Did you keep your mask?

BugHunter
BugHunter Member Posts: 152
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Just wondering if everyone kept their mask and what did you do with it?
I kept mine and am collecting different animal fur to make a halloween mask (or wall hanging) out of it!

BILL
«134567

Comments

  • jkinobay
    jkinobay Member Posts: 298 Member
    #2
    I did keep mine. In the beginning I had mixed emotion. On the one hand I hated the mask and the treatments. Of course the mask reminded me of the treatments. But, I came to realize that the mask was in fact almost as an important part of my treatment team as any of the Doctors, Therapists, Nurses, etc. So yes, I still have mine now only 4 months later or so. I don't have it in a place of honor, but I truly feel as though a large part of my successful treatment was in thanks to the mask.

    JK
    PS: I still call it "IT" though. HAHA
  • dlugo48
    dlugo48 Member Posts: 7
    #3
    This is something i would do if i was at the right state of mind.I had 28 external radiation sessions and i wasnt all there afterwards i had mix emotions everytime i saw it.plus my neck was burning up due to the radiation ,i should of kept it i would of done something good with it like letting my wife wear it when she screams at me.HAHA Did anyone panic during the mask fit.jerry mtc survivor
  • BugHunter
    BugHunter Member Posts: 152
    #4
    dlugo48 said:

    This is something i would do if i was at the right state of mind.I had 28 external radiation sessions and i wasnt all there afterwards i had mix emotions everytime i saw it.plus my neck was burning up due to the radiation ,i should of kept it i would of done something good with it like letting my wife wear it when she screams at me.HAHA Did anyone panic during the mask fit.jerry mtc survivor

    I did have a moment of panic. The techs did not explain what they were doing and next thing I know they are stretching this hot plastic thing over my face, I about flew off the dang table! After they explained what they were doing and how they were doing it, mask #2 fit just fine.

    BILL
  • jkinobay
    jkinobay Member Posts: 298 Member
    #5
    dlugo48 said:

    This is something i would do if i was at the right state of mind.I had 28 external radiation sessions and i wasnt all there afterwards i had mix emotions everytime i saw it.plus my neck was burning up due to the radiation ,i should of kept it i would of done something good with it like letting my wife wear it when she screams at me.HAHA Did anyone panic during the mask fit.jerry mtc survivor

    I am a little claustraphobic and of course finding out I had the big C didn't help, but I told my Rad Oncologist and he prescribed Ativan for me. I had to take either 1/2 or a whole one for almost every treatment. But you know what? Whatever it takes to get through and Git-ur-Dun!!

    HEY DLUGO48 if you are still having neck irritation try pure Emu oil. It worked wonders for me.

    Be well
  • connie_62257
    connie_62257 Member Posts: 27
    #6
    jkinobay said:

    I am a little claustraphobic and of course finding out I had the big C didn't help, but I told my Rad Oncologist and he prescribed Ativan for me. I had to take either 1/2 or a whole one for almost every treatment. But you know what? Whatever it takes to get through and Git-ur-Dun!!

    HEY DLUGO48 if you are still having neck irritation try pure Emu oil. It worked wonders for me.

    Be well

    im on my 2nd week i do take something ...i call it the chill pill. i wouldnt be able to put that mask on without it..lol and when im done im gonna keep mine and paint the dang thing hang it on my wall..........lmao
  • dlugo48
    dlugo48 Member Posts: 7
    #7
    jkinobay said:

    I am a little claustraphobic and of course finding out I had the big C didn't help, but I told my Rad Oncologist and he prescribed Ativan for me. I had to take either 1/2 or a whole one for almost every treatment. But you know what? Whatever it takes to get through and Git-ur-Dun!!

    HEY DLUGO48 if you are still having neck irritation try pure Emu oil. It worked wonders for me.

    Be well

    jkinobay that sounds like $$$ in peradise im checking out the total lunar eclipes its awesome. best things in life are free this is one of them,the heavens in motion.I had my external radiation back in nov. 2006 i used alovara gell over the counter the cheap stuff, worked better then the 8 ounce 30$ coat lotion/gell i bought.thanks for your info.jerry mtc survivor
  • MLC53
    MLC53 Member Posts: 109
    #8
    i don't know why, but yes, i did keep my mask. it is tucked away on a shelf in the closet. it reminds me of a piece of armor in my battle against cancer.
  • BugHunter
    BugHunter Member Posts: 152
    #9
    MLC53 said:

    i don't know why, but yes, i did keep my mask. it is tucked away on a shelf in the closet. it reminds me of a piece of armor in my battle against cancer.

    LOL, I never thought of it like that. I saw mine more like chickenwire, enough chickenwire to keep the big chicken on the table!

    BILL
  • connie_62257
    connie_62257 Member Posts: 27
    #10
    BugHunter said:

    LOL, I never thought of it like that. I saw mine more like chickenwire, enough chickenwire to keep the big chicken on the table!

    BILL

    lol.......i put a pic of me wearin mine in the gallery.....man i hate that mask.....but its still goin on the wall,,,,,lmao
  • vinny59
    vinny59 Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #11
    I have my mask hanging on the wall of my basement like a deerhead! I look at it when I'm thinking that I am having a bad day, its a good reality check!
  • Coryj
    Coryj Member Posts: 1
    #12
    vinny59 said:

    I have my mask hanging on the wall of my basement like a deerhead! I look at it when I'm thinking that I am having a bad day, its a good reality check!

