Hi All,

I began my IMRT radiation treatment today...it was a dry run, they took a few xrays and that was it. Tomorrow starts the "hot" treatments--directed at the right tonsil area and neck. I was spared bilateral treament because the tumor did not eclipse the midline (uvula).

That mask makes me clausterphobic! Plus it's hard to breathe thru the nose with the mask on and with the teeth guards in place.


Oh well, 29 more to go, and I'm done. I'm sure the best is yet to come.

Best to All,


Oscar de Gama


Right tonsil SCCA, T1N2aM0 (metastasis to 1 Level II lymph node, no extracapsular spread, no other positive nodes). Rt side neck discection 10/18/07, beginning IRMT 12/3/07.

Hi Oscar,

I start my radiation treatments next Tuesday. So, you're a week ahead of me. I hope we both sail through this with little (or no !) side effects.

Oscar: Buzz has PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Korea/Vietnam); he states that the MASK was the most difficult part of his treatment. His radiation oncologist prescribed 10 mg Lorazapam (sp?); Buzz would take one EVERY DAY 30 min. prior to his tx; He says it helped him bear the claustrophobia a little better. You may ask your doctor if he thinks it would help.

Jenna: We will certainly be thinking of you, too, as you begin your treatments. Let us know if there are specific questions that you have. There are many here who are willing to help you get through this!

Lois & Buzz in NC

Oscar and Jenna
good luck!
I found that it got easier with time and the mask will fit less tight. Lois is right, as your RO re medication if the feeling persists. No point in needless suffering.

M

Good luck to you both

We kept my husbands mask, finished his treatments 1/07. I keep it in my sewing room and think of it as his "Super Hero" mask.
The radiation team was the best and anything he needed they were there.
Just ask
You can do it.
Maggie

Hi All,

Thanks for the encouragement (again!).

I find that my heart races as soon as that mask is tightened down (it reminds me of being pinned down in wrestling, or, dare I say, kind of like having a pillow put on top of your head)--I want to break out asap... so I take a few very deep breaths, say a few calming prayers, and I get through it ok. Fortunately, the treatment only lasts 10 minutes (max).

My best,

Oscar

Hi Oscar,
My friend started her RAD this week too, so after seeing the mask I feel for you! My friend said she just closes her eyes and pictures herself on the beach in the Bahamas- try it, it might just work!

Praying for few side effects, so I'll add you and Jenna to my list!
Liz

I just had my 8 Radiation treatment to day out of 31. I understand about the mask. I just close my eyes as if I were having a facial mask put on me. The best thing is to stay calm and breathe. I also usually talk alot to the nurse to take my mind off of it. hope you find your way thru this.

Take Care
Tammy

Good luck and Gods speed to you both Oscar and Jenna.I was diagnosed 3/05 with stage 3 scc of my left tonsil. I will say the first few times in the mask was a bit scary. Where I had my treatments on the ceiling above me they had a 10 foot by 10 foot glass picture of a scene from the north woods of Minnesota. It was all lit up and was almost hipnotic.It really helped.They said the idea came from Japan. Markus is right the mask will losen up as you lose some weight. I tried to look at it that the mask was a good thing. It meant that the radiation was coming to destroy the cancer cells. I to kept my mask it reminds me of how far I've come in my recovery . My thoughts and prayers will be with you both in your battle ahead of you.

Best of luck to both of you. Research this forum - you'll find lots of helpful info that will help make things more comfortable.

Hubby has 2 more weeks left and and has been blessed to have had few side effects so far. I told him that I would take his mask, cut out the mouth and place bars there "Hannibal Lecter"-style when he was finished with treatments. Got a good laugh out of him and we all need a good laugh right now!