That just so-o-o cool, fishmanpa and so very kind of Marcia to to help you with this, too. Wow! our OCF family is such a great family! I was worried about Valentina and I'm so glad she has people who really care about her.

Thanks Anne Marie

She responded to via email a little while ago in a positive way and Marcia is writing her now in Spanish. Glad we can help. I've lost a dear friend and family members to cancer. Several family members have battled and won as well. If there's a way I can contribute or help when it comes to this dreaded disease I will if I can.

"T"

Valentina wrote asking questions about my treatment (how many etc.). She'll be receiving 28 radiation sessions and 6 weekly chemos. She has some anxiety concerning the mask. We advised her that it's not unusual and that it's supposed to fit tight. We told her to ask her doctor for something to relax her prior to treatment if she's really stressing about it. I know of many that took meds to relax them during rads. We also advised her that having someone with her, a friend, relative, loved one, caregiver etc., makes getting through treatment easier and is necessary should she be taking any drugs that may affect her driving.

Nothing out of the ordinary... she's very happy we've reached out to her and we're glad to help.

"T"

That is so good to hear! Re the mask, do you know if they will be giving her a run-thru before the actual first session? That's what they did for my son and they invited me to go along for the run-thru and see the Rad room. They also told him he could bring music. The assistants even took a picture (which he requested) which is on my website here in case a picture might interest her:
http://webpages.charter.net/xila/paulrad.jpg

Sounds like Valentina is doing much better than when we first heard from her. You are doing good, "T"!

We did recommend music. Hopefully there's a CD player in the treatment room. We asked when/if she started but haven't seen an answer yet. We sent pics of me in my mask on the table. Mine had a mouthpiece (like a sports mouthpiece) that held my jaw in a certain position. She must have had a run through or started as she complained of how tight the mask was and she said hers has a breathing tube of some sort which makes it a little difficult to breathe normally adding to her anxiety.

Having Marcia to reach out to in her native language is definitely a positive. We'll be there for her the best we can and encourage her to post in English and send questions/concerns to post. For now, it's been pretty basic/common things.

If there are questions or advice you or anyone would like to relay, please post and Marcia will translate and send to her.

"T"

Excellent job!!! Please convey my thanks to Marcia. I greatly appreciate you both helping this person on a one on one email basis. Its not the same as what people on the forum get but its great that Valentina a survivor and their caregiver to help her.

Thank you!!!!