Radiation on my neck
i saw the radiaction oncologist today and will be starting radiation on Monday. They did both the consultation and planning session both today so we wouldn't have to drive back another time this week. Looks like it will be for 15 times. They made me a mask to wear to keep head in one place and did a CT scan so they can plan. I have never thought that I was closterphobic , but I guess I am. Being pinned down with the mask on my head and being stuffed into a CT scan machine sent me into a wild panic. All I could do was scream for help and no one came for a while. The technician finally came and ask if I could stand it for 20 more second. Those were the longest 20 seconds of my life. For the,radiation on Monday they are going to cut eye, nose, and mouth holes, and I won't have to go into into the CT scan so maybe I can make it. My daughter and a good freind both suggested that I ask for sedation or an anxiety med before.
Lou Ann
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oh my gosh!!!!
Lou Ann- you poor thing!!! That made me hold my breath and started my heart pounding just reading that! I am SO SO SORRY you had that happen and I hope that they give you something to help with that feeling in addition to the holes they are going to put in it- I can't understand why they didn't come right away when they heard you! That isn't right- someone should come and at least let you know they haven't disappeared and that they heard you for pete's sake!
We will sure be thinking of and holding you up in prayer on Monday- will they be 15 consecutive or???? Big ole (((HUGS))) coming your way- keep us posted
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Had no idea
I had no idea that's what you'd be facing with this type of radiation. I am amazed that they thought anyone could go through a CT with that kind of thing on. You'd think that they'd have some experience and would've known to cut the holes first and to offer some sedation before proceding. It just sounds inhumane what they put you through. When I had an MRI last year, they gave me a panic button to hold to let them know if I was freak'n and I wonder why they couldn't have given you something like that? Wow, just wow! What time are your treatments scheduled for? I want to be there, at least in spirit, when you start going through this next week. Visualize me holding your hand and praying with you and we'll do what we can to get you through this.
Hugs,
Pat
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Lou Ann, I had never thought
Lou Ann, I had never thought about how they do radiation to the head and neck until I started to read about it a few years ago. I wondered if I would feel like you did and could see it is very possible. I have no doubt you will ask them for something to help you relax or sedate. You are in my prayers.
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Lou Ann, I agree with the
Lou Ann, I agree with the others. Please ask for an anti-anxiety med... I panic even with covers over my head so I can only imagine what you went through. I hope the procedures are better with the holes and MEDS!
I'll be thinking of you LouAnn. Feel the hugs from all of us.
Love and Hugs,
Cindi
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I agree with everyone's post
I agree with everyone's post and you may also want to ask them ahead of time whether there is anything you can do to help mitigate some of the side effects of the actual treatments. My neighbor had radiation in the same area and experienced some short-term radiation burns in the area which made it hard to swallow for a little while. Hopefully your experience will be better since radiation treatments have come a long way these last few years but it's better to be safe than sorry. Good luck to you and know that I'm sending out positive thoughts and vibes your way! Kim
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Thinking of youMAbound said:Had no idea
I had no idea that's what you'd be facing with this type of radiation. I am amazed that they thought anyone could go through a CT with that kind of thing on. You'd think that they'd have some experience and would've known to cut the holes first and to offer some sedation before proceding. It just sounds inhumane what they put you through. When I had an MRI last year, they gave me a panic button to hold to let them know if I was freak'n and I wonder why they couldn't have given you something like that? Wow, just wow! What time are your treatments scheduled for? I want to be there, at least in spirit, when you start going through this next week. Visualize me holding your hand and praying with you and we'll do what we can to get you through this.
Hugs,
Pat
Hoping that today was easier than you were thinking it was going to be. ((LouAnn)).
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After I saw kims recent post
After I saw kims recent post it made me think about my cancer I had 20 years ago. I did have radiation on my neck. I did have trouble swallowing after words and they gave me a persciption that mumbed the inside of my throught and it made it feelbetter for a short time. It was something I drank and it made it a bit easier to eat. Maybe you wont have the side effects though because i had 20 daily treatments if i remember right. It was at least that much. It sounds like yours will be less.
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Ditto to Chirs' comments.
Ditto to Chirs' comments. Thinking of you Lou Ann!
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We are all with you during this!
I am so sorry that you are still having such a hard time Lou Ann. I googled images of face masks for neck radiation to get a better idea of what it is you are dealing with and can't believe that anti-anxiety meds aren't SOP for undergoing this. I hope that the meds help you and that the actual time you have to endure wearing the mask is very brief, but understand even just the setup for each dose is not going to be easy for you. You are the strongest woman on this board with all you have already been through. Please just close your eyes during this and think of the good days you've had during earlier treatments....go to your happy place....anything but focusing on what's scaring you, as hard and impossible as that probably sounds right now. Sending my prayers and strength that this will get better for you.
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LouAnn,
LouAnn,
I agree with our other friends!
Hope tomorrow brings you to a calm place and that you get through the procedure with no issues.
We are right there with you!
Love and Hugs,
Cindi
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