Mask Anxiety and Panic

robswife87

Yesterdays mask fitting did not go well.

Rob said it was like he was choking and they thought it might be because his tonsils are still swollen from the biiopsies last Thursday.

Last night he had a bit of a panic attack just thinking about it.

Pretty sure the realization of every thing is hitting him at once. We will go for mask again on Friday

From all that have been here, can you give me any tips to help him through this? I am so sad to see him suffer with this anxiety and now is my time to step up

Sandy

katenorwood

xanax

Sandy,

I don't think any of us escaped this feeling.  I took a small dose of an anti-anxiety med.  Also I used a form of visualiztion during the beginning.  I love the lakes, so I would go to a place in my mind to relax.  As the tx's go, they usually go very fast once started.  Also, most of the techs are wonderful, and know what we go through.  Tell Rob, he'll get through it.  The worst is the fitting.  Sending positives !   Katie 

osmotar

Mask

Sandy,

Prior to my mask being made I worked myself into a panic, my rad doc prescribed an anti-anxiety med, I took one the day the mask was made,,it worked. The following week when they did the simulation test, on the table with the mask, it was rubbing my eyelids, I asked if they could cut eye holes and the rad tech did, from then on it was fine , no more meds, there were times and this sounds silly that when they placed the mask it didn't hit my left nostril right, so I asked if they would lift it off and replace it...the techs are there to help you, never get to the point you are uncomfortable, there probably isn't anything they haven't heard or been asked to do. If they allow you to have your own music take that to listen to, my routine was to take a sip of water spray my mouth with stoppers 4 ( for the dryness) and my neice gave me a her toy puppet woody from Toy Story to holdm took a deep breath and away we would go....the short time on the table 10 mins went by so quickly...Rob in time will find that place where he goes while on the table. We are all different , good luck, blessings.

 

Linda

phrannie51

I had Ativan every day

right before rads because I was getting Amifostine to protect my saliva glands and to prevent the mucous.  Ativan is another anti-anxiety med, and kept me pretty relaxed during radiation.  I think Matt took Ativan also, before radiation.  I couldn't drive after rads tho having taken it. 

They will give him something for anxiety....there are many folks who can't do the mask without help.  Just tell them.

p

debbiejeanne

i too had panik attacks.  the

i too had panik attacks.  the techs ended up cutting the mouth out of the mask.  i also took an antianxiety med a couple times to get me thru.  after that all went well.  cutting the mouth out seemed to help alot.

God bless,

debbiejeanne

Laralyn

Some things to try

I worried about anxiety from the mask when I first started because I'm mildly claustrophobic, mostly when I feel like the air is stale or I can't breathe. The mask had lots of holes in it so it turned out OK for me. Some folks reported that the techs would cut out the eyes and nose or even larger sections of the mask to make it easier--do you think that would help?

I second the recommendation for medication for anxiety. I had a prescription for lorazepam for nausea, but it also helps with anxiety so the first week, I took it before radiation. I took it again later in treatments when I was super nauseus and throwing up a lot because I kept envisioning starting to throw up while trapped under the mask. 

Tell your husband that he isn't trapped, though. The techs are right outside, watching the whole time. They can be back in that room in a few seconds if you gesture or call for them. You're not as isolated as you sometimes feel.

Another recommendation is for meditation. It's been shown to help cancer patients in a bunch of ways. There are relaxation tapes that can help you be in a calm state that they can probably play during treatments. Plus once you learn the breathing techniques, you can start meditation breathing and feel the anxiety start to diminish. It might really help him!

CivilMatt

mask time

Sandy,

 

I hated mask time, but came to embrace it for what it was.

 

I took 1 Lorazapam tablet 30 minutes before mask time, 35 times, I never went bare.

