One down

Doing well
I always stopped and blew my nose right before lying down. It didn't stop the whole problem, but it helped. Glad you are underway. The time will go by quickly.

Pat

Routine
Hi Dan ,

After awhile it all becomes routine. Before getting on the table I took a quick drink of water and sprayed my mouth with stoppers4 , I also held on to woody from toy story , it's a long standing joke between my niece and I. One day I forgot him in the waiting room in my sisters purse , one of the rad techs said "where's woody" they even went out and got him. I think it's all in how we prep ourselves mentaly, in my case it was holding something that came out of a McDonalds kid meal 12 +/- years ago.

You will be fine, if at anytime there is something that doesn't feel right let the techs know, they are there to help you.

Linda

D Lewis said:

Linda
Wow, your post about holding on to Woody made me laugh out loud and cry a little bit at the same time. It was the gentle concern for my mental well-being and the lively sense of humor of my two rad techs that got me through the whole process.

Deb

help
I really had no issue with the mask as long as I didn't think about it too much. I had a place I went to and a mantra of "this is where I am supposed to be" each time. I also had the techs play music pretty loud for me.....usually the Rolling Stones or some Bob Dylan. I had the kindest and most gentle of techs. As I lost alot of weight and was a bag of bones, they would put pads under my elbows so I was more comfy and also a nice warm blanket.
My last session I took my camera and had photos of me on the table with the mask on so my friends could see what it was like...somehow.
we all find our way thru this hell don't we?
When I go back for my followups I always stop to see my two fave techs and hug them. My last day I was given a certificate and you got to ring a bell....(they also gave you a bell pin). I could get alittle weepy just thinking about that day right now!

osmotar said:

My Techs
Deb,

My techs were and are great, they made the whole experience bearable, I was one of who knows how many they saw every day, but each and every time they made it seem like I was their only patient. They met everyone of my family memebers who came to AZ to either be with me as caregivers or company, allowed them back to the treatment room as I got on the table and explained the mask to them...great preople who will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

Me Too
Good going TonsilDad,

It will get to be just a routine after a few sessions. I am on #8 as of today so a little more than 4 weeks more to go and I'll say goodbye to my tech. And I too know how many they see everyday. All it takes is one patient to be late and it throws off the entire day for them so I get there a little early to give them some leeway. Plus it helps I have a very early morning appointment.

So far the only side effects I have are a couple of mouth sores. They look like canker sores to me and they hurt. My RT Oncologist said I may or may not have my taste buds affected. It hasn't happened yet.

Keep us posted on your journey,

Tommy

Tonsil Dad said:

Thank You.
Thanks to everyone for there comments I appreciate it very much. I got the
Weekend off then back to the MASK on Monday. During the treatments I will
Keep myself busy with my work as long as I am able. I work from home doing
custom framing and matting, so hopefully if side effects don't get to bad I can
Keep mysef pretty much occupied.
Once again thank you to all for your thoughts and prayers, and I will
Keep posting as I progress.

God bless each and everyone.

Tonsil Dad.

Dan.

Framer...
Sweet..., I used to do some framing back in the day.

I am an artist on the side...

I spend way too much time fishing, and really should produce more art.

You made me think of posting a new thread on hobbies and side interests, not sure if I've posted that one up before.

Best,
John