Finally getting started

"LETS GET READY TO RUMBBBBBLLLLE"
Everything is going to be fine and dandy,
With all the posts on here you know pretty much
What to expect from treatment. All on here have
Experienced what you are about to go through
And we're all still here, hanging around having a
Good ole time.
Stay positive, be strong and have faith and it will be a breeze.

God bless
Tonsil dad,

Dan.

nwasen said:

The Mask
I learned to relax by taking my fave music (old Stones loud did the trick for me) and I would play over and over in my head: I am where I am meant to be....
I did ask what would happen if I freaked or threw up and they all assured me they were right there, to raise my hand and they would rescue me.
You will be fine. Just know this mask is saving your life!
Keep us in the loop and we are all there holding your hand..
peace
Nancy

Hi Matt,
When they make the
Hi Matt,

When they make the mask pay attention to all the details. E.g. I would like my hands to be folded on my tummy verses leaving it straight out but i cannot do that since mask was made with my hands straight out.

It will be a bit uncomfortable at first but once you go thru couple of radiation, it is okay.

Sam

Mrs. Sarge said:

Matt
I agree the first fitting of the mask is the worst, but don't panic, you'll be able to breathe!! It's tight so be expecting it, warm and wet, but they work quickly and it hardens and it's done! They will cut out the eyes for you, probably, and others have said they will cut out the mouth, nose and eyes....try for it....I didn't ask or they might have for me, which would be way more comfortable and not as claustrophobic. My particular sessions seem like they're only about a minute of actual rads, so I figure I can endure anything that long....yours most probably will be a little longer, but as others have said, maybe bring your own music, or something to visualize in your mind, escape, and it's over before you know it! The fear of the unknown is worse than the reality, I've found in most things, so take courage!!!

Good luck
Good luck Matt, thinking of you. Glad you are getting started at least.

All the best

Leo

Pam M said:

Gentlemen - -- start your engines!
Hope I'm not too late with my two cents.

Find out about the room temperature for rads - wear a comfortable shirt (with open neck) for the mask fitting - you'll have to wear the same kind of shirt for rads, if your place is like mine.

Again - just keep breathing - that mask is actually a great member of the team - helping you hold still, and giving the machine a target, so the only pieces parts getting zapped are the ones docs planned for.

Hi Matt ..yeah on that first punch ...
....we all will be your wingmen/wingwomen ...........

I can tell you one things....your "fears" of the fitting will turn out to be much greater than it actually is ....and this is coming from a person who HATES to be restrained or in tight quarters, trust me!!

Make sure you do what Sam999 said ....pay attention to how comfortable you feel at fitting ...that's most likely how you will be each session...they techs are really great about talking you through it....

I was so bad (remember I'm abnormal...I don't like to be restrained) so they cut the face out for me after the fitting ...from my eyes to my bottom lip and then they lined it with tape....MUCH BETTER for me and they were happy to do it.

The great thing about the rediaton sessions is the machine is open and moves around you ...you are not in a tube!!! The fitting is the toughest just because of all the hype your mind creates about it ...after that ...it's a breeze....but the bottom line is if you want to throw the first punch....you gotta do it anyway ...and we all know you want to throw that punch!!!

Keeping you in my prayers Matt ...

Tim