 

I had a whole procedure, Lorazapam at home, followed by Magic Mouth Wash in parking lot, take a pee (wash hands), drink water, spit, gargle, then chose music (60’s & 70’s rock), rub my face, get rid of all itches and lay back for mask placement, then wiggle my head to get a good fit.  If the mask does not feel right have them take it off and try again.  My mask had eye holes so I could watch the line-up lasers and begin my counting.  I never liked mask time, but I had great techs and I came to appreciate what was happening

 

You need to take as much control of the situation as you can.  Once, toward the end when my throat was very swollen and the techs had gone around the corner, I had to throw my hands up and stop everything so I could get up and breathe, then after a drink, gargle and spit I successfully completed a rad treatment.

 

If you take 2 Lorazapams you will sleep through mask time.

 

Matt

 

Also, the techs can talk to you while being zapped, if that helps

hwt

CivilMatt said:

mask time

Sandy,

 

I hated mask time, but came to embrace it for what it was.

 

I took 1 Lorazapam tablet 30 minutes before mask time, 35 times, I never went bare.

 

I had a whole procedure, Lorazapam at home, followed by Magic Mouth Wash in parking lot, take a pee (wash hands), drink water, spit, gargle, then chose music (60’s & 70’s rock), rub my face, get rid of all itches and lay back for mask placement, then wiggle my head to get a good fit.  If the mask does not feel right have them take it off and try again.  My mask had eye holes so I could watch the line-up lasers and begin my counting.  I never liked mask time, but I had great techs and I came to appreciate what was happening

 

You need to take as much control of the situation as you can.  Once, toward the end when my throat was very swollen and the techs had gone around the corner, I had to throw my hands up and stop everything so I could get up and breathe, then after a drink, gargle and spit I successfully completed a rad treatment.

 

If you take 2 Lorazapams you will sleep through mask time.

 

Matt

 

Also, the techs can talk to you while being zapped, if that helps

Sandy

Probably easier for a woman to imagine but when they made my mask I was told it would feel like a facial...it really did, it was warm and flexible when they molded it to my face and did not take long at all. During the actual sessions, I timed how much longer I had by how many songs had played. With time, I learned how much time I had left by the position of the machine. Like Matt, Lorazapam was my friend but I took mine at night. The radiation sessions themselves never hurt and went rather quickly, it's the side effects that get you.

lorig01

Yes there will be anxiety

Hi.  I had anxiety too.  I took an Ativan everyday prior to treatment. Also,  I asked for music and knew how many songs would play until it was over.  Also, I closed my eyes during the entire time that I was in the machine.  Once I opened my eyes and saw my reflection in the mask and it was not pleasant. From then on my eyes were shut. Tell him it is OK to panic and be anxious. I think more folks are than are not...

CivilMatt

lorig01 said:

Yes there will be anxiety

Hi.  I had anxiety too.  I took an Ativan everyday prior to treatment. Also,  I asked for music and knew how many songs would play until it was over.  Also, I closed my eyes during the entire time that I was in the machine.  Once I opened my eyes and saw my reflection in the mask and it was not pleasant. From then on my eyes were shut. Tell him it is OK to panic and be anxious. I think more folks are than are not...

I hear you and see my reflection

Lorig01,

 

I could also see myself in the machine at one point, but I would look away, too freaky.

 

Can you imagine what dreams those techs must dream?

 

Matt

Billie67

CivilMatt said:

I hear you and see my reflection

Lorig01,

 

I could also see myself in the machine at one point, but I would look away, too freaky.

 

Can you imagine what dreams those techs must dream?

 

Matt

RX
Try having your dr RX something for anxiety, lorazepam, Ativan or even some good ole Valium. My dr gave me Valium and it worked like a charm. I ended up having to cut it in half so it wasn't too strong but it helped so much. I took it for treatment for a while too until I decided I didn't need the crutch any longer.
Good luck and know, this is very common.
Billie

phrannie51

CivilMatt said:

I hear you and see my reflection

Lorig01,

 

I could also see myself in the machine at one point, but I would look away, too freaky.