    I did keep my mask, but freaked my wife out so i put it in my office at work - good conversation piece for coworkers and visitors that smoke. Have been away from there about a year and need to get it back.
  • jeepie
    jeepie Member Posts: 2
    #13
    Coryj said:

    I did keep my mask, but freaked my wife out so i put it in my office at work - good conversation piece for coworkers and visitors that smoke. Have been away from there about a year and need to get it back.

    No way, was just so happy to walk out of there for the last time, have no idea what they did with it, never want to see that place again. They want to do a PETscan, I don't think so. Has anyone had it?
  • jkinobay
    jkinobay Member Posts: 298 Member
    #14
    jeepie said:

    No way, was just so happy to walk out of there for the last time, have no idea what they did with it, never want to see that place again. They want to do a PETscan, I don't think so. Has anyone had it?

    Definately get the PET/CT. They call it "God's GPS for cancer". It covers eyes-to-thighs. You have to fast before it, they inject a radioactive glucose. When fasting, the only cells that will uptake the glucose are cancer cells, so they show up no matter how small. It is a great way to know you are still cancer-free or to early diagnose a problem if there is one.

    GET IT>......................JK
  • dlugo48
    dlugo48 Member Posts: 7
    #15
    I consider myself lucky to go to a place like this when in need.I had the best technichians in the world they were funny and careing.I will never forget Dr. Carlos Hernandez and his staff, its funny but when I pass away 100 years from now they will be in my heart.I threw mine away I guess im a big scary cat.
  • jkinobay
    jkinobay Member Posts: 298 Member
    #16
    By the way, I did keep my mask. I consider it a very valuable member of my Cancer Cure Team that saved my life. I also showed it to one son and several friends who smoke......various reactions. GREAT NEWS.....my son quit after watching my treatment from the control room. That was October and he has not smoked since. So, my mask is still working. JK
  • BugHunter
    BugHunter Member Posts: 152
    #17
    jkinobay said:

    By the way, I did keep my mask. I consider it a very valuable member of my Cancer Cure Team that saved my life. I also showed it to one son and several friends who smoke......various reactions. GREAT NEWS.....my son quit after watching my treatment from the control room. That was October and he has not smoked since. So, my mask is still working. JK

    I have posted a few pictures of mine on a talk back board elsewhere in my life. Anytime someone posts that they just can't seem to quit smoking I post it along with a VERY detailed message of what comes with it. So far about 4 people have said it haunts them when they even think of lighting up!

    BILL
  • dlugo48
    dlugo48 Member Posts: 7
    #18
    BugHunter said:

    I have posted a few pictures of mine on a talk back board elsewhere in my life. Anytime someone posts that they just can't seem to quit smoking I post it along with a VERY detailed message of what comes with it. So far about 4 people have said it haunts them when they even think of lighting up!

    BILL

    im realizing that i made a big mistake i should of taken my kids to see what i was going through during my external radiation treatment,while i was being strap down to a table with the mask.but i did not want to infringe in their privacy or scare them.plus im so freaking private.maybe by seeing this they would consume the right foods and see life in a different way.i should of kept the mask as a reminder.live and learn.
  • CroationGal
    CroationGal Member Posts: 5
    #19
    jeepie said:

    No way, was just so happy to walk out of there for the last time, have no idea what they did with it, never want to see that place again. They want to do a PETscan, I don't think so. Has anyone had it?

    A Pet Scan is nothing to be afraid of......look up the procedure online. If your Doctor suggested it.....you should take his or her advice as he or she got you this far! I have had them and I would have them again if it meant preventative care. Good Luck, Good Health and God Bless!
  • stevelfun
    stevelfun Member Posts: 17
    #20
    My mask....
    Yup.... I have it....

    RE: mixed emotions - That says it all right there. Mixed emotions. LOL You hit the nail on the head with those words.

    I hated those treatments. The techs were great though. I couldn't have had a better crew of people (Barbara, Rebecca and Tony you ROCK!!!)

    BTW, anyone else stop by and visit the people (nurses/techs) in the chemo and radiation suites when you go back for follow up appointments????

    I do.

    I remember them telling me - esp. the radiation techs - that they see these people daily for weeks. You get to know them. Become part of their lives, what they do, enjoy, spend their time doing, etc... (Barbara liked to 'borrow' her daughter's ear rings... LOL)

    Then - poof - you finish.

    They see you when things are so very bad for you and you might well have a difficult time even mustering a smile. And they don't often get to see people when they are better. I remember them telling me this. They often wonder how people are doing.

    I like to go back and 'smile' for them every time I can.

    As for the mask - I am torn between burning it in my fireplace - to 'vent' some emotion per se and keeping it as a constant reminder - not that I will soon, if ever, forget any of my journey through my cancer treatment(s).

    Best to all.

    Steve
  • RonInScotland
    RonInScotland Member Posts: 3
    #21
    dlugo48 said:

    im realizing that i made a big mistake i should of taken my kids to see what i was going through during my external radiation treatment,while i was being strap down to a table with the mask.but i did not want to infringe in their privacy or scare them.plus im so freaking private.maybe by seeing this they would consume the right foods and see life in a different way.i should of kept the mask as a reminder.live and learn.

    Did you keep your mask
    Hello USA from Bonnie Scotland.

    Yes I kept mine - had it since 1995 - and when Im a bit down I go and look at it and remember what bad times really were. It soon brings me back into line!!! I lost (what we call here in Scotland) my "lollipop" that I used to have to put in my mouth every radio blast. God knows what the guy who bought our house will think if he found it!!!

    I had nasopharyngeal cancer with 4 tumours in my neck but Im now clear.

    The reason im on this site is that I cant find one similar in GB.

    Great site here and look forward to more visits to share with others the trials and tribulations of The Big C

    Regards to all

    Ron

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