Scared to death

Are you more scared of the radiation or actually dying from the cancer?

Eddieboy - it's hard, but Swopoe is right...you really have to try.  Radiation is a highly effective means of killing cancer cells, especially when combined with chemo's effects.   In my husband's case, his radiation doctor referred to radiation as "the meat and potatoes," and chemo as "the gravy."  As you look over this site, you'll read about many people's anxiety, and you'll find the what they did to endure.  In my husband's case, he was not initially offered radiation for his tongue cancer, and it did metasticize to his neck.  I understand your anxiety, and am so sorry you're faced with this now.  

Depending how busy they are maybe they can let you try being restrained for just a few minutes when you're there for chemo treatments. The Cleveland Clinic was wonderful. Cancer Facilities should try to do whatever possible they can for your comfort. 

Five years ago for me.

I did 35 Radiation Treatments.

These treatments are vital to eradicating your cancer you have to set your mind like a rock solid warrior

and make up your mind you are gonna make it through.

I had the mask like everyone else and they fasten it to the table so your head does not move.

They have a precise computer program made up specifically to radiate your area of cancer and your case only

since it is precise you can not move hence clamping the mask to the table.

I was not restrained but I think they put sort of a padded strap with velcro and sort of hooked both

both my arms through it so I would be comfortable and not have to hold them up.

I would ask them if you can just have the mask fastened to the table and if not find the reason they

are fastening your hands and feet ask questions.

I'm betting it is to try to make you comfortable while you have to stay still.

I will say the first Radiation is the toughest. Tough for most people probably. But the staff should be a great help and make you comfortable.

Take meds to calm down and make up your mind and trust in God and that the folks treating you have the ability and caring

to give you the best treatment possible and they care about your comfort and well being.

Reading CSN I used some ideas I found on here have them put tunes you like take your own CD or thumb drive or

whatever their technology accomodates if necessary. Say prayers during your treatment or some people said they

had their own far off place they would travel to in their mind or some would think about plans for the house or the next day

or the family or the kids or grand kids just let your mind travel away and before you know it you will be done.

Get that first Rad under your belt and you broke the barrier you will make it.

Again--Don't Give Up--This Radiation completes the whole of your treatment and it is a Vital Part.

Prayers your way and Best of Luck.

I was scared to death the first time too. Did they put you through simulation first? That is where they do it without the real rads to see how you will react. They only strapped my mask down. No other restraints. I don't know if I would have been able to do that either. This is how I got through it and if you don't know how, please learn. I meditated. It's easy to learn. I would meditate each time. I have claustrophobia too however meditating does take you to some far off places and before you know it, it's over. Now, I know this sounds crazy but it worked for me... I would also envision everyone I know that I loved that has passed away would show up 2 by 2 and rub my feet. Crazy like I said but if you learn to meditate it will seem real. You CAN to this. It is mind over matter. Try different drugs if you need to. After the first week, it will not big as big of a deal anymore. I was able to stop the drugs after that. Please try... Your life may depend on it. Let us know how you do. I'm praying for you. It's been 5 years for me.