 

Can you imagine what dreams those techs must dream?

 

Matt

Just a little FYI...

Lorazipam and Ativan are the same thing....Lorazipam is the generic word for it.

p

hawk711

Mask-xiety

I too can relate to the mask being bolted down to the table.  I took a CD of my favorite music, soul, and listened to the CD during treatment.  Abut 4-6 songs is the length and the time flew by while I was singing in my head!!!  I had a stick in my mouth to hold my tongue still during RADS.  I think many had this too, but for me it was the thought of being tied down and out of control, but when I realized the RADS were actually KILLING the cancer, I got on board and just listened to music.  ONly had to stop the treatment once to cough up spit and that was in the last few sessions.....

Tell your hubby he can do this.  It KILLS the cancer.  Keep reminding him of this

All the best,Steve

fishmanpa

We're not talking Jim Carry's Mask are we?

I didn't think so

After 14 treatments, those snaps attaching that mask like a second skin is still a bit of a shock regardless of knowing it's coming. Mine has a mouthpiece built in which makes it even more restrictive.  

Breathing is the most difficult aspect and that can be aggravated by sinus issues. One tip I use, is cheap and works is Afrin! A cupla squirts 30 minutes prior to treatment clears my sinuses and makes it easier to tolerate the routine. Good tunes cranking out helps too. Some old Beatles got me through #14.

"T"

 

 

Duggie88

Sandy

I remember the mask days. I had more of a problem being strapped down than I did with the mask. I would ask about doing it John's way in finding that comfort zone.  I am sure they will work with you and Rob on trying to make it as easy as possible. Keep telling him the fitting gets him closer to treatment and every treatment gets him closer to completing the task. I use to lay and sometimes close my eyes and daydream about one of the grandkids which helped alot.

On a lighter note I did pull the mask out and wore it to the bank the other day. The teller couldn't understand a word I was saying because I forgot to remove the mouthpiece so i left empty handed. The newspaper made fun of me so now I have to think this out before my next attempt.

Remind me after Rob completes his radiation I will tell you a funny story about radiation. I am sure he will enjoy it. Why not tell it now??????  Because now he has something to look forward to upon completion.

      Jeff

Duggie88

fishmanpa said:

We're not talking Jim Carry's Mask are we?

I didn't think so

After 14 treatments, those snaps attaching that mask like a second skin is still a bit of a shock regardless of knowing it's coming. Mine has a mouthpiece built in which makes it even more restrictive.  

Breathing is the most difficult aspect and that can be aggravated by sinus issues. One tip I use, is cheap and works is Afrin! A cupla squirts 30 minutes prior to treatment clears my sinuses and makes it easier to tolerate the routine. Good tunes cranking out helps too. Some old Beatles got me through #14.

"T"

 

 

T

My best day of rads was with Boz Scaggs..............I think it was Oxycodone look what you've done to me.

Dam T your gettin closer now.

      Jeff

Ron Silver

Same issues with the anxiety.

Same issues with the anxiety.  What helped was reaching up with both hands and touch the snaps telling myself I can take this off anytime I want.  Make them take it off and put it back on a few times in a row.  (Oh, a little Xanax helps also).  Key-the mask is on because you haven't taken it off.  Your in control.  Eyes closed before mask is on and closed until it is off.

ditto1

OH THE DREADED MASK

I think I may have posted more threads after I found out about the Mask than anyone, I tried to think of ways to get around it, NOPE, part of the plan.  So many folks again came to my rescue with suggestions and even the Super Thread (top post) had good information.  However until the day came to get the fitting I was just freaked at the thought.  When I went in to get fitted and they did the markers I was under the at first warm moist netting as it was formed to a mask, surprisingly not so bad.  First Rad treatment it felt totally different, I did get permission to have the eye openings which helped a little but I kept my eyes closed most of the time anyway.  As others may have said they listed to music or the sound of the machine,, I personally asked the techs to speak to me ever 4 or 5 minutes to know the world was still out there to get me out of the mask.  I learned from the noise of the machine as it went around my head about how much longer I would be under the mask.  After a while I had down to the minute, but I still just prayed ,, or sang to myself, waiting to hear the requested voices.  To my overall surprise it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  I pray your experience will be that way to after you get used to it. 

