Mask and claustiphobic

jim and i
jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Finally some treatment for my mom's fast growing eye cancer. They will radiate her eye  for 20-25 days. She goes for her mask mold on the 28th. The problem is, she is off the chart claustiphobic. The Rad Oncologist gave her Valium but I still think she will freak out. To give you an idea of the excess phobic she has: She sliced her fingers on a meat slicer. The ER stitched the cuts then bandaged over the ends of her fingers. She went beserk until we cut the ends off the bandages to expose her finger tips. Any suggestions for relaxation other than drugs?

Please pray for her peace and calm during this time. 

Debbie

 

Comments

  • lornal
    lornal Member Posts: 428
    #2
    Valium

    Hi Debbie,  Hope you are weel.

    When I had my mask, I needed 5 valium.  The first 2 didn't work - so the doctor said take the other 3.  That worked.

    I have not advice to get through this otherwise.

    Best to you and your mom!

    Lorna

     

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 617 Member
    #3
    Mask

    What a difficult situation! Perhaps you could try calling to talk to one of the rad techs. They are the ones "in the trenches" and might have some ideas for you. They would also appreciate knowing ahead of time about your mom's fear. I can't stand anything covering my face but did okay with the mask because it was a big mesh. I sang songs in my head, prayed, and counted down the zaps to cope. With the sterile drape over my face for putting in my port, I needed some medication. You are in my prayers!

  • KTeacher
    KTeacher Member Posts: 1,103 Member
    #4
    Understand

    I understand, my mother couldn't have handled it.  She was so nervous about a colonoscopy that she trembled until she almost fell off of the gurney.  That test got cancelled.  I would suggest drugs and or music.  I found it a very good time to pray.  The first appointment making the mask is the longest.

     

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #5
    Thanks for the responses and

    Thanks for the responses and suggestions. It is good to know that she can take more valium. She is already stressing in anticipation. Going to have to find a major distraction the day before.  Debbie

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #6
    wow, Deb, i'm sorry to hear

    wow, Deb, i'm sorry to hear that.  i will be praying for God to calm your mom so she can get through treatment.  God bless you all as you take this journey.  we all know how rough it is and you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

    God bless you,

    dj

  • jackflash22
    jackflash22 Member Posts: 524 Member
    #7
    valium

    try your mum out with the Valium in advance to see how she gets on with it. I have fears in all sorts of things..masks..flying...dentists etc and diazepan works great with me I usually need 3. I took two diazepan while waiting to board the plane it was delayed so took another 2, my daughter looked at me and said I didn't need a plane I was high and flying in the waiting room, she said my eyes looked like the snake in jungle book when he hypnotised. I was so relaxed over the Atlantic I didn't move even with turbulence. When you get your right dose it takes away the fear.

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #8
    debbiejeanne said:

    wow, Deb, i'm sorry to hear

    wow, Deb, i'm sorry to hear that.  i will be praying for God to calm your mom so she can get through treatment.  God bless you all as you take this journey.  we all know how rough it is and you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

    God bless you,

    dj

    Thanks Deb I and my family

    Thanks Deb I and my family appreciate thr prayers.

    Debbie

     

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #9
    jackflash22 said:

    valium

    try your mum out with the Valium in advance to see how she gets on with it. I have fears in all sorts of things..masks..flying...dentists etc and diazepan works great with me I usually need 3. I took two diazepan while waiting to board the plane it was delayed so took another 2, my daughter looked at me and said I didn't need a plane I was high and flying in the waiting room, she said my eyes looked like the snake in jungle book when he hypnotised. I was so relaxed over the Atlantic I didn't move even with turbulence. When you get your right dose it takes away the fear.

    My mom had to take two before

    My mom had to take two before her PET and MRI. I will tell her about the diazepan though, just in case.

    Debbie

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #10
    jim and i said:

    My mom had to take two before

    My mom had to take two before her PET and MRI. I will tell her about the diazepan though, just in case.

    Debbie

    Debbie

    the tech that made my mask told me it would feel like a facial and it did. Let her know it is nothing more than like having a warm damp washcloth placed on your face only it has holes in it. making of the mask is a fairly short process and the tech is right there by your side. I imagine they might even let you go in with her. Unfortunately, when it comes to wearing the mask, I can only suggest medication and suggesting she concentrate on breathing slowly in her nose and out her mouth. Smell the roses and blow out the candles. Assure her she is in charge and can stop the tx at anytime but if she can hang in there won't have to start over. 

  • kenday
    kenday Member Posts: 4
    #11
    Medication and or visualization

    I asked my Raditation Team this question.
    referring to extreme paronoia.
    Medication and or visualization distraction is the next effort.

      I myself just Remember to "Never Ever Think of the color Red". while I am in treatent.

     That works for all types of Fear.

     

  • Rogerwp
    Rogerwp Member Posts: 12
    #12
    I have had this problem I had

    I have had this problem I had to take valume for the first 3 treatments then I got use to it. Also the tech cut holes around my eyes and nostrils this was a big help to me as she looses weight they will have to make a new mask.

  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #13
    hwt said:

    Debbie

    the tech that made my mask told me it would feel like a facial and it did. Let her know it is nothing more than like having a warm damp washcloth placed on your face only it has holes in it. making of the mask is a fairly short process and the tech is right there by your side. I imagine they might even let you go in with her. Unfortunately, when it comes to wearing the mask, I can only suggest medication and suggesting she concentrate on breathing slowly in her nose and out her mouth. Smell the roses and blow out the candles. Assure her she is in charge and can stop the tx at anytime but if she can hang in there won't have to start over. 

     

     

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