radiation mask

its hard to believe but the mask which was my main reason for thinking I would not be able to deal with the cancer fight ended up being one of the easier things to deal with.  I hated my sheets being to tight around my legs in bed so how could I possibly deal with a buckeled down mask, well suprisingly well, it took a bit of an adjustment and the time generally flew quickly.  I prayed and sang (to myself) and had them cut eye holes in the mask although I admit I kept my eyes closed anyway..  You will hear from me and others different ways to cope, meditation, music, etc. you will even learn the buzzzing sound of the machine so you can almost time it perfectly for when the techs come out and remove the mask.  You be fine and many more will be along to show you im not just blowing smoke.  Good Luck

Like mentioned, Xanax works wonders for taking the edge off...

I used it for the first few days, but the routine was familiar enough after that I no longer need Xanax. It just took the edge off, I was still OK with driving and such, but I'd get fatigued later in the afternoon.

Some tips...

First, your daily scans will only be around 15 minutes or so, not the long 30 minutes plus like you just had.. I had IMRT...

Mondays or one day might be an extra five minutes if the do the x-ray or ct to check your fit.

Things that helped me;

Music, bring in a CD or music that you like and keep it there..., 4-5 songs and your done for the day.. The songs make a great reference of your time and length of how long you have left.

Dress comfy, for me that was shorts, a tank top, and flip flops or easy slip ons..

The usual, drink gallons of fluids, take in calories, stay positive, stay a head of the game on any needed meds...

Best,

John

RK, I had to go somewhere everyday when I was in the mask and would remember great times with the family.  In my mind I was somewhere else when I was lying on that table.

It will actually go faster than you think and after a few days you'll get to know the noises and know how long you have left.   The techs are awesome as they will get there as quick as they can to unfasten the mask from the table.

You will have about the same as me in that i had 34 treatements and it sounds like you'll have about that.  Just get a drink of water before you lay on the table and relax with good thoughts.

Keith

I loved to go to rads everyday. What made it fun was watching the fingers move in and out of the collimator as it swung around. I focused on all the rays being focused on the tumors and just kickingh the crap out of it!

Like various people have stated. Thoughts of things that make you smile and music helped me. I took nothing to help me through it. Just before the mask when on I joked and told them if there was a fire drill don't forget about me. I did count the 7 stations and the lucky 13 zappings as the machine circled my head and although I didn't like how it was making me feel I know I was kicking some cancer butt. Overall my six weeks went quickly and now I am around able to talk about it.

Your turn to kick some butt................Good Luck

      Jeff

Have you gone though the dry run yet? I was fitted then had to go back for a dry run where they do everything but the zapping...They get you lined and and mark the mask

Hi RK - they prescribed a mild dose of valium, or whatever analog they prescribe, for me to take 20 minutes before treatment, it calmed me during the mask treatment, but I also closed my eyes on the table and never opened them until treatment was over, also I asked the rad tech to talk to me during treatment by letting me know the stage of treatment, scan, first treatment, second, done - we are coming in to take the mask off, they did this for me every morning, the last few weeks I did not need the valium, I also thought about a renovation I wanted to do in my kitchen and dining room every treatment - this is how I made it through - you can do it, find your way - my last treatment was Jan 17th this year -

Steve

Steve5 said:

Take the valium

Hi RK - they prescribed a mild dose of valium, or whatever analog they prescribe, for me to take 20 minutes before treatment, it calmed me during the mask treatment, but I also closed my eyes on the table and never opened them until treatment was over, also I asked the rad tech to talk to me during treatment by letting me know the stage of treatment, scan, first treatment, second, done - we are coming in to take the mask off, they did this for me every morning, the last few weeks I did not need the valium, I also thought about a renovation I wanted to do in my kitchen and dining room every treatment - this is how I made it through - you can do it, find your way - my last treatment was Jan 17th this year -

 

Steve

The unknown causes anxiety but I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly the radiation sessions go. I had an easier time with the eyes and mouth cutout.

Good Luck

Candi

Guzzle said:

xanax

Friends, pardon my ignorance what is xanax? Is it similair to valium? Regards, G.

I found this and it might shine some light of the difference for you...;

Both xanax and valium are more or less equally effective and help in warding off anxiety and depression. But major differences lie behind their actions and their potency leading to approximately 20-fold variations. Xanax tablet comes in two doses, 0.25mg and 0.50mg whereas Valium comes in doses of 5mg and 10mg. 0.50mg of xanax is equivalent to 10mg of valium. This simply indicates that a person on 5mg of xanax daily takes approx. 120mg of valium, which is considered as a very high dose. 

John

Skiffin16 said:

Xanax -vs- Valium

I found this and it might shine some light of the difference for you...;

 

Both xanax and valium are more or less equally effective and help in warding off anxiety and depression. But major differences lie behind their actions and their potency leading to approximately 20-fold variations. Xanax tablet comes in two doses, 0.25mg and 0.50mg whereas Valium comes in doses of 5mg and 10mg. 0.50mg of xanax is equivalent to 10mg of valium. This simply indicates that a person on 5mg of xanax daily takes approx. 120mg of valium, which is considered as a very high dose. 

 

John

That's right smack on the mark John, really nice answer - I had the X at .5, they looked at my height and weight and said .5 - ha ha -

Steve