Skiffin16

The Dreaded Mask...

I know the initial anxiety well...

I had anxiety for nine weeks plus (initial chemo), just knowing that once I finished the long chemo period, my next part of treatment was seven weeks of concurrent and the 35 daily mask sessions bolted to the table.

My chhemo MD always told me, if you have a problem with something I have something for it..., and she always did.

Xanax was my salvation for the first week of the mask.

The first day I took a whole tablet, and sailed through treatment..., but it left me a little lythargic later in the day. So the next day, I halfed it..., same results, less fatigue. Each day I halfed it...

By the middle of the next week, I no longer needed the Xanax as I knew the routine, and as long as nothing changed, I was good to go.

A few other things to help relax...

Most facility have a CD player or music... For me I brought in a new James Taylor CD, they kept it there and had it cued up everyday for me. And the best thing with that, time doesn't drag... You have a reference point... 3 - 5 songs and your done for the day.

Also, being in Florida, I wore very comfy clothes, loose tank tops, baggy shorts, slip off Sperry shoes..

Those are a few suggestions that definitely got me through...

BTW, the Xanax didn't impair my driving, most days I drove myself to and from treatment... Of course the first few days I had someone with me just incase...

I have also heard of a few places cutting out areas of the mask to help, eyes, mouth, etc...mine didn't though. It's a tight fit, to the millimeter actually on precision... I had waffle marks across my forehaed each day after treatment, LOL.

JG

Skiffin16

ditto1 said:

OH THE DREADED MASK

I think I may have posted more threads after I found out about the Mask than anyone, I tried to think of ways to get around it, NOPE, part of the plan.  So many folks again came to my rescue with suggestions and even the Super Thread (top post) had good information.  However until the day came to get the fitting I was just freaked at the thought.  When I went in to get fitted and they did the markers I was under the at first warm moist netting as it was formed to a mask, surprisingly not so bad.  First Rad treatment it felt totally different, I did get permission to have the eye openings which helped a little but I kept my eyes closed most of the time anyway.  As others may have said they listed to music or the sound of the machine,, I personally asked the techs to speak to me ever 4 or 5 minutes to know the world was still out there to get me out of the mask.  I learned from the noise of the machine as it went around my head about how much longer I would be under the mask.  After a while I had down to the minute, but I still just prayed ,, or sang to myself, waiting to hear the requested voices.  To my overall surprise it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  I pray your experience will be that way to after you get used to it. 

LOL...Thanks

I thought something didn't look right on my post..., spelling, LOL.

Yep, forgot to mention that...

By the time you'll have finished several rads sessions. You'll know every buzz, hum, zap, click, twirl, position and sound that machine makes... You'll know the session is over before they techs even tell you...

I use to drive them nuts, because I had let go of the straps they had me pulling on to keep my shoulders down and in the same position... I was ready to blow that joint for the day...un-mask me so I could get my azz out of there...

JG

 

D Lewis

Yes, the dreaded mask...

Makes grown men cry.  Seriously, ask Stevenl.  I'm a woman.  I was too scared to cry. They cut the eyes out for me, which helped.  I couldn't have the nose or mouth cut out, because they had targets on those areas...  I listened to Navajo flute music.  Unexpectedly, they already had the CDs.

One day, I was still on my feet when the techie opened the double doors of a cabinet, to pull my mask out.  The cabinet took up the entire wall, and it was FILLED with masks.  It was horrible.  They were stacked like sarcophagi in there.  I said 'oh my god, you're like the crypt keeper!'  The image is still in my mind.

Deb