavy stuff and if you weren't afraid, you wouldn't be human. The good thing Babs, is you have us now to reach out, grab your hand and help you through because that's what we do here at OCF.

First, take a breath, and then another one and let's start living in the moment. I find when I do that, and just look at what's right in front of me, I don't get overwhelmed at the sheer weight of all that is cancer. Yoga, meditation, exercise, drugs...whatever you need to relax is only going to help you.

When your are stressed your body starts to produce a hormone called Cortisol, which is the fight or flight response. Cortisol has horrible long term effects to your system, lowering the immune system, and as it counteracts Insulin, it interferes with digestion and absorption of nutrients in your body. This is really important to know actually as nutrition is one of the most important aspects of cancer treatment and recovery.

So...let's work on keeping calm as it literally is only going to better your chances of surviving. Ativan, Xanax, are great, I recommend Marijuana myself (vaporized or injested, never smoked) as it helps up your appetite, and it makes everything funny, even cancer. Pop in a Cheech and Chong movie and enjoy Popcorn while you can.


Keep your chin up girl,

Eric

HPV negative. Thank you for responding, David.

Thanks, Eric. My son has suggested the marijuana route , also.

Thanks, Cheryl.

Barbara, welcome to OCF! Glad you found this site to help you get info and support. I know its scary when you are unsure of what to expect with treatments. Its really not that bad after you get thru the first couple treatments.

Right now try to eat everything you can and focus on your nutrition and hydration. During treatments you will need a minimum of 2500 calories and 48 ox of water every single day. No shorting yourself and trying to make it up the next day, the next day never comes and this can snowball into a big problem.

Have you had a hearing test? Watch carefully for any changes in your hearing as cisplatin can cause problems for some patients.

Have you gotten a flouride tray made from your dentist? This is very important to use every day to help save your teeth.

Please add a signature so its easier to help you. Click on the "My Stuff" tab, on the drop down menu, click on "Edit Profile". Scroll to the bottom and type your info in the white box and click "submit".

Stick with us, you are among friends who have walked this path already. We will help get you thru your treatments.

Hi, Barbara
I think that the meditation and yoga are going to help you once the therapy actually begins. You will basically be doing corpse (always hated that name) pose during rads; and you have the breathing and concentration skills under your belt, whether you really believe it or not at this point. My husband is a scientist, and he found the mask comforting because it kept him safely where he was supposed to be for therapy. Not very many people feel like this, but I think that maybe knowing that someone that understands radiation does might be useful.

You will make through with with your meditation skills, fabulous family, and your little happy pills and/or happy vapors.

Maria

Barbara,

My hubby is very claustrophobic but he was able to make peace with that mask and develop coping mechanisms while receiving rads. Meds will probably help as well.

You will be ok...just hang in there,

